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      Roy Keane invited me round for dinner as a youngster at Man Utd but I didn’t go.. I was scared to death of him

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      FORMER Manchester United and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard said he turned down an invite to Roy Keane’s house because he was too scared of him.Howard, now 45, joined Manchester United as a youngster in 2003 after leaving the New York Red Bulls.Howard said he was scared of Keane when at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe was the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2003-04 seasonCredit: ReutersHoward was United’s first-choice keeper during the 2003-04 season but was eventually replaced by Roy Carroll in United’s XI.The ex-keeper was 24 when Keane invited him for dinner because the young player’s family had gone back to visit the US.Howard said he didn’t attend, though, because he was too scared of the midfielder, who was also United’s captain at the time.Howard said in his column with the Daily Mail: “I didn’t go in the end – I was too scared! I just remember thinking: I am so deathly afraid to sit across from Roy in his own house and have dinner. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He was Manchester United at that time – and he was far more fearsome in person. But the sentiment was there.”Never a moment went by that Roy didn’t feel contributed to a winning mentality: turning up on time, what you look like in your suit or tracksuit. Everything mattered. He was a master winner.”The special thing I took from Roy was that sometimes leaders slip – they say one thing and then do another. Roy was never, ever caught slipping.”But he also revealed that those close to him also got to see a softer side of Keane, and one thing he respects about the former midfielder is how well read he is.Most read in FootballHoward made his name at EvertonCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHoward said: “Roy is an incredibly well-read, intelligent and thoughtful man. “But he is also not someone who is going to share that with just any and everybody. Not everyone gets that side of Roy Keane. You have to earn that side of him.Roy Keane admits he was ‘absolutely disgraceful’ with his drinking habits during Man Utd career”I was nervous about everything when I first got to Manchester United in 2003. But when meeting someone, Roy is a gentleman – he looks you in the eye, he shakes your hand, and he speaks very clearly.”It’s only once you lace up your boots and start training that you realise: this is a different animal. Roy created such an impossible standard – he set it for himself and that set the bar for the players around him.”Howard would take those leadership lessons with him to Everton, where he made 414 appearances for the club and became a stalwart of Everton’s back line.Howard retired in 2020, and works as a sporting director for USL side Memphis 901.He briefly played for the club before taking up the mantle of sporting director and is also a minority owner.Howard also occasionally works for American TV as a pundit.SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
      Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
      Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
      Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
      Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
      Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
      Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
      Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
      Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
      Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
      Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
      Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
      Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
      Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
      Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
      Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
      Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
      Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
      Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
      Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
      Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
      Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
      Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
      Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
      Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
      Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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      Man Utd fans say Tuchel has ‘passed his audition’ after bizarre Kane sub against Real Madrid sparks ‘disasterclass’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans joked Thomas Tuchel had “passed his audition” after a “disasterclass” against Real Madrid.The German coach, 50, has announced that he is leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season.Thomas Tuchel is facing questions after his late tactical changesCredit: ReutersHarry Kane was subbed off just before Real Madrid equalisedCredit: GettyAs pressure continues to mount on Erik ten Hag after a dire campaign at Old Trafford, Tuchel has found himself linked with the job at United.Despite missing out on the Bundesliga title for the first time in 11 years, the ex-Chelsea manager was hoping to bow out of Bayern by leading them to Champions League glory.However, that dream went up in smoke as he and his side suffered heartbreak in the Spanish capital.Real Madrid snatched an incredible victory at the death to seal their place at Wembley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBayern looked to be going through after a rocket from Alphonso Davies put them ahead with just 22 minutes to go.They looked to be comfortable heading towards full time and holding Madrid at bay until disaster struck.Real sub Joselu grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser after latching on to a mistake from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.Then seconds later the ex-Stoke City and Newcastle flop finished from six yards to win it 2-1.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 34-year-old Spaniard’s introduction proved to be a masterstroke – but that was not the only substitution that proved to be a major talking point.Firstly, Tuchel brought on Kim Min-jae for attacker Leroy Sane on 76 minutes despite the South Korean’s nightmare in last week’s first leg, switching to three at the back.Watch Harry Kane speak German for first time in Audi advert with Muller as fans say ‘does a Bafta count as a trophy?’But it was the decision to replace 44-goal top scorer Kane, who is still waiting for his first-piece of silverware, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on 86 minutes that left everyone baffled.Ex-Real Madrid star Steve McManaman was commentating on TNT Sports and said: “The best number nine around is off the pitch.”Winger Jamal Musiala was also replaced by Thomas Muller at the same time – and those decisions completely backfired.Speaking on TNT Sports, ex-Bayern and Man United ace Owen Hargreaves said: “I’ll tell you what was unexpected, Harry Kane going off the pitch.“That’s one of the biggest subs I’ve ever seen in a game of football of that magnitude.“To take off a guy that’s scored 44 goals, who is the most durable player pretty much anywhere and you bring on another striker in Choupo-Moting. Maybe he wanted height for corners, I don’t know.“You cannot take him off. There’s five minutes left in the game, there’s ten minutes of extra-time, 15 minutes. I said to Scholesy straight away, they’re going to score.“That’s one of the biggest calls. I love Thomas Tuchel. I don’t know why they made that call. Kim came on ten minutes before that and they were quite comfy.“They went from a back four to a back three. Bayern had it in their hands and they let it go. The mistake from Neuer obviously but everybody’s going to be talking about the subs, you cannot take Harry Kane off.”United legend Scholes then added: “It ended up a game of substitutions. Good ones for Real Madrid. Joselu with the two goals, brilliant. Wins his team the game. Neuer makes a huge mistake which he’ll be disappointed with.“I thought Tuchel’s substitutions were strange. Kane was strange. Even if they get one goal, there’s still extra-time, penalties to come as well, you know how strong he is.“Kim was the stranger one. I thought they looked quite comfortable in the game up until that point. They go to three at the back. Kim coming off last week was a disaster for him and again he looked a little bit all over the place.”And, amid the recent speculation linking him with Old Trafford, it did not take long for fans to start sticking the boot in online.One joked: “Thomas Tuchel doing his best Manchester United 23/24 impression by conceding 2 in quick succession.“This guy has passed the audition.”Along with a laughing emoji, another post read: “Manchester united fans watching This Tuchel disaster class & there are linked to him.”A third commented: “Tuchel has completely thrown away that game with his poor subs.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Quite typical for Utd fans to get gassed in the moment and lose the plot. He is far from what this club needs moving forward.”While a fourth added: “Tuchel taking off Kane and Musiala only to lose his lead within minutes is so banter-ish that he can only be heading to Man Utd this summer.”Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Rashford, Sancho and Greenwood were all set to be Man Utd’s front three for years… that dream is now dead

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      MARCUS RASHFORD, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood.It was the triumvirate that was going to fire Manchester United back to the Treble years.Marcus Rashford has been unable to replicate his form of last seasonCredit: GettyMason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho have both been out on loan this seasonCredit: GettyA young, exciting, quick forward line with the potential to strike fear into teams at home and abroad — boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was convinced of it.With an average age of just over 21, the three were not only ready for the challenges of being a Red Devil now but would grow and reach their peaks together.That was the dream at the start of the 2021-22 season as Solskjaer finally landed Sancho for £73million from Borussia Dortmund after nearly two years of negotiations.At the time, Ole said: “Jadon is a signing that we expect to stay at Man United for many, many years, so it’s also that part of it that we have a young, up-and-coming forward line.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDFast forward and now one won’t play for United, one can’t and a third can’t remember how to.How on earth did one of the world’s biggest clubs get into such a position? Well, the first thing that derailed it all was the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, just a few weeks after Sancho arrived.At first it was to much fanfare as he scored twice in the 4-1 win over Newcastle on an incredible afternoon at Old Trafford back in September 2021.Then it quickly became apparent CR7 was the square piece Solskjaer had to fit into a round hole and the whole jigsaw began to fall apart.Most read in FootballAs the Norwegian admitted recently: “The right thing to do was to sign Cristiano but it would have been better for him and for us if he hadn’t signed.”What his arrival did was curtail the progression of the three youngsters, all of whom were switched around to accommodate the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.Solskjaer reveals Cristiano Ronaldo demanded to skip games… but then kicked off when he was benchedThe trio, rather than be inspired by the United legend, ended up retreating into their shells when it soon became clear it was all about him. Then, in January 2022, came that bombshell social media posting making serious allegations against Greenwood.The forward was immediately suspended by United.He was subsequently charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.In February last year, all charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Services after key witnesses withdrew.The club then conducted their own investigation and were ready to bring Greenwood, who was still just 21-years-old, back into Erik ten Hag’s squad.But the public backlash when the news leaked was so huge that United were forced into a hasty U-turn.There is no way back for Greenwood at Old Trafford.He joined LaLiga side Getafe on a season-long loan in September and has won rave reviews with ten goals and six assists in all competitions.United hope his form in Spain will have clubs knocking on their door as they prepare to cash in. But potential suitors know the Red Devils’ predicament and will not pay anything near what the 22-year-old is actually worth.There are so many sad things about this sorry tale, including the fact Greenwood really could have gone on to be as good as Wayne Rooney.Next up, Sancho, a player who arrived with stats of 50 goals and 64 assists from 137 games for Dortmund.He could never replicate that form for United and his questionable attitude — which has effectively put paid to his England career — soon led to problems at Old Trafford.It was last September when manager Ten Hag dropped him for the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, publicly citing poor performances in training in the run up to the match.No problem with that, it was probably the kick up the backside Sancho needed. But as Solskjaer recently said, there are too many “snowflakes” in football nowadays. With some, like 24-year-old Sancho, listening to questionable advice.After being dropped for the Gunners clash, the forward took to X to effectively call Ten Hag a liar.He then refused to apologise and is now back at Dortmund on loan.They paid United £3m to take Sancho, with the Red Devils possibly banking another £3.4m if the Germans win the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1.Ten Hag says the club have spoken to Sancho and watched him in action with a view to him returning.It won’t happen.As for Rashford… the man who could do no wrong, seemingly can’t do anything right.Rashford’s partying has seen him hauled into ETH’s office twice now.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pair barely speak and after 30 goals last season, the 26-year-old barely scores any more — and now gets booed by his own fans.If only everyone could go back to the future and start again. More

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      Man Utd must sort out Mason Greenwood dilemma: do they take risk on him, loan again or somehow try to sell tainted star?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will soon have to face up to their Mason Greenwood dilemma.The controversial striker’s loan move to Getafe will come to an end in a few weeks’ time.Manchester United have a decision to make on Mason Greenwood’s future this summerCredit: AFPSome Red Devils fans do not want Greenwood to return to Old TraffordGreenwood has scored ten goals on loan for Getafe in La Liga this seasonCredit: GettyAnd then the new Old Trafford regime will have a decision to make.Does United new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe cash in on Greenwood, try to bring him back into the fold or find a way to kick the can down the road again?Amid the fallout from the serious criminal charges laid and then dropped against the England star, the Red Devils found a short-term fix by sending him to La Liga for the current season. Although Greenwood’s current United contract runs out in just over a year, the club hold an option to extend it by another 12 months.read more footballIn theory, then, United could try to agree another loan deal for the forward, trigger the clause and postpone a final decision until 2025.But it would be in the interest of all parties to find a permanent solution this summer.That way, United’s new co-owners INEOS could make a clean break from the bad publicity the saga has brought to the club and use the money to fund much-needed new recruits.The player would have a fresh start and his new employers would have a forward who has shown signs of rediscovering the form that made him one of English football’s hottest prospects.Most read in FootballIf only it were that simple.If Greenwood had set La Liga alight, United could feel confident of generating an auction.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?The 22-year-old has undeniably done well, scoring ten goals and six assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for Getafe. Greenwood has scored or created 35 per cent of the club’s goals in LaLiga, helping them to what will be a comfortable mid-table finish.But has that been enough to create a queue of clubs willing to pay top dollar for Greenwood?Atletico Madrid are reported to remain keen on him, but Barcelona’s interest is said to have cooled. Juventus and Lazio are supposedly still in the picture, too.A couple of Premier League clubs have allegedly made enquiries about Greenwood, yet the reputational impact of signing him would be an issue.Yet would any of them be willing to pay the £40m to £45m United are said to want?The problem for Old Trafford chiefs is that Greenwood’s reputation has been tainted and they are what is known in business as “a distressed seller”.Football is very quick to forget about morality and image when there’s a deal to be done. It’s a fact that the bad PR for a club signing Greenwood will fade with time, and with distance if he makes a permanent move abroad.But rival clubs know United are not only keen to sell for PR reasons, but also need to do so if they are going to do significant business this summer.The club has spent £555m in the last three summer transfer windows. To avoid sailing close to the wind with financial fair play rules, they will have to be cute this time around.Anything United received for Greenwood would count as pure profit for accounting purposes, because he is a product of their academy. Chelsea are in a similar situation with Conor Gallagher. But Gallagher, whose market price is around £50m, does not come with the same baggage as Greenwood.Clubs interested in the forward also know that INEOS will be keen to avoid the issue which caused previous Old Trafford chiefs such problems dragging any further into the new era.So co-owner Ratcliffe and his team may have to accept a lower price for Greenwood. Or even consider reintegrating him.In pure football terms, you could make a case for giving him another chance.Marcus Rashford and Antony have flopped this season, big signing Rasmus Hojlund has struggled at times, and only Alejandro Garnacho of United’s forward players has delivered on a consistent basis.That is one argument.On the other hand, would United be better trying to persuade another outcast, Jadon Sancho, that his future lies at Old Trafford, instead of Greenwood? Sancho has reached the Champions League final while on loan at Borussia Dortmund.And the row with Erik ten Hag that caused him to leave United temporarily was far less serious than the issues surrounding Greenwood.Former United chief executive Richard Arnold and other Old Trafford bosses were moving towards letting Greenwood resume first-team duties, after initially suspending him in January 2022 when disturbing allegations were made against him.The Crown Prosecution Service announced it was dropping charges in February 2023. U-turnBut when news broke in August 2023 that United were considering a recall for Greenwood, the backlash from domestic abuse charities, United’s women’s team, staff and fans forced them into a U-turn.Ratcliffe gave an ambiguous response when asked about the Greenwood issue following the completion of his purchase of 27.7 per cent of United and INEOS gaining control of the club’s football operations.Some interpreted that as him leaving the door ajar for Greenwood to come back, and there was an angry reaction in some quarters.It is hard to see Ratcliffe and INEOS wanting to go through that again for any length of time.INEOS director of sport Sir David Brailsford has built his career on bringing marginal gains to sporting teams, but the cost/benefit analysis with Greenwood is a whole new ball game.Which brings us to the final problem facing United: who is going to make a decision on Greenwood, and when?New chief executive Omar Berrada is not due to start work until July 13. United have still not agreed a deal with Newcastle to persuade them to let Dan Ashworth end his gardening leave and become their new sporting director.On the face of it, the uncertainty over the future of manager Ten Hag only makes the problem worse.But if Ten Hag is on his way out, it removes the need to consult him on the Greenwood decision.Any replacement head coach would just have to accept  whatever the club decided – and would perhaps be grateful for it to be sorted out before they took control.Jason Wilcox, the technical director United have successfully poached from Southampton, is currently carrying out a review of the playing squad and staff. Which naturally includes thinking about the futures of Greenwood and Ten Hag.Those who know Wilcox say he has a great eye for talent and is good at talking to players, their families and entourages. But some critics have questioned his negotiating skills, and if United want to get a good deal for Greenwood, they would probably do well to get Ashworth in as soon as possible.How United’s new bosses deal with the dilemma will be a good test, a signpost of how they want to run the club and what image they want to project.They could postpone a decision on Greenwood for another year, by sending him out on loan again and preferably with an obligation to buy.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the stronger course of action would be to grasp the nettle, quickly and firmly, and to show their business acumen in their first transfer window by selling him for a decent fee.Yet, as Ratcliffe, Brailsford and co are already discovering, football is a law unto itself – financially and morally.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers have a big decision to makeTen Hag might not be around to decide Greenwood’s futureCredit: Alamy
      United may prefer to try to lure Sancho back from Dortmund and resurrect his Old Trafford career More

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      Man Utd outcast Jadon Sancho silenced Kylian Mbappe and critics of his attitude with heroic display for Dortmund vs PSG

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      JADON SANCHO upstaged Kylian Mbappe for the second time in as many weeks – but this time for his defensive work.Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League semi-final was supposed to be Mbappe’s stage to stake his claim as the best player in the world.Sancho putting the hard yards in to KO Kylian Mbappe in the Champions LeagueCredit: EPAJadon Sancho helped Dortmund’s defensive effort by doubling up on Kylian MbappeThe winger did not show the same defensive side to his final game at Old Trafford back in August.Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, robbed the French superstar of that chance.His skills were constantly clipped up on social media during his first spell with Dortmund and a big part of the reason United forked out £73million to sign him.But not many noted his hard work and graft and even from his highlights reel from the first leg – where he was impressive – the reaction to his display focused on his attacking play.During a miserable time at Old Trafford which ended with his public falling out with Erik ten Hag last September, Sancho’s character has been questioned.READ MORE IN football Yet Dortmund star Sancho has thrived in an environment where he is loved and encouraged.His performances, on the biggest of stages, are making things all the more awkward and frankly embarrassing for United.Sancho is now delivering on all the promise that was bundled up in his move three years ago – just back in the yellow and black of Dortmund.In last week’s first leg, Dortmund forward Sancho showed every aspect of his attacking arsenal, mazy runs, intelligent passing and quick feet as the Germans gained a crucial 1-0 lead.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat was still on display in the second leg but the England attacker also stood up and took responsibility by shackling Mbappe in the cauldron of the Parc des Princes.Everyone knows Sancho has the flicks and the tricks in his back pocket.Jamie Carragher agrees to new CBS Sports role after downing eight pints and interviewing Jadon Sancho on live TV But no Dortmund player won possession more often than Sancho’s seven on Tuesday night, even though he was withdrawn after 67 minutes following an almighty shift in Paris.In fact, Sancho topped the charts for winning the ball back among the Dortmund squad across both semi-final legs – doing so on 14 occasions.Trailing to Niclas Fullkrug’s winner in Germany, PSG looked for an early route back only for Sancho to get on the ball, drive forward and get his side into the game.He successfully took on more players than anyone else on the pitch in the first half, drew fouls and took the pressure off to remarkable effect.Sancho led the celebrations in the dressing roomCredit: X @BVBSancho sung from the table with a speaker to his earCredit: X @BVBBut, as well as providing an outlet in attack, Sancho’s work off the ball was noticed.He supported full-back Julian Ryerson efficiently in the effort to stop Parisian wonderboy Mbappe.There will of course be encouragement at the player United may get back.But settling back into Manchester seems a complicated process, especially if boss Ten Hag stays in post.Dortmund want to offer an easy solution, though there will be complications over the finances.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd with this form may nudge the price back up from what could have been a bargain.For now, they will just enjoy the talents of a player back at his absolute best – working tirelessly on and off the ball. More

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      Man Utd blow as ‘Ajax step up chase for Graham Potter with Red Devils keen on ex-Chelsea boss to replace Erik ten Hag’

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      FORMER Chelsea manager Graham Potter is expected to receive a contract offer from Ajax, according to reports.The 48-year-old has been out of work since leaving Stamford Bridge in April 2023.Ajax want to appoint Graham Potter as the club’s new managerCredit: PAMan Utd are also considering Potter as a potential replacement for Erik ten HagCredit: AlamyHe allegedly turned down offers from Lyon, Leicester and the Sweden national team last year following his dismissal.But the ex-Brighton boss could now be on the verge of a triumphant return to the dugout.According to the Telegraph, Ajax are pushing to appoint Potter.The Eredivisie giants are expected to table an “attractive” offer in a bid to tempt him to Amsterdam.Read More on Man UtdAjax officials see Potter as the perfect man to rebuild the squad without the need for big-money signings.They also believe he can instil a new style of play that will remain in line with the club’s ‘total football’ philosophy.However, Ajax face competition from AC Milan, Porto, Feyenoord and Manchester United for his signature.United are expected to sack current manager Erik ten Hag this summer due to the team’s inconsistent form.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      Potter has emerged as one of the club’s top managerial targets alongside current England boss Gareth Southgate.Should Southgate take the job at Old Trafford, Potter could also be earmarked as a potential new manager for the Three Lions.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag? More

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      Man Utd target Thomas Tuchel drops huge hint over future as he opens up on ‘very, very special time’ in Premier League

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has hinted at a return to the Premier League after describing his time in England as “very, very special”.The German coach, 50, is preparing for his Bayern Munich side to take on Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu on Wednesday evening after the two sides played out a 2-2 draw last week.Thomas Tuchel is set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the seasonCredit: RexErik ten Hag is facing huge pressure at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyThe winner will meet Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1, but Bayern have already decided irrespective of whether they win the Champions League that Tuchel will depart in the summer.It comes after they failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen cantered to the crown.But Tuchel, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, is already being linked with a move to Manchester United.Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure after a dismal second season at Old Trafford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Tuchel, favourite to replace Ten Hag, has now spoken about the possibility of a second stint in the Premier League.When asked by TNT Sports where he will be next season, he said: “It’s very, very, very unlikely that it’s at Bayern.”We took this position and there’s a pact we are not doubting, the initiative came from the club and so it is and I’m fine with it.”Pressed on a Premier League return, he then added: “I’d rather not answer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But it is no secret that I loved it at Chelsea, I loved it in England and I loved it in the Premier League for sure.”It was a very, very special time in England.”Paul Scholes has doubts over Ten Hag’s future at Man Utd Tuchel won the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund in 2017 before he joined Paris Saint-Germain the following year.He won two Ligue 1 titles and one French Cup with PSG, while he also guided them to the 2020 Champions League final before they were beaten by Bayern Munich.He was appointed as Frank Lampard’s successor at Chelsea in January 2021 and lifted the Champions League just four months later.Tuchel won 60 of his 100 matches at Stamford Bridge but was dismissed in September 2022 with the club sixth in the Premier League.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Man Utd set to pocket major cash windfall thanks to Jadon Sancho after outcast led Dortmund to Champions League final

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set for a significant financial boost thanks to Jadon Sancho’s Champions League exploits for Borussia Dortmund.The German side claimed a 1-0 win against Paris Saint Germain in Tuesday’s semi-final, clinching their place in the final at Wembley with a 2-0 aggregate triumph.Jadon Sancho helped fire Dortmund into the Champions League finalCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe will pocket bonus cash after Dortmund’s successCredit: PASancho joined Dortmund in January on loan until the end of the season after a public fallout with Erik ten Hag.In the deal that saw the 24-year-old return to his former club, Man Utd inserted clauses dependent on appearances and achievements.As part of the loan deal, United received a £3m sum up front from Dortmund, with the possibility of a further £3.4m in add-ons.The BBC report that most of the add-ons have now been met as a result of Sancho helping Dortmund to their first Champions League final since 2013.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOther clauses in the contract are based on Dortmund’s qualification for next season’s Champions League.With two games left to play, they sit fifth in the table and are three points behind RB Leipzig.But Dortmund are cushioned by the fact that the Bundesliga earned a bonus sport in next year’s Champions League via the Uefa coefficient.Both the German league and Serie A were awarded an extra place in the competition based on performances in Europe this season. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDespite failing to fire at Old Trafford, Sancho is rekindling the form that led to the Red Devils forking out £73 million to sign him from the German giants in 2021.Speculation suggests both them and Man Utd are helping cover his £290,000-a-week salary.Jadon Sancho belts out Adele as he leads Dortmund’s Champions League dressing room celebrations Sancho has not played for the Red Devils since September.The exiled winger claimed he was made a “scapegoat” after being left out the squad for the trip to Arsenal, which ended in a 3-1 defeat.He has since refused to apologise to Ten Hag and been banned from training and all first-team facilities.But the door could now be open for his return after the boss: “There was a conflict and let’s first finish the season so stay away from this issue, now it is not important.”We have important games in the league and the FA Cup final and then we will see.”Before the second leg in Paris, Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl revealed talks will be held over the possibility of re-signing Sancho.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More