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    Man Utd ace Raphael Varane ‘offered shock Ligue 1 transfer as Real Madrid pull out of race for former star’

    RAPHAEL VARANE has been offered a shock escape route from Manchester United by his former club.We reported previously how the star had been made available for a transfer away amid interest from Saudi Arabia after the World Cup winner slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford this term.
    Raphael Varane has been offered a shock escape route from Man UtdCredit: Alamy
    Erik ten Hag has preferred the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and even veteran Jonny Evans, which has limited Varane to just 521 minutes of Premier League action.
    Real Madrid were believed to be lining up a swoop to bring him back to the Bernabeu.
    The French defender, 30, spent ten years there from 2011 to 2021 and won 18 trophies – including four Champions Leagues – before joining United for £34m on a four-year deal.
    Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for Varane.
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    However, El Chiringuito TV have now claimed that Real Madrid have zero interest in signing their ex-defender.
    But another one of his former club’s have allegedly emerged as contenders to try and snap him up.
    French publication L’Equipe have stated that Ligue 1 team Lens are also in the running for Varane.
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    He began his career with them, where his displays first caught the eye of Madrid.
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    After finding himself on the bench over recent weeks, Varane has started two of United’s last three games.
    And he played the full game yesterday as the Red Devils came from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Aston Villa 3-2 with a brilliant second half performance.
    His side fell behind to a never-seen-before free-kick tactic that left the goalkeeper and whole defence bamboozled.
    It got even worse as Leander Dendoncker doubled the visitors’ lead.
    However, a stirring second half performance saw them bounce back to earn a crucial victory.
    Alejandro Garnacho grabbed a double while Rasmus Hojlund’s first Premier League goal sealed the points late on. More

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    Unemployed Jesse Lingard ‘offered free transfer to top Ligue 1 side’ – where he would link up with ex-Man Utd team-mate

    UNEMPLOYED Jesse Lingard has reportedly been offered a career lifeline in France.And he would link up with a former Manchester United team-mate at the Ligue 1 giants.
    Jesse Lingard could be on his way to France to join LilleCredit: Reuters
    But the deal could collapse over new Brexit regulations.
    Lingard, 31, has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest in the summer.
    The free agent spent one season at the City Ground – despite four-year contract offers elsewhere – following his release from Old Trafford in 2022 after 22 years with his boyhood club.
    He trained with West Ham then underwent a one-month trial with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq but did not get offered a contract as the Saudi club had already maxed out their overseas players quota with Jordan Henderson, Demarai Gray and Georginio Wijnaldum.
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    Now, though, the Mirror claim Lille are interested in snapping up midfielder Lingard who continues to keep himself sharp by training at local pitches.
    Lille, champions in 2020-21, sit fifth in Ligue 1 – 12 points adrift of leaders PSG.
    Paulo Fonseca’s side includes stars Nabil Bentaleb, Jonathan David and Samuel Umtiti, while former Red Devils youngster Angel Gomes is on the books at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
    Like Lingard, Gomes came through the youth academy at Manchester United and made ten first-team appearances.
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    But because the former Young Lions star, 23, is English, he counts as one of the four permitted non-EU stars following Brexit.
    And the limits imposed on countries not in the EU or without a cooperation agreement may mean Lingard’s move is scuppered.
    The report adds two other French clubs are also weighing up a move for the 32-cap England man.
    Meanwhile, a free transfer to North America is another option ahead of the new MLS season which starts in February.
    Lingard spent the 2022-23 season with Nottingham ForestCredit: EPA
    Angel Gomes, right, came through at Man Utd and is now at LilleCredit: AFP More

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    Jamie Carragher’s cheeky half-time pop at Man Utd backfires spectacularly after stunning comeback vs Aston Villa

    JAMIE CARRAGHER was left red-faced after having a cheeky pop at Manchester United last night.Carragher made the comment on X with United 2-0 down at half-time to Aston Villa.
    Carragher was made to eat his wordsCredit: Rex
    Hojlund got the winner against VillaCredit: Getty
    He posted: “Liverpool drawing at home to Man Utd is their worst result of the season.”
    It referenced the goalless draw earlier this month where Liverpool failed to score despite taking 34 shots at Andre Onana’s goal.
    United looked to be dead and buried at half time against Villa but were able to mount a stunning comeback.
    A brace from Alejandro Garnacho brought them level before Rasmus Hojlund found the winner with his first ever Premier League goal.
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    The turnaround victory brings United to sixth in the table, five points off the top four and 11 behind leaders Liverpool.
    Carragher’s fellow Sky Sports pundit and United fan, Gary Neville, tweeted: “Brilliant second half Man United.”
    After the game, fans tweeted Carragher to ask if he still stood by his tweet.
    One fan wrote: “Where are you now Carra?”
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    Another posted: “Spoke too soon mister!”
    A third came back after the turnaround was complete and said: “You need to delete this tweet rn”.
    The second half performance was much like the United of last season and Ten Hag will be hoping to continue that form against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
    He has been coming under increased scrutiny following a string of inconsistent results and the incoming investment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
    The club finally confirmed that the minority investment would go ahead on Christmas Eve. More

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    Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea dealt transfer blow as PSG ‘agree deal to sign 18-year-old wonderkid target’

    FOUR Premier League giants have been dealt a blow in their attempts to sign Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Moscardo.Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the Corinthians midfielder for months.
    Moscardo has snubbed Premier League interest to join PSGCredit: Getty
    Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona were also credited with having an interest in the midfielder who looked set to be one of the hottest properties in Janaury.
    But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has dealt a blow to all those clubs that were linked with the midfielder.
    Romano has said that PSG have agreed a £17million deal to sign the 18-year-old.
    The deal will also see Corinthians receive £1.7million in add-ons, with the youngster set to fly to Paris imminently to complete the transfer.
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    Moscardo claimed in an interview last month that Chelsea had approached him in the summer.
    According to The Daily Mail, he said: “There was a proposal from Chelsea months ago, but I talk a lot with my agent and my parents and they try to give me information.
    “They say there is not long until the end of the season, they tell me to dedicate myself and do well, and that at the end of the season, there will be good things.”
    Moscardo’s performances for Corinthians have seen him called up to Brazil’s U23 side despite his young age.
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    He is currently enjoying a month break after the conclusion of the Brazilian Serie A, in which Corinthians came 13th.
    Corinthians president Augusto Melo confirmed in a recent interview that Moscardo decided to join PSG. 
    Speaking to Radio Bandeirantes as per Foot Mercato, Melo said: “Unfortunately, the cycle has come to an end, his mind is elsewhere, we gave him the freedom to choose, may he be happy. He’s heading to Paris.” More

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    Man Utd fans say ‘doubt it’s sheer coincidence’ as two club legends spotted at Old Trafford days after Ratcliffe takover

    FANS can’t believe it was “sheer coincidence” two legends turned up at Old Trafford just days after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover to take in Manchester United’s astonishing win over Aston Villa.Many Red Devils’ supporters were almost as delighted to see Edwin van der Sar and Robin van Persie as they were by the 3-2 comeback win.
    Fans spotted Robin van Persie and wondered if he will return permanentlyCredit: Getty
    Edwin van der Sar saw a humdinger as Man Utd beat Aston VillaCredit: Getty
    And plenty of them reckon the duo are in line for roles under Ratcliffe – after seeing their fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag possibly save his job.
    Fans were especially thrilled to see ex-keeper Van der Sar following his health problems earlier this year. 
    But excitement at noticing the two heroes from Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden era initially turned to dreaming that they were still good enough to play as United trailed 2-0 in Boxing Day’s Premier League match.
    Typical comments at this stage included: “Any chance Van Persie and Van der Sar can come on now?” – followed by crying emojis.
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    But in the second half, Alejandro Garnacho struck twice before Rasmus Hojlund broke his Prem duck by firing the Red Devils’ late clincher.
    Fans responded with observations like: “A magnificent Manchester United comeback with legends Van Der Sar & Van Persie at Old Trafford, the script writers outdid themselves on this one.”
    One wrote: “First United match after Ineos completed 25% United deal. Sir Dave Brailsford (Sir Jim’s right hand man) in attendance. Edwin Van Der Sar at Old Trafford for first time since his health scare. Robin Van Persie at Old Trafford. Good evening for United!”
    Speculation spiralled over possible roles for the Holland icons under Ratcliffe – once the 25 per cent buy-in from Britain’s richest man is ratified by football chiefs.
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    Van der Sar, 53, left his last position as Ajax CEO in May this year.
    And Feyenoord promoted 40-year-old Van Persie to joint head coach of their Under-18s and U19s this season.
    “Edwin and RVP attending the game, following Sir Jim is an interesting turn of events,” wrote one fan, who added: “I doubt it’s by sheer coincidence.”
    Another posted: “Van der Sar and Van Persie in the stands, what could this mean?”
    A third pondered: “INEOS giving Van Der Sar a role? This seems very coincidental?” More

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    Man Utd join transfer race with Liverpool and Man City for Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich ahead of huge midfield cull

    MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich, according to reports.Boss Erik ten Hag wants to revolutionise his midfield following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover.
    Joshua Kimmich is attracting plenty of Prem interestCredit: Rex
    The Red Devils sit eighth in the Premier League table, eight points off the top four positions.
    But club chiefs are plotting moves that could finally see United begin to challenge for the top prizes again.
    According to transfer expert Ekrem Konur, the Red Devils have set their sights on Bayern star Kimmich.
    The 28-year-old would be unlikely to move in January, but could be available at the end of the season.
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    Kimmich will have just one year remaining on his Bayern contract when the campaign ends.
    But United will face stiff competition to secure his signature.
    The experienced German international is also admired by Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
    City boss Pep Guardiola was in charge at Bayern during Kimmich’s first campaign in Bavaria.
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    Barcelona are also believed to be keen on Kimmich.
    Man Utd’s midfield could soon look very different, with three members of their first team squad potentially departing before next season.
    Forgotten man Donny van de Beek is on the verge of joining Eintracht Frankfurt on an initial loan deal next month.
    The Bundesliga side could then sign the Dutchman on a permanent basis for £13million in the summer.
    Casemiro, meanwhile, is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia ahead of the January window.
    United chiefs are believed to be open to cashing in on the 31-year-old.

    Sofyan Amrabat joined the Red Devils on an initial loan deal from Fiorentina on transfer deadline day.
    The 27-year-old, however, may not have done enough to secure a permanent switch.
    Casemiro could lead Man Utd’s midfield exodusCredit: PA More

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    Mason Greenwood enjoys family Christmas at home after jetting into Manchester with partner Harriet Robson

    MASON Greenwood enjoyed a family Christmas at home after jetting into Manchester with his partner Harriet Robson.The Manchester United forward – on loan with Spanish club Getafe after Old Trafford bosses ruled he couldn’t play for the club following abuse allegations – was pictured shopping with Wag Harriet Robson in Hale, Cheshire, in the run up to Christmas.
    Man United star Mason Greenwood enjoyed a family Christmas at home with his partner
    The forward, 22, on loan at Spanish club Getafe, was seen out shopping with Harriet Robson in Hale, Cheshire
    The couple, who have a daughter, flew back during the La Liga winter break
    The couple, who have a baby daughter, flew back to the UK to see family during the La Liga winter break which runs from December 23 to January 3.
    A source said: “Mason and Harriet have really enjoyed living in Spain. They have had time and space to enjoy being a young family and are facing up to the challenge of living in a foreign country.
    “He has had lots of problems off the pitch in his short career, but he finally seems to be addressing them and sorting himself out.
    “He has made some good friends with teammates and Harriet has been welcomed by some of the Wags. They like being able to go out in Madrid without feeling like everyone is watching them.”
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    Greenwood moved to the Madrid-based side in September after United announced the previous month he wouldn’t play for them again.
    The decision came after allegations of attempted rape, assault and controlling coercive behaviour were dropped by the CPS when a key witness refused to co-operate with the prosecution.
    United then launched an internal investigation into Greenwood’s conduct and kept him suspended on full pay of £75,000-a-week.
    Getafe are understood to have told United they would like to buy Greenwood for £40m, but United want to keep Greenwood’s deal as a loan move.
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    His future remains uncertain with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan all keeping tabs on his form.
    The 22-year-old has scored five goals and provided four assists in 15 games since moving to Getafe in September.
    His form has led to some United fans to call for his return to Old Trafford despite bosses previously saying he needed to leave to rebuild his career and that they had no plans to bring him back.
    Former United starlet Ravel Morrison tweeted: “What a player. United need to bring him back!!” after watching a highlights reel of Greenwood playing for Getafe.
    After Greenwood led a late comeback against Atletico to draw 3-3, France striker Antoine Griezmann heaped praise on him, saying “Mason Greenwood was really causing us problems in the second half. We couldn’t stop him and it cost us the game.”
    Greenwood moved to the Madrid-based side in September after United announced the previous month he wouldn’t play for them againCredit: Getty More

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    ‘A disgrace to the end’ – Gary Neville blasts ‘truly awful’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe announcement from Man Utd

    GARY NEVILLE blasted the “truly awful” timing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover of Manchester United.The British billionaire has purchased a £1.3billion stake in the Red Devils from the Glazer family.
    Gary Neville blasted the ‘truly awful’ timing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover of Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
    The British billionaire has purchased a £1.3billion stake in the Red Devils from the Glazer familyCredit: PA
    And United bizarrely chose to make the huge announcement on Christmas Eve – something slammed by Old Trafford legend Neville.
    He posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Manchester United 2023 has been a disgrace to the end.
    “The timing of this is truly awful and no functioning organisation would even think about it.
    “Anyway all the very best to Jim Ratcliffe and I hope he can somehow work out a way to get the club right again and back to being something respectable on and off the pitch.”
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    And Neville’s fury was echoed by fans, as one said: “It’s reason why Manchester United has fallen off so bad , for a big club like us it’s insane how bad we are run.”
    Another added: “Complete mismanagement.”
    One fumed: “Neville is right. Putting the news out on Xmas eve means less scrutiny and questions about the deal.
    “He’s made a very simple and valid point.”
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    The Glazers first put the club up for sale a year ago but failed to agree to selling their entire share.
    Their demands led to rival Sheikh Jassim pulling out of the race but it did not deter Ratcliffe, who plans to take a hands-on approach to running the club.
    He is set to be in charge of football operations and has been desperate to get his feet under the table for some time with Man Utd enduring a difficult season.
    Ratcliffe has already fired chief executive Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough could follow suit.
    Ex-Juventus CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, Crystal Palace director Dougie Freedman and Monaco transfer guru Paul Mitchell have emerged as possible replacements. More