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    Man Utd make unusual change to travel plans for 8pm Brentford clash in desperate bid to have crocked stars available

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made the rare decision to travel to an away match on the day of the game. United face Brentford at 8pm tonight and would usually fly into the capital a day before kick off.Rasmus Hojlund smiles as he makes his wayCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHarry Maguire made the tripCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAs did the returning Lisandro MartinezCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBruno Fernandes grabbed a morning coffeeCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBut the club decided to travel just hours before the match is due to start. Capitalising on the late kick off time, it allows United’s crocked stars extra time to recover from injury or illness.Newly-capped England international Kobbie Mainoo missed training on Thursday as he was unwell but returned to Carrington on Friday.United usually tell unwell players to stay away from the first team to reduce the risk of a virus spreading.READ MORE ON MAN UTDManager Erik ten Hag said on Friday: “Yesterday he skipped training because he was ill. I don’t know (if he will be fit for Brentford). “We hope. Today he is there (in training), not fully recovered but we still have many hours before tomorrow with kick-off at 8pm.”The Dutchman was givena huge boost by Lisandro Martinez, who is poised to return for the first time in eight weeks after being sidelined with a medial collateral ligament.Casemiro is back doing outdoor training after missing the FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool with a hamstring injury. Most read in FootballTen Hag suggested the Brazilian would return to the squad against Brentford.Alejandro Garnacho was snapped making his wayCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMason Mount was all smiles in Man Utd gearCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRaphael Varane made his wayCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUnited are due to make a late assessment on Jonny Evans’ fitness after the centre-back picked up a knock in recent weeks.Harry Maguire also sustained injury on international duty with England and remains a doubt for the Brentford clash, even though he did travel0It was not clear though whether Mainoo was on the plane to London, with doubts remaining over his availability.Luke Shaw shows off his football skills at Man Utd training More

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    Man Utd ‘add Bayern star to three-man list as they hunt centre-back transfer’ with Maguire and Varane futures unknown

    MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn-up a three-man shortlist of centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.New partial owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to revolutionise the Red Devils’ squad ahead of next season.Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to significantly strengthen United’s squadCredit: PAImproving their defence is set to be on the agenda, with a trio of targets having emerged.According to transfer expert Rudy Galetti, United are interested in Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano.He adds that the Frenchman is open to a new challenge outside of the Bundesliga, having played in Germany since 2017.Upamecano has featured in just seven minutes of Bayern’s last four Bundesliga games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 25-year-old has tumbled down the pecking order of late, falling behind former Tottenham star Eric Dier.Come the summer, the 6ft 1in defender will have two years remaining on his Bayern contract.He initially joined the German giants from RB Leipzig in 2021, and has since played 107 times for them.Also on United’s list is Upamecano’s French compatriot Jean-Clair Todibo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDayot Upamecano tussles with Marcus RashfordCredit: PAJean-C;air Todibo battles Kylian MbappeCredit: RexTodibo, 24, plays for Nice, owned by Ratcliffe’s Ineos.He has impressed in Ligue 1, and was strongly linked with Tottenham earlier this season, before the Lilywhites signed Radu Dragusin.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson The third defender on United’s radar is Benfica’s Antonio Silva.The 20-year-old has attracted plenty of interest with his performances in his native Portugal.In addition to United, he has also been linked with Chelsea this season.Galetti adds that there remains uncertainty around the futures of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.Maguire, 31, was strongly linked with West Ham last summer after being stripped of the United captaincy.But after snubbing the Hammers, he managed to fight his way back into the first team picture at Old Trafford.Varane, meanwhile, has had a topsy-turvy season.Earlier in the campaign he found himself sidelined by Erik ten Hag, withJonny Evans preferred.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe later fought his way back into the team, and has been a regular in recent weeks.The former Real Madrid star will have just a year remaining on his contract at the end of the season.Antonio Silva has impressed for Benfica this termCredit: Getty More

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    I was the first player Sir Alex Ferguson signed for Man Utd – now I’m making my own way in totally new career

    ALAN TONGE is making his own way in a brand new career after life at Manchester United.Tonge, 52, was the FIRST ever player signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, joining United as a 14-year-old in 1987.Alan Tonge was the first-ever player signed for Man Utd by Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyHe was brutally axed by the veteran boss in 1991 and retired from footy three years laterCredit: ReutersThe versatile defender and midfielder progressed his way through United’s youth system before getting a professional contract in 1990.But Tonge was heartbreakingly released by the Red Devils a year later after Fergie informed him his deal would not be renewed.He ended up signing for Exeter City and played 27 times in three years.However, a back injury forced Tonge to call time on his career aged just 22.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter quitting football, he earned a degree in sports science before landing a masters in philosophy and a PhD on critical times in footballers’ careers.And 30 years later, Tonge is now a lecturer at the University Campus of Football Business.He has even written a book detailing his journey at United, which is called From Red to Read.Tonge said: “Writing it was a cathartic experience. Football is not just about the Premier League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“It is an interesting and unique world – it can be lucrative and exhilarating, but when that is all over, the difficult void to fill can be immense.“I spoke to 212 ex-footballers for my PhD.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsTonge now works as a university lecturer after getting his PhD“A high percentage, even if they had a mental health issue, preferred to keep it to themselves because they worried that it would count against them in regard to team selection.”Reflecting on his United exit, Tonge continued: “Fergie told me, ‘We’re not going to renew your contract, son’.“I was sick to the stomach and felt like I had taken a punch from a heavyweight boxer.“I didn’t know how to act — I just remember muttering, ‘Thank you for the opportunity’.“I felt like I’d let my family down. I’d avoid people in the village where I lived as I didn’t want to tell them I was no longer at United.“I was discarded like an empty crisp packet after four years there.” More

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    Wolves boss Gary O’Neil breaks silence over shock reports linking him to Man Utd job in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul

    GARY O’NEIL is “honoured” to be linked to an Old Trafford coaching role.But the Wolves boss, 40, insists there is “no truth” in such talk and claims he is “always going to be a head coach”.Gary O’Neil has suggested he wants to stay as a head coachCredit: GettyManchester United’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants a new set-up off the field.And even the future of manager Erik ten Hag is uncertain.United’s new regime are said to admire England chief Gareth Southgate, ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.And former Bournemouth boss O’Neil zoomed onto the radar this week amid suggestions Ratcliffe is keen on a whole new coaching structure.RREAD MORE TOP STORIESBut having guided Wolves to ninth in the Premier League in his first season, the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder appeared to rule out the switch.He said: “No, no truth. I don’t know where it came from. Obviously, I’ve heard about it.”Growing up, Liverpool and Manchester United always felt special, two real special clubs.“Firstly, an honour to be linked even though there is no truth in it.Most read in Football“Of course, when your name is mentioned with one of the biggest clubs in world football it’s an honour.”But, as I’ve said, I love it here [at Wolves].”Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleO’Neil’s insistence that he wants to remain the main man would seem to be another obstacle for the Red Devils, should they pursue him.He added: “I’m a head coach. I’m always going to be a head coach and I’m really enjoying my time at Wolves.”Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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    Sir Alex Ferguson told me I was brilliant at Man Utd – 3 days later he released me, I had tears in my eyes in training

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON crushed one of his former players’ dreams when he axed him just a few days after singing his praises.Ferguson is one of the greatest managers of all time following his stunning 27-year stint at Manchester United.Alan Tonge suffered a heartbreaking end to his Manchester United careerCredit: RexMan Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson told Tonge he was ‘brilliant’ in 1991Credit: Paul Edwards – The SunBut Ferguson told Tonge his contract wouldn’t be renewed only three days laterFergie won a staggering 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cup trophies and two Champions League honours before his retirement in 2013.And Sir Alex’s success goes down to his smart tactics, good eye for talent and ruthless character.The Scot showed the latter in full force when picking his team as he would drop anyone he didn’t deem good enough at a drop of a dime.A local lad — who was Ferguson’s first acquisition when he signed as a schoolboy in January 1987 — met that side of the legendary gaffer in 1991.Read More on FootballThe former midfielder worked hard to win over his strict manager and thought he succeeded when Sir Alex told him he was “brilliant”.However, everything changed only three days later when he was called up to Ferguson’s office and was told his contract wouldn’t be renewed.The then youngster was absolutely heartbroken but had to return to training.However, he was so devastated he started tearing up and thus couldn’t focus – and that led to a tongue lashing by Paul Ince.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat was none other than Alan Tonge, who looked back at one of the biggest heartaches of his life at the age of 52.Tonge said: “At the end of the season we had pipped Manchester City to win the Lancashire League title and Fergie told me I’d done brilliantly.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window“That was on a Saturday and he called me in three days later to tell me my contract wasn’t being renewed.“I had to take part in an eight-a-side training session with some of the first team after. “But I had tears in my eyes and kept giving the ball away, which Paul Ince had a real go at me about.“I don’t think that was the correct way to treat a young player who just had his dreams shattered.” More

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    Getafe manager says Man Utd will decide Mason Greenwood’s future and club are ‘happy’ with on-loan striker

    GETAFE are “happy” with Mason Greenwood – but his future will be decided by Manchester United.The 22-year-old is currently on a season-long loan at the Spanish club from the Red Devils.Mason Greenwood’s future will be decided by Man UtdCredit: GettyGetafe boss Jose Bordalas says he is ‘happy’ with GreenwoodCredit: GettyGreenwood has impressed for Getafe, scoring eight goals in 27 games in all competitions.And the club appear open to keeping him but know the situation is out of their hands.Manager Jose Bordalas said: “In the end his club decides and also the boy’s intentions regarding his future count. “But I can say we are happy with his behaviour and his performance.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDReports have suggested that United could demand £40million for Greenwood.Getafe are unable to afford such a hefty fee and instead want to extent his loan stay beyond the summer.But SunSport understands that Man Utd are not willing to loan Greenwood out again and would prefer to cash-in or keep him.European giants like Barcelona and Juventus are potentially interested in signing him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMeanwhile, a controversial return to Man Utd remains on the table as some of his team-mates are open to his comeback.New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently refused to close the door on Greenwood, saying: “We will make a decision. I don’t know if he could still have a future.Star Mason Greenwood believes returning to Manchester United could solve his parents’ marriage problems“All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?“There is no decision that’s been made. He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. “We’ve got one or two footballers that we have to deal with and we have to make a decision on – so we will do that. “The process will be – understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values – which is basically whether he is a good guy or not. “Could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and the fans be comfortable with it?“I can talk about the principle. The principle is the important one because we will have other issues going forwards. “You are dealing with young people who have not always been brought up in the best circumstances, who have a lot of money and don’t always have the guidance they should have. READ MORE SUN STORIES“What we need to do when we have issues like that is to understand the real effects, not the hype.“Then we need to make a fair decision in the light of the club’s values. That’s what we need to do and that’s how we will deal with it. More

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    How Man Utd could line up under Zinedine Zidane with Jude Bellingham making shock transfer from Real Madrid

    MANCHESTER UNITED could line up with one of the most exciting teams in Europe if Zinedine Zidane becomes their next manager.The Frenchman has been out of work since 2021 after a second spell with his beloved Real Madrid.Zinedine Zidane has been tipped to take charge at Man Utd this summerCredit: AFPZidane is a huge admirer of Jude Bellingham… and the feeling is mutualCredit: GettyBut he has now been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag at United by former team-mate Julio Baptista.The Brazil icon and former Arsenal loanee told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I think Zidane will be a Premier League manager someday.“He is an incredible coach with amazing experience having won the Champions League, so I can see that happening.“I can see him going to Manchester United.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDShould Zidane make the stunning switch to Old Trafford, he could target several players to reinvigorate United’s squad.Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham would likely be top of his list in one of the most incredible transfers in history.The midfielder only moved to Spain for an initial £88.5million from Borussia Dortmund last summer.Bellingham has been nothing short of superb with 20 goals and nine assists in 31 outings.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut the Birmingham legend has made no secret of his admiration for Zidane.And the feeling is mutual, with Zizou saying this week: “Jude Bellingham is spectacular, we are lucky to have him in the Real Madrid. He is very good and I hope he brings many trophies.”Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowShould a mind-blowing deal ever go through, it would likely see Bellingham join new England team-mate Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, with captain Bruno Fernandes completing the triumvirate.Another Real player strongly linked with United is Rodrygo, who is more than capable of finally fixing the side’s problem area on the right wing.And alongside Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, the Red Devils would finally have an attack ready to challenge for the title.As for defence, Andre Onana is unlikely to be on the move any time soon.Indeed, he has the same profile as Zidane’s former Real goalie Keylor Navas, which bodes well for his ball-playing instincts.Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are unlikely to be muscled out of the backline anytime soon.But it could mean a reprieve for Raphael Varane, who is another player with strong links to Zidane.He still has a year left on his United contract and could fancy a last dance alongside his fellow Frenchman.Varane could be joined by a new centre-back though, with Juventus’ Gleison Bremer long linked with a switch.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis physicality and technical skills would make him an ideal presence in Zidane’s defence.But it would also leave the likes of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans sweating over their futures.Zinedine Zidane’s managerial careerThose brilliant numbers in full…

    Real Madrid Castilla, 2014-2016: P57 W26 D17 L14 GD+30

    Real Madrid, 2016-2018: P149 W105 D28 L16 GD+235

    Real Madrid, 2019-2021: P114 W69 D25 L20 GD+103

    Trophies: LaLiga x2, Spanish Super Cup x2, Champions League x3, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup x2 (Real Madrid) More

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    Man Utd ‘want Jarrad Branthwaite transfer as Everton star targeted with Maguire and Varane futures up in the air’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly targeting a summer move for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.The 21-year-old has been a key player for the Toffees this term, featuring 31 times under Sean Dyche.Man Utd are lining up a summer move for Everton ace Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: RexThe futures of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire are in doubtCredit: APHis form resulted in a maiden England call-up for the recent friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Branthwaite did not make his Three Lions debut after being left on the bench.But the centre-back is widely seen as the future of England’s defence.And the Telegraph claims United are now lining up a bid amid doubts over the futures of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBoth players are out of contract in 2025, with Varane a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia.As for Maguire, there is an option to extend his deal until 2026.But West Ham are ready to lure him to London with the offer of first-team football.And with new United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to trim the fat, both players could be sold to make room for fresh faces.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBranthwaite would certainly fit the bill, having already impressed on loan at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.It’s believed he is valued by Everton at over £50million.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?The Toffees are hoping to beat relegation despite being docked six points for breaching financial rules.But their chances of keeping Branthwaite will be virtually zero if they drop down to the Championship.United are also in the market for a striker to play back-up to Rasmus Hojlund, while they are also keen on a right-back.A new central midfielder could also be on the agenda should Casemiro also depart.But it’s Branthwaite who is currently top of the list, with the youngster still dreaming of making England’s Euro squad.Boss Gareth Southgate said: “He’s played consistently well. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We watched him as a back-up centre-back at the Under-21 finals last year and if you would have said then he would play as consistently well at PL level as he has, I would have questioned that. “That is a credit to him. He’s good with the ball, shows good composure and mentality and we don’t have many left-footers.”Jarrad Branthwaite’s career statsThose numbers in full…

    Carlisle United, 2019-2020: 14 games 1 goal

    Blackburn Rovers, 2020-2021: 10 games 0 goals

    PSV Eindhoven, 2022-2023: 36 games 4 goals

    Everton, 2019-2024: 44 games, 3 goals

    England U21s, 2023-2024: 6 games, 0 goals

    Trophies: Dutch Cup (PSV); U21s Euros (England U21s) More