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    Man Utd ‘want controversial swap transfer for former Leeds star’ in bid to offload Jadon Sancho

    MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing a shock swap deal with Barcelona involving Jadon Sancho, according to reports.The Red Devils are open to sending the exiled winger to Spain in order to sweeten a deal for Raphinha.
    Jadon Sancho is looking for a Man Utd escape routeCredit: Alamy
    Man Utd are supposedly open to replacing him with Barcelona’s RaphinhaCredit: Getty
    Man Utd want to sell Sancho in January with him yet to feature since his public fall out with Erik ten Hag.
    The England star has not played since claiming the manager treats him like a “scapegoat” after being left out a matchday squad on September 3.
    And having refusing to apologise to Ten Hag, Sancho is currently banned from first-team training.
    There was interest in the 23-year-old from Juventus, who have since reportedly pulled out the race.
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    RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Saudi Arabian clubs remain possible destinations.
    But speculation from Spanish outlet SPORT says that Barcelona could join the battle for him.
    The Catalan giants want to offload Raphinha with Man Utd keen and they are willing to offer Sancho and cash in a deal for the ex-Leeds star.
    However, the Brazilian currently does not want to leave the Nou Camp despite struggling for form this season.
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    Raphinha has scored just two goals in 16 matches this season.
    Claims also suggest that a Saudi Arabian club could tempt him to the Middle East if a return to the Premier League does not materialise.
    The 27-year-old has previously been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham. More

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    Jim Ratcliffe ‘to complete £1.25bn Man Utd investment before Christmas’ but should fans expect much in their stockings?

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is reportedly set to complete his £1.25billion investment in Manchester United before Christmas.But fans are being warned not to expect their stockings to be full of presents despite the billionaire’s arrival.
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to complete his 25 per cent purchase of Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
    Jadon Sancho could leave in January but there are unlikely to be any big-name signingsCredit: Getty
    The Ineos chief and lifelong Red Devils supporter is stumping up the mega cash for a 25 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club.
    Talks have rumbled on for months but now the Daily Mail claim it could finally get over the line and announced this week in a big festive boost.
    However, it will likely take between six and eight weeks for approval to come through.
    And to make matters worse, the report adds that immediate big-name transfers and major improvements to Old Trafford are off the cards.
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    SunSport exclusively revealed that Ratcliffe wants to oversee a huge clearout at United – both in the dressing room and the boardroom.
    Richard Arnold is already on his way out as the hunt for a new CEO continues with Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc and Dougie Freedman in line.
    On the pitch, Antony and Anthony Martial as well as outcasts Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek could all be let go if deals can be agreed.
    But due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, United cannot afford to stump up huge transfer fees to improve the squad in January – despite calls for improvements across the pitch after a stuttering season that has featured 12 defeats from 25 matches and an early Champions League exit.
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    And in a further blow for hopeful Manchester United fans, work will not begin on updating the stadium just yet.
    Part of the £1.25bn investment includes £250million dedicated to the infrastructure with Old Trafford now crumbling, decaying and leaking.
    But while sorting out these problems remains a top priority for Ratcliffe, it is understood those plans are being shelved for the time being.
    United employed architects to draw up various ways of improving Old Trafford – including a full demolition and rebuilding job.
    But the prices of materials have soared over the last year, pushing up the costs of any construction work.
    And it means the £250m would not even be enough just to replace the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.
    Instead, the Mail report suggests Old Trafford could be given a “facelift”.
    That may include some paintwork around the ground and improved executive suites which in turn will help to drive up much-needed corporate revenue.
    Major improvements to Old Trafford could be put on hold due to rising costsCredit: Alamy
    The billionaire Ineos chief has grand plans to transform his beloved Red DevilsCredit: PA More

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    Jose Mourinho reveals Man Utd still have players he told club to get rid of when he was boss with four stars in frame

    JOSE MOURINHO has claimed Manchester United still have some of his dead wood on their books.The Portuguese gaffer guided United to Europa League and Carabao Cup glory in his first of two seasons at the Old Trafford helm.
    Jose Mourinho guided Manchester United to a cup double in his first seasonCredit: PA
    The Special One was given his marching orders by the club in December 2018Credit: Reuters
    Mourinho claims the club still has four players on its books that he told them to axeCredit: GETTY
    The Red Devils finished second in the Prem table the following season, although The Special One was relieved of his duties in December 2018.
    Mourinho felt like his squad was carrying several passengers, some of whom he’s claimed are now the burden of current United boss Erik ten Hag.
    During an appearance on John Obi Mikel’s ‘Obi One’ podcast, he said: “There are still people in that club, and when I say people I mean some players.
    “But also some other people that are not players, that are still there when I told [United] after two months: With these people, you are never going to do it [be successful].
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    “And they are still there.”
    Mourinho didn’t name specific players, but Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay are the only players still at United from his first season in charge.
    The 60-year-old hasn’t been afraid to criticise his former employers in the five years since his sacking.
    But he was full of praise for the club’s now-former CEO Richard Arnold, who left the Theatre of Dreams last month ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s imminent shake-up.
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    The Roma boss said: “They still have a CEO who is an amazing person, who I would love to have had during my time there, that’s Richard Arnold, who is probably now leaving.
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    Jose Mourinho insists he has no regrets about his time at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
    “I had him as a Commercial Director, not a CEO, and I would love to have had him on my side in my time there, but the club wasn’t easy.”
    Despite being given the chop, Mourinho doesn’t look back negatively on his time at Old Trafford.
    He said: “I don’t have regrets because I gave everything.
    “The Man United fans know I gave everything, they know how much I love the club.
    “I went there once with Sky, I was in the box giving my comments and the whole stadium turned to me applauding and singing for me.
    “If that happens when I go to Inter, Real Madrid, Porto or Chelsea you say it’s because of everything we won.
    “But when you go to Man United, a club with that history, and they do that for a coach who only won a Europa League, League Cup, Charity Shield and finished second, you arrive at the conclusion that they know I gave everything I could.”
    Manchester United will be back in action on Saturday, travelling to the London Stadium to take on West Ham. More

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    Man Utd in huge injury boost as star midfielder trains ahead of busy festive schedule after five weeks out

    CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN is back in training for injury-hit Manchester United.Eriksen was pictured at Carrington on Monday – the day after United fought for a 0-0 draw at Liverpool – which will be a welcome boost for a side struck by absences.
    Christian Eriksen injured his left knee five weeks agoCredit: AFP
    But the Dane is back in full trainingCredit: GETTY
    His return to training is a welcome boost for manager Erik ten HagCredit: Getty
    The midfielder, 31, has been sidelined with a knee issue picked up five weeks ago during the first half of the Red Devils’ 1-0 win against Luton.
    Eriksen’s absence from the starting XI has coincided with creative struggles for the Red Devils, who have blown hot and cold this season.
    But club legend Paul Scholes believes his return will somewhat alleviate some of his former side’s problems.
    He told TNT Sports: “I think when Christian Eriksen and Casemiro return [from injury], that’ll make them a lot more relaxed.
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    “It’ll add a lot more experience and quality. I’m hoping when those two come back, things will improve for Ten Hag.”
    Despite Eriksen’s return to training, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag will have a major injury headache ahead of Saturday’s match with West Ham.
    Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez – who all arrived in the summer of 2022 – have been ruled out of the trip to the London Stadium.
    Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Amad Diallo are also sidelined, while Anthony Martial missed the trip to Anfield through illness.
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    Erik ten Hag is currently in the midst of an injury crisisCredit: ALAMY
    Ten Hag lamented United’s injury woes last week, saying after their premature Champions League exit: “It is simple.
    “Today we have to make subs and we are losing players and players who are very decisive for our game.
    “Who can make the difference and in many games, it was the case in this campaign that we did not always have the players available we wanted to play.” More

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    Man Utd transfer chief ‘holds talks in Saudi Arabia’ with four players worth combined £230million up for sale

    MANCHESTER UNITED football director John Murtough has reportedly been in Saudi Arabia discussing potential exits from Old Trafford.The Red Devils are looking to raise funds ahead of the January transfer window and are said to be ready to listen to offers for FOUR major players.
    Football Director John Murtough (right) has reportedly been in Saudi Arabia discussing transfers for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Jadon Sancho is said to be amongst the names discussedCredit: Getty
    According to the Mail Online, Murtough held discussions with representatives from the Saudi Pro League over potential departures from Man Utd.
    It is reported that Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Casemiro are all up for grabs should the right offer come along.
    It is understood that Murtough left the Middle East without coming to an agreement over potential deals, but is said to have penned in future talks.
    Sancho, Varane, Martial and Casemiro cost Man Utd a whopping £230m in combined transfer fees and the club will be hoping to recoup as much of it as possible as they flirt with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules limit.
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    Sancho is widely reported to be the number one priority when it comes to offloading talent in the winter transfer window.
    The former Borussia Dortmund and England star has been banished from the first team squad after his war-of-words with manager Erik ten Hag.
    While United are said to be open to offers for underperforming trio Martial, Varane and Casemiro but will not try and force them away from the club.
    Ten Hag is looking to strengthen his side who have had a disappointing campaign following their exit from the Champions League group stages.
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    But growing financial pressure on top of the £200m spent on Ramsus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana this summer means they will need to raise funds before making any signings.
    Murtough could be in charge of his final transfer window for United too with the imminent arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos investment at the club.
    The British billionaire is reportedly keen to shake things up when he completes his 25 per cent takeover and will be taking control of football operations.
    Reports have suggested that Murtough could be one of the casualties of any changes following Ratcliffe’s arrival.
    Former Juventus chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc has emerged as one of the favourites to land a job due to his connections to Ineos.
    While Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is also in the frame to lead transfers.
    Casemiro and Raphael Varane are reportedly both available should the right offer come inCredit: Getty
    Anthony Martial could also be heading for the exit doors at Old TraffordCredit: Alamy
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to shake things up when he completes his 25 per cent takeover of Manchester UnitedCredit: PA More

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    Jose Mourinho claims he was accused of ‘BULLYING’ at Man Utd after Special One would do ‘anything to win’

    JOSE MOURINHO claims he was accused of “bullying” after substituting a player at half-time during his stint as Manchester United boss.The Portuguese managed the Red Devils between 2016 and 2018 before being sacked following a disastrous start to the season.
    Jose Mourinho was sacked as Manchester United boss in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Without naming the player in question, Mourinho looked back on a specific substitution he made as United boss that caused outcry.
    Appearing on The Obi One Podcast, he said: “When I was at Man United, I changed a player at half time.
    “I made a change and was accused of bullying.”
    Mourinho, 60, went on to reference another change he made while managing Chelsea in 2015.
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    During a match against Southampton he brought Nemanja Matic on at half-time… only to sub him off just 28 minutes later, with the Blues going on to lose 3-1.
    Referencing the incident, he said: “With Matic at Stamford Bridge, he was on the bench. I put him on minute 45, I take him off around minute 70.
    “That’s education, that’s coaching. That’s doing anything to win. I had to (make the) change.
    “I laugh about these times but it’s different times (now). Even to be a dad, you have to be a different dad to how your dad was to you.
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    “You have to change according to the world.”
    Mourinho doesn’t appear to have changed much, however, as he made a similar decision during Roma’s clash with Bologna last night.
    He brought on midfielder Renato Sanches at half-time with his side trailing 1-0.
    The former Premier League boss then opted to hook him off just 18 minutes later, much to Sanches’ surprise.
    Mourinho didn’t even look at the Paris Saint-Germain loanee as he came off, let alone provide an explanation.
    After his side’s dismal 2-0 defeat he said: “I’m sorry… The last time I did this to a player before Renato was Matic, and I’m terribly sorry about this.
    “But today I couldn’t leave the team with a player who had become frustrated. I had to make this decision.”
    Following sackings at Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham, Mourinho returned to Serie A with Roma in 2021.
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    He has since failed to qualify for the Champions League in either of his full seasons in charge.
    Last night’s defeat saw them fall to seventh in the table, with Bologna leapfrogging them into the top four.
    Nemanja Matic was hauled off 28 minutes after coming on against Southampton in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Renato Sanches received similar treatment yesterdayCredit: Rex More

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    Man Utd coach window smashed as bottle thrown at club coach on way to Liverpool clash as Reds launch investigation

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S team coach was smashed with a bottle on the way to Anfield. A video shared on X, formerly Twitter, by PA’s Simon Peach, revealed a glass bottle being lobbed at the bus.
    Man Utd’s team coach was smashed with a bottle on the way to AnfieldCredit: EPA
    Part of a window on the upper deck was smashed as a result.
    United and Liverpool share of the most storied rivalries in Premier League history with the two vying for most title wins.
    And it often leads to heated confrontations between the feuding Northern fanbases, with Liverpool to launch an investigation into the bus attack.
    A statement read: “Liverpool Football Club utterly condemns the actions that led to damage being caused to the Manchester United team bus during its arrival at Anfield this afternoon.
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    “We are aware of footage of the incident circulating online and are working with Merseyside Police, to fully investigate and identify those responsible.
    “Any individuals found guilty of this reprehensible behaviour will also face the full force of the club’s sanction process.”
    Erik ten Hag’s struggling side travelled to Anfield with two losses in their last three league matches.
    The Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford remains in question but he does not fear the sack.
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    That is despite SunSport revealing that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is favoured by incoming investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe to replace Ten Hag if results do not pick up.
    But United left Anfield with a point after holding their rivals to a goalless 0-0 draw.
    Scott McTominay told Sky Sports: “For a start we have a number of injuries which doesn’t help the squad or help the rhythm of playing a regular team, but we knew it would be tough today.
    “We had to stay calm and stick together and we had moments in the game where we had chances and could have hurt them.
    “We’re disappointed we couldn’t make it more of a game and create more opportunities.
    “The boys will be pleased not to lose but also definitely not happy we didn’t win.” More

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    LaLiga’s worst EVER top boss sacked less than an hour after Man Utd loanee Mason Greenwood inflicted 3-0 defeat upon him

    SEVILLA have sacked Diego Alonso after just nine weeks in charge – leaving him with an unwanted LaLiga record. Alonso replaced Jose Luis Mendilibar in October but managed just 14 matches in total.
    Sevilla have sacked Diego Alonso after just nine weeks in chargeCredit: Getty
    His only two victories came in the Copa del Rey, failing to win any of his eight La Liga matches and losing all four the Champions League games.
    According to MD, Alonso’s record of five draws and three defeats in the worst record in La Liga history for someone that has managed one of the top ten “historically best teams”.
    That includes Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club, Valencia, Sevilla, Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Real Betis and Real Zaragoza.
    Of the 531 managers that fall into this category, Alonso ranks dead last after being fired by Sevilla.
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    His final game in charge came at home to Getafe – where Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood scored from the spot.
    The controversial forward has five goals in his 14 games since leaving Manchester on deadline day.
    His form has seen Barcelona linked with a move to try and sign Greenwood in a permanent deal.
    According to talkSPORT, the Spanish champions have sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old in action.
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    Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are also rumoured to be monitoring the striker, who has helped boost his team to ninth place in LaLiga.
    And, reports in Italy suggested Lazio are also interested in signing Greenwood next summer.
    The ex-England international is under United contract until 2025 but he is not expected to return.
    Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 following charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    He denied all the charges and they were later dropped by the CPS.
    Mason Greenwood is linked with a move to BarcelonaCredit: Getty More