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    Man Utd wanted to sign me but dream transfer fell through… I still have a copy of the offer on my phone

    MANCHESTER UNITED tried and failed to sign Luigi Turci in 1999 – a moment the goalkeeper still regrets.The Red Devils were on the lookout for an Italian keeper following their Treble success in the previous campaign.Manchester United came close to signing Luigi Turci in 1999Credit: GettyMark Bosnich had already arrived on a free to provide competition for the No2 spot, with Peter Schmeichel still at the peak of his powers.United reportedly wanted Gianluigi Buffon but he rejected the club in favour of staying at Parma.So instead Turci was identified and United made an offer to Udinese to sign the goalie.But they were too late as the Serie A side had already confirmed their squad, with Sir Alex Ferguson instead opting for another Italian, Massimo Taibi.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTurci regrets the failed move to this day and he even still has a copy of the fax that details the proposed transfer.He told TV Play’s Twitch channel: “In 1999-2000 Manchester United made an offer to Udinese to sign me, but unfortunately Udinese had already presented the UEFA list and Ferguson took Taibi in my place.“United were looking for an Italian goalkeeper: the first to be contacted was Buffon, but he refused.“The second was me, but the times didn’t match. To this day I regret that missed transfer, I have a copy of the fax on my phone.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, United are expected to look to Serie A again this summer as they try to entice Victor Osimhen away from Napoli.The striker dreams of playing in the Premier League but Chelsea are fighting for his signature and could make a bid when the transfer window re-opens.Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney, 38, lands new job as TNT Sports pundit… and he could be in line for Match of the Day More

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    Major Mason Greenwood update as ex-Man Utd star makes huge sponsorship decision & lands £500k windfall

    TROUBLED footballer Mason Greenwood has wound up his image rights firm – and landed a windfall of more than £500,000 by closing it.Greenwood, who set up TSM Sports in 2019, has accepted his public image will never recover from his high-profile arrest by opting to shelve it.Mason Greenwood has landed a windfall of more than £500,000Credit: GettyThe star – who was dropped by Nike –  appointed liquidators on March 1.A declaration of solvency – which he signed on February 9 – reported the company had £513,287 in the bank and was due a £120 VAT refund.Paperwork filed at Companies House shows Greenwood, 22, was due £508,863 from the liquidation after paying £4,544 of bills.The striker – on loan at Spanish club Getafe after being forced out of Man Utd after being arrested in January 2022 – has filed four sets of accounts for the firm. Greenwood and his Dad, Andrew, are directors of the company.Read more on footballIt banked £400,000 in earnings in the year to March 2020, plus £1 million in profits by 2022 and landing £530,000 last year.Top players earn extra cash from clubs from the sale of merchandise that bear their name and also from their “nicknames, slogan and signatures, image, likeness, voice, logos, initial, team or squad number”.Greenwood had attempted rape and assault charges dropped when key witnesses withdrew.He was dropped by sponsor Nike and a potential return to United was halted amid outrage among female players and high-profile fans including Countdown’s Rachel Riley.Most read in FootballAnd a football source told The Sun: “Although the charges have been dropped, Mason is still a controversial player. And it sticks in the craw that he is landing this huge windfall from closing down his image rights firm.”It also shows he knows his public image will never recover – especially in the UK.Jude Bellingham’s alleged slur to Mason Greenwood reported to Spanish FA after Getafe vs Real Madrid altercation”He is a tarnished brand – and he knows it.”Another insider said: “Most top players have image rights companies because they can earn a fortune off the pitch from selling merchandise bearing their name and working with big brands.”But it looks like Mason has accepted that won’t be a revenue stream for him.” Greenwood’s ‘transfer talks’By Kealan Hughes
    GETAFE are interested in extending Mason Greenwood’s stay at the club, according to reports.
    The forward joined on loan from Manchester United last summer and has been a first-team regular.
    He has scored seven goals and contributed five assists in 15 LaLiga games, catching the eye of several Spanish clubs.
    Greenwood has helped Getafe to 10th place and the club is ready to open transfer talks with United, report The Times.
    Getafe want to sign Greenwood on a permanent deal, though they would also be open to a loan move as it could prove more financially viable.
    United could be open to letting Greenwood leave although new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not ruled out the possibility of the 22-year-old returning to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
    Greenwood’s United contract expires at the end of next season and the club have an option to extend it by a further 12 months.
    The Red Devils academy graduate has attracted interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and United could well cash in this summer.
    Greenwood has not featured for United since he was suspended after being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault in January 2022.
    All charges were subsequently dropped, with the Red Devils suggesting that he recommences his career away from Old Trafford.
    LaLiga president Javier Tebas has dismissed the concerns over Greenwood, suggesting he “does not care” about his past.
    He said: “He was not condemned [found guilty] so I do not care. If he was not condemned here, why would we condemn him?
    “Maybe the circumstances have made it easier for him to come [to Getafe] but he’s a great player and I have got no other comments to make.
    “He’s doing really well at Getafe as a player and I hope he continues to be successful and he continues to stay in Spanish football because that’s always good for us.”
    Getafe president Javier Torres last week discussed the possibility of Greenwood staying at the club.
    Torres said: “He is very comfortable in Madrid and he’s crazy about the idea of staying another year.
    “It’s a question for them [United], they have to decide if he goes back there.
    “There is a market for him in Spain, but it depends on money. It depends on Manchester [United].”

    We told last week how Greenwood – linked to a move to Barcelona – was considering a return to Old Trafford because he hopes it could save his parents’ marriage.His Dad Andrew, also his agent, has joined him in Spain while Mum Melanie has remained in the UK.Greenwood, who has been at the La Liga club since last September, lives with his partner Harriet and their baby daughter Summer in Madrid.The club’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sparked controversy by suggesting the club could bring him back to Old Trafford.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe told last July how talks with the club’s main sponsor, Adidas, on the issue had been “positive”. Adidas said it was a matter for United.Greenwood, who earns £75,000 per week, is contracted to United until 2025.Insiders claim Greenwood is still a ‘controversial player’Credit: Reuters More

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    Tottenham chasing transfer for former Man Utd target who has ARSENAL crest tattooed on body and idolised Patrick Vieira

    TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon star and huge Arsenal fan Morten Hjulmand, according to reports.Spurs are claimed to have sent scouts to watch the midfielder in action.Morten Hjulmand has impressed for Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe midfielder has the Arsenal crest tattooed on his left armCredit: RexHjulmand, 24, has made no secret of his Arsenal obsession, however, and even has their crest tattooed on his upper left arm.According to Portuguese paper Record, Spurs sent scouts to watch him in action as Sporting beat rivals Benfica 2-1 last Thursday.They add that the North Londoners could launch a summer bid for the Dane, as they look to upgrade on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp.Hjulmand is claimed to have idolised Patrick Vieira as a kid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd speaking about how he got into the Gunners, he said: “My dad supported Arsenal and we watched games together when we were younger.”Hjulmand began his professional career with Austrian side Admira Wacker in 2018.He later earned a move to Italian side Lecce in 2021, before joining Sporting in a £15.4million deal last summer.The all-action ace has swiftly become a key man, making 36 appearances so far this term in all competitions.Most read in FootballManchester United are also claimed to be interested in Hjulmand.Earlier this year it was suggested that the Red Devils had sent scouts to watch him six times this season.Tottenham fans say ‘that’s just ridiculous’ as transfer deadline day signing runs rings around defenders in viral video In January it was reported that Erik ten Hag’s side tried to offer Facundo Pellistri in part exchange for Hjulmand.United star Christian Eriksen has even acted as a mentor for the Sporting star, who broke into the Danish national team set-up last year.Hjulmand, 24, is said to have idolised Patrick Vieira as a kidCredit: Getty More

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    Incredible Phil Foden stat puts Man Utd to shame as Kyle Walker reveals Man City derby hero’s new nickname

    PEP GUARDIOLA called Phil Foden the “best player in the Premier League” after his Manchester derby heroics.And one incredible stat from the two-goal Man City hero put United to shame.Phil Foden has been hailed as the best player in the Premier LeagueCredit: PAMarcus Rashford’s 30-yard strike stunned the Etihad on eight minutes but the Red Devils barely threatened Guardiola’s team after that.Despite that, they still went in at the break leading – largely thanks to Erling Haaland’s “worst miss ever” – but then Foden took centre stage.The 23-year-old England attacker curled a superb shot past Andre Onana to level on 56 minutes.United remained set up to try to stifle City and were hanging on at 1-1 when two of their key players were forced off – which their manager Erik ten Hag claims cost them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThen with just ten minutes to go he fired them ahead as he burst away from Casemiro following a one-two with Julian Alvarez.Haaland then rounded off the scoring in stoppage time to secure Manchester derby bragging rights and the 3-1 victory.United only managed to muster three shots, with one on target, all game – while Foden alone had THREE TIMES as many.After taking his tally to 18 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions this term, it was Foden that rightly took home the player of the match award.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd his boss Guardiola hailed the academy product’s “world class” abilities as he called him the Premier League’s best player this season.He said: “Right now, he is the best (in the league). To be world class you have to win games. He’s winning games.Man City 3 Man Utd 1: Brilliant Foden double completes comeback from Rashford thunderbolt to pile more misery on Ten Hag“Always he scored goals but now he’s winning games. When you do this you reach another level as a player.“He will already be a legendary player because at his age, the games played, the minutes, the goals scored, the titles won and he is from here and that is why the connection with the fans is unbelievable.“He is the player of the season. With all respect for the incredible players but no-one has been so decisive for us as him this season.”Team-mate Kyle Walker added: “We call him ‘The Sniper’ because he loves a shot. So when he comes in on that left foot you know he has got the quality and composure to pick his spot.“Phil has taken on more responsibility this season.“We need important players like him who can win you games.”The modest matchwinner vowed to just “keep working hard” after his latest exploits.READ MORE SUN STORIESFoden said: “It’s my aim to turn up in the big games.“That’s what I want to do and this season I think I’ve done that. I just need to keep working hard.” More

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    ‘Are you winding me up here?’ says Gary Neville as he spots Micah Richards’ reaction to his Man Utd analysis

    GARY NEVILLE asked Micah Richards “are you winding me up” as he was quizzed by his fellow pundit after Manchester United’s derby loss to City.Marcus Rashford opened the scoring after ten minutes of the grudge match at the Etihad. Gary Neville spotted Micah Richards ‘winding’ him upCredit: Sky SportsBut Phil Foden’s double and a late Erling Haaland strike turned the game around for the Premier League champions.Neville was quick to insist that United’s top-four hopes were still intact, despite falling 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. He even claimed the performance was “the best defensively from a discipline point of view in Erik ten Hag’s whole period at United”.However, he added: “In a perfect world they would be 20 to 30 yards further forward up the pitch, playing as compact as that. They were really at the edge of their box.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Rashford and Garnacho got so deep, they couldn’t then get up the pitch.”But there is something there today that meant they’ve addressed the carnage, gaps and chaos in midfield over the last few month.”That’s when former City star Richards spotted his opportunity to play host.First he quizzed Nev about his “confidence”, then about the impact of Luke Shaw’s injury absence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd, as actual Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates tried to get a word in, Neville joked: “Is he winding me up here?”Unperturbed, Neville went on: “Some games after United, I’ve thought, ‘What the hell is that?’ Fifa President Infantino hails Scottish football thriller”At least today I saw that there was a plan and there was real attention to detail on how they were going to defend. “So today I think is something you can buy into more in terms of how they looked because sometimes in the last few weeks you think, ‘What they doing? Where are they all?'” But former United captain Roy Keane was no so impressed. Keane interjected: “But that’s where the standards have dropped. You’re almost praising them, they’ve lost. “The reason you’re at Manchester United is to perform in the big games and to compete against Man City and Liverpool. “But no, we’re sitting here going, ‘I thought they done alright, better shape.’ “They got beaten 3-1 and the last half an hour they were just hanging in there, they couldn’t get in a kick.” More

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    Man City star Rodri breaks incredible 16-year Premier League record vs Man Utd as he overtakes Chelsea legend

    RODRI helped Manchester City earn bragging rights over rivals United – and broke a Premier League record in the process. The midfielder played all 90 minutes of the derby, with Phil Foden’s double and Erling Haaland’s late strike cancelling out Marcus Rashford’s opener. Rodri celebrates victory over Man UtdCredit: RexRodri has still not lost a club game since City’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in February 2023. Since then, he has featured for City 58 times without being beaten.After the Spaniard was sent off against Nottingham Forest in September, City lost all three of the domestic games he missed.But when he is on the pitch, it is a different story. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity’s 1-0 win against Bournemouth last weekend saw Rodri draw level with ex-Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho on 58 games without defeat.The former Portugal centre-back set that record between November 2006 and February 2008, over 16 years ago. But now it has been broken by Rodri, who extended his unbeaten run of appearances to 59 following victory in the Manchester derby. Despite Rodri’s record-breaking feat the praise rightly went to team-mate Foden. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited legend Gary Neville said: “Sometimes derby matches can be emotional passionate affairs especially for local players who have come through the academy and it means a lot to.”He’s as cool as ice, Phil Foden. He’s such a special talent. He’s here to stay. He’s such a wonderful player.”Did you spot AFC Wimbledon star’s ‘top class s***housery’ in warm-ups before fiery clash with hated rivals MK Dons? More

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    Former Man Utd star Jesse Lingard appears to be BOOED as he comes on for Seoul FC debut in South Korea

    EX-MANCHESTER UNITED ace Jesse Lingard appears to have received loud boos on his K League 1 debut with FC Seoul in South Korea.Lingard joined the Korean outfit last month after a long spell as a free agent following his departure from Nottingham Forest last June.Jesse Lingard appears to have been booed during his debut with FC SeoulMan Utd hero Lingard moved to South Korea after a long spell as a free agentCredit: APThe versatile midfielder made his first appearance on Saturday in a league match against Gwangju as he came on as a second-half substitute.The ex-England international replaced Gyeong-Min Kim in the 77th minute.The crowd at the Gwangju Football Stadium came alive and took their phones out to record the United academy graduate’s first game in their country.Cheers could be heard from the visiting fans as their new star stepped inside the pitch.Read More on Man UtdBut it appears like there were also some loud jeers taking place, which could have been from the home crowd.Lingard didn’t enjoy a dream debut as his team conceded a second goal shortly after his introduction and lost 2-0.Hui-Gyun Lee opened the scoring on 21 minutes and Gabriel Tigrao sealed the three points 18 minutes after the Warrington star came on.Lingard was also booked in the fourth minute of stoppage time after a late tackle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Forest ace is expected to make his home debut on Sunday when Seoul host Incheon at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.The former United ace opted to move to South Korea after turning down 26 other offers and is currently on £17,500 per week which is a far cry from the £100,000 a week he made at Old Trafford.Jesse Lingard swarmed by fans as ex-Man Utd star arrives in South Korea ahead of shock FC Seoul transferLingard said: “I’m very excited. It’s a new challenge. I’ve accepted it, I’m here and I’m ready to embrace the culture.”It’s a new beginning for me, a new chapter in my career. I just want to enjoy playing football again, putting a smile on people’s faces and showing Korean fans what I can do.” More

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    Gary Neville says ‘my heart sank’ after seeing what Erik ten Hag did before Man Utd clash – but Carragher loved it

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville admitted he was heartbroken by Erik ten Hag’s angry reaction towards Jamie Carragher’s scathing analysis.Carragher pulled no punches while criticising United’s performance on Monday Night Football following their dismal 2-1 loss to Fulham at Old Trafford.Man Utd legend Gary Neville disagreed with Erik ten Hag’s response to Jamie CarragherCredit: Youtube – The OverlapCarracher ‘loved’ Ten Hag’s response as that could actually help Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Liverpool legend chastised the Red Devils’ midfield as there was a huge gap between the middle and the back which has allowed many other Premier League teams to run riot during counter-attacks this season.Ten Hag addressed that analysis before Wednesday’s FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest and hit back by claiming the pundit has been against his team from the start and is not always objective.The Dutch tactician’s response, though, didn’t sit well with Neville whose “heart sank” after hearing his statement.The ex-England international linked up with Carragher on The Overlap to discuss the recent incident and argued the ex-Ajax boss should have taken the high road.Read More on Man UtdNeville said: “I must admit that when I saw it appear, my heart sank a little, from a Manchester United perspective, that he was getting involved in that. “The reality is that he might be secretly or privately annoyed and think there are some points you [Carragher] made that are wrong.”But [he has to think], ‘We have conceded a lot of chances, I’m not going to win this one, we’ve just lost a game, got a big game against Nottingham Forest, let’s not look like I’m even interested in that’. That was my thinking.”Carragher also addressed Ten Hag’s response on his column at The Telegraph where he even stated he “loved” what he heard from the Dutchman.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the legendary defender wasn’t at all sarcastic as he hinted that a fightback could indeed lead to a turnaround in results as well as performances.Carragher wrote: “My analysis on Sky’s Monday Night Football last week was intended to demonstrate why United are so inconsistent. ‘Oh my God!’ Jamie Carragher leaves Gary Neville and Jill Scott speechless with cooking confession”Manager Erik ten Hag had a go back for what he perceived as unfair criticism. “He felt I had been critical from day one. Actually it was from game two when his United team lost at Brentford – but it was directed at the players, not the manager.”But fair play to him for saying what he did. I have nothing but respect and admiration for managers who defend themselves and their teams. “If creating a siege mentality at United leads to positive results and improved performances, it is the perfect response.” More