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      Unemployed former Arsenal ace linked with major transfer to Manchester United’s Champions League rivals

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      A FORMER Arsenal ace could be on the verge of a spectacular return to football with Bayern Munich.Sokratis Papastathopoulos has been without a club since his contract with Olympiacos ran out in June.
      Bayern Munich are considering ex-Arsenal ace Sokratis PapastathopoulosCredit: Reuters
      According to Bild, however, Bayern are considering Sokratis to re-inforce their defence amid an ongoing injury crisis.
      The German champions’ starting centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano have both been sidelined.
      De Ligt is dealing with a knee problem while Upamecano suffered a hamstring injury against Freiburg on Sunday.
      And manager Thomas Tuchel could turn to Sokratis with whom he has a very good relationship.
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      Tuchel and the centre-back worked together at Borussia Dortmund, where the player made 198 appearances during his five-year stint at the club before his move to Arsenal in 2018.
      However, Bayern might wait until the end of the international break to fully assess De Ligt and Upamecano’s fitness.
      The Bavarians will then decide whether to go after another central defender in the January transfer window.
      But the ex-Chelsea boss will want both players available on December 12 when Bayern visit Old Trafford for their return fixture against Manchester United in the Champions League.
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      This comes after Tuchel’s side decided against reinstating Jerome Boateng to the squad.
      Boateng has been training with the reserves ever since his departure from Lyon in June.
      Sokratis, though, has had other offers as he was also approached by Real Betis.
      The Spaniards wanted the 35-year-old to move to the Benito Villamarin and replace the injured Marc Bartra.
      According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, however, negotiations between the two parties fell through.
      Sokratis spent three years at Arsenal where he registered six goals and two assists in 69 appearances.
      The ex-Greece international also won the FA Cup in 2020 before his move to Olympiacos a year later.
      Former Arsenal ace Sokratis is a free agent and was linked with Real BetisCredit: The Sun More

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      I’ve loved Carlisle for 50 years… I was hooked when we replaced Man Utd in the old first division, says boss Simpson

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      PAUL SIMPSON’S love affair with Carlisle goes back to when the club replaced Manchester United in the top flight.The Cumbrians were promoted from the old second division in 1974 for the only time in their history while the Red Devils got relegated.
      Paul Simpson speaks to Justin Allen at Brunton Park about his love affair with Carlisle
      Simpson celebrated promotion with his Carlisle team at Wembley in May
      Carlisle spent one season rubbing shoulders with football royalty and an eight-year-old Simpson got inspired by his Brunton Park heroes.
      The Cumbrians boss, now 57, told SunSport: “My dad first took me during the promotion-winning season of 1973-74. We had players such as John Gorman, Bill Green, Ray Train, Joe Laidlaw and later the likes of George McVitie.
      “The team didn’t have any standout star players until Peter Beardsley joined in 1979 when he was starting out.
      “It was at that moment you thought, ‘Wow, if I can just be like him’ — but we did well with a group of players that had a real togetherness.”
      Although Simpson went on to have an illustrious playing career for Manchester City, Oxford, Derby, Wolves Blackpool and Rochdale, his heart has always been in Cumbria.
      So it was apt he finished his playing career with the club before managing them.
      And there was something poetic about Simpson returning to the club last year for a second spell in charge. During his first stint, he took the club from the National League to League One in back-to-back seasons before leaving to take charge of Preston.
      This time around he saved the club from dropping back into non-league before winning promotion to League One … again in consecutive seasons.
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      So does Simpson have unfinished business having left the club in the third tier last time around.
      He said: “I don’t feel that way. Football is constantly changing and evolving. Players, coaches and managers all make decisions they believe are right for themselves and I made one to leave in 2006 because it was right for me and my family to do that. 
      “I love Carlisle United and people questioned that, thinking I was telling lies when I left. Back then I was at the start of my coaching managerial career. I’ve no regrets about doing it.
      “It was the right thing to leave then and it was the right decision to return last year.
      “I’m no longer chasing to be the best manager in the world, which you do as a young coach. 
      “My life is happy. I love living back in Carlisle. I’ve got a really good family here. My first granddaughter was born last year so we’re enjoying it.”
      Simpson went on to boss Preston, Shrewsbury, Stockport, Northwich Victoria before working as an assistant at Derby and Newcastle under Steve McClaren.
      He also managed England Under-20, where he won the World Cup in South Korea in 2020 before a short spell as assistant at Bristol City then his homecoming to Cumbria.
      And Simpson questioned whether he should return to frontline club management after a decade out of it — having only had a short stint at Northwich in non-league after leaving Stockport.
      He said: “I regret taking the Stockport job. I was lied to about what setup there was and how it was all going to be and that six months was the worst decision I made. 
      Paul Simpson lifts the play-off trophy with keeper Tomas Holy
      “I went into a club different to what it is now. It was in turmoil and there was back stabbing going on between the directors and stuff like that.
      “I needed time away to go and try to educate myself and learn from other people so I went to Portugal and headed up an academy there. I came back and did some work for the Premier League and some media stuff. Then I got the chance to go to Derby with Steve McClaren, then to Newcastle and four years at the FA so I had a long time out of it.
      “You get to a point where you think, ‘I can still be a club manager but I don’t know if I want it to take over my life again’ so getting the opportunity to come here was good. 
      “What I’ve discovered is I’m calmer and clearer about what I want. I’m also better at delegating because I was one of those fellas who used to do everything.
      “I’ve realised you can’t do everything, you need to have good staff around you and that’s something that Steve McClaren taught me. We never spoke about it but what he did was get good people around him, he trusted them and that’s what I’ve learned to do as well.”
      Paul Simpson during his Carlisle playing days
      Paul Simpson has learned to delegate in his older years
      But with him every step of the way has been his wife and rock Jacqui, through his ups and downs in football and his fight against kidney cancer two years ago.
      He said: “We’ve been married 35 years and lived in 27 different places so it’s crazy but she’s supported me along with our three boys.
      “I remember when I was at Oxford and living there, I left home one Wednesday morning to have talks with Derby and never stepped foot in the house again. Jacqui sold it, moved us out and found our place in Derby. She’s brilliant. 
      “In a career like this, you’ve got to have someone alongside you who’s going to support you and Jac’s certainly done that job.”
      Simpson is philosophical about his cancer scare — and never felt “lucky” to beat that awful disease.
      He said: “Because I’m lucky to still be involved in football, I don’t wake up thinking ‘You’re really lucky now because you’ve survived cancer.’ 
      “From the minute I was told I had it, the surgeon was brilliant, and he was so positive that at no point did I think I was going to be a negative story.
      “I convinced myself this was going to be a good story because unfortunately you hear bad ones. Everybody wants to tell you about horrible stories and you rarely hear the good ones. 
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      “People would say ‘I’m really sorry’ and I was like ‘No, it’s fine. This is going to be a good story. This is fine, I’m going to be OK.’ 
      “I had that philosophy on it, so it hasn’t changed my view on life. I know I’m lucky to still be involved in football from starting in 1982 at Man City to still being here now in 2023. I crack on and get on with it.” More

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      Mason Greenwood ‘could make sensational Man Utd return as club consider him their best player & boss wants him back’

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      MASON Greenwood could reportedly make a sensational Manchester United return with the club considering him their best player, according to a source.The Guardian’s Jamie Jackson made the incredible claims in the United fan-run Stretford Paddock’s podcast.
      Mason Greenwood is currently on loan at Spanish side GetafeCredit: Rex
      Jackson claims that the Red Devils could be open to welcoming Greenwood back into the first-team after he completes his loan spell at Getafe.
      Speaking on the podcast he said: “I do think there is a way he comes back to Manchester United.
      “He’s not expected to play for United again but I can see it, I’m not saying it will happen though.
      “You just don’t know in football and I do know they think he’s the best player there – even better than Bruno [Fernandes].”
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      Greenwood, 22, was arrested last year on suspicion of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in January last year.
      But all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      The striker – who has denied any wrongdoing – was provided with a pathway back to football by La Liga side Getafe.
      But Jackson also said that if the thought became a reality and Greenwood returned, he believed “all hell would break loose”.
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      He added: “I do see a scenario but I think it is very small. The language used at the time of his departure was interesting.
      “People may have wanted him back for the football side. Who’s football? Murtough and Ten Hag really, maybe Darren Fletcher.
      “Maybe he thought he was going to have Greenwood as his number one striker.”
      Since joining the Spanish club, Greenwood has scored once and assisted once in La Liga.
      Utd must make a decision on his future soon, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2025.
      In the rest of the podcast Jackson discussed how Ten Hag had been overwhelmed by an injury crisis and off-field issues.
      The hosts also talked with the reporter about the long-running potential takeover and Jadon Sancho’s refusal to apologise to the gaffer.
      It comes as Greenwood spoke out after scoring his first professional goal for nearly two years following his loan move to Getafe.
      Read More on The Sun
      The English striker scored to send Spanish side Getafe 2-1 up at Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday.
      Greenwood arrived at Getafe on deadline day this summer and made his debut on September 17. More

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      Blow to Man Utd as ‘staff leave’ over Mason Greenwood and Antony scandals as stars are given behavioural training

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      MANCHESTER United stars are being educated on how to create “healthier relationships and behaviours” as staff reportedly leave the club.CEO Richard Arnold has told staff the club learned a lot in the wake of former striker Mason Greenwood’s case.
      CEO Richard Arnold said that stars are being educated on how to create “healthier relationships and behaviours”Credit: AFP
      Greenwood had all charges against him dropped in February
      Mr Arnold said that Utd are working to make sure at the front of players’ minds is promoting healthier relationships and behaviours.
      Greenwood, 22, was arrested in October last year but all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      The striker – who has denied any wrongdoing – was provided with a pathway back to football by La Liga side Getafe.
      Meanwhile Brazil star Antony has vowed to clear his name after allegations of assault were levelled at him in bombshell claims.
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      Antony has strongly denied all allegations made against him and volunteered to meet cops in Manchester for questioning.
      He was also voluntarily interviewed by Brazilian cops in June and was free to leave for the UK after cooperating with Sao Paulo police.
      Antony has not been arrested or charged in either the UK or Brazil.
      Now, some United staff have started the process of searching for new work, reports MailOnline.
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      Last month, United CEO Richard Arnold led an all-staff meeting during which he was grilled extensively about the club’s handling of situations.
      Those who attended were left under no illusion of the level of dissatisfaction from staff.
      This is allegedly because of the disappointment at how the club handled the cases.
      But sources insist there has not been a spike in staff exits following the Greenwood and Antony sagas.
      United employ over 1,000 people and have a regular turnover of staff.
      Teresa Parker, head of media at Women’s Aid, said she has been sharing information about domestic abuse with United and the club has listened to feedback from survivors.
      She said: “We welcome these conversations.”
      Antony previously said that he “trusts ongoing police investigations” to reveal the “truth about my innocence”.
      Last month, the star gave a tearful interview in which he denied the allegations made against him, and stated he does not fear for his United future.
      But beyond Greenwood and Antony, staff are also understood to have confronted Arnold over structural imbalances within the club.
      It comes as Greenwood spoke out after scoring his first professional goal for nearly two years following his loan move to Getafe.
      Read More on The Sun
      The English striker, 22, scored to send Spanish side Getafe 2-1 up at Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday.
      Greenwood arrived at Getafe on deadline day this summer and made his debut on September 17.
      Antony has vowed to prove his innocence and has not been charged by cops in the UK or abroadCredit: Alamy More

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      Furious Man Utd staff ‘confronted boss over Mason Greenwood and how club treats women saying they felt ashamed’

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      FURIOUS Manchester United staff members reportedly confronted their boss over Mason Greenwood – saying they feel “ashamed”.Employees at Old Trafford are understood to have voiced discontent towards chief executive Richard Arnold during an all-staff meeting.
      Greenwood has been sent out on loan to Spanish club GetafeCredit: Rex
      Richard Arnold (pictured) held an all-staff meeting with club employeesCredit: AFP
      The meeting had been called to address spiralling concerns over the handling of the Greenwood case.
      The striker had been subject to an internal review following his arrest on suspicion of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in January last year.
      Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control were dropped in February, before Greenwood was sent out on loan to Spanish club Getafe.
      An all-staff meeting took place on September 18, The Athletic reports.
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      Employees are said to have been invited to submit questions anonymously ahead of the meeting, and also went on to voice their dissatisfaction – particularly towards at how women at the club are treated.
      One member of staff is said to have claimed they witnessed “uncomfortable behaviour” from male employees towards her female colleagues.
      Arnold is also understood to have been posed questions on the club’s signing of Brazilian winger Antony, who has been accused of assault by his ex-girlfriend.
      He reportedly insisted the club had carried out its due diligence, including checking legal records in Brazil.
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      And Arnold is said to have insisted United have “taken a lot of learnings” from how it handled the Greenwood ordeal.
      But beyond Greenwood and Antony, staff are also understood to have confronted Arnold over structural imbalances within the club.
      It comes as Greenwood spoke out after scoring his first professional goal for nearly two years following his loan move to Getafe.
      The English striker, 22, scored to send Spanish side Getafe 2-1 up at Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday.
      Greenwood arrived at Getafe on deadline day this summer and made his debut on September 17.
      Greenwood, who made his United debut aged 17 and has played 129 times for the club, has a contract at Old Trafford until 2025.
      Greenwood was suspended by United following his arrest, before it was mutually agreed he would leave the clubCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd draw up four-man January transfer shortlist worth £232million to finally fix leaky defence

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are exploring ways to improve their leaky defence and have drawn up a four-man shortlist ahead of the January transfer window.The Red Devils have conceded 18 goals in 11 games this season, keeping just three clean sheets.
      Erik ten Hag is keen to make defensive reinforcementsCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag’s squad has been decimated by injury, particularly in defence.
      United have not been able to field a natural left-back in the past three games with Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguillon all on the treatment table.
      Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also been injured for several weeks; Raphael Varane has missed games, and Lisandro Martinez is not expected to be fit until the new year due to a metatarsal injury.
      Ten Hag has been forced to call on back-up options Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, but that could change if United manage to land one of their four January targets.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Goncalo Inacio
      United first registered an interest in the Sporting Lisbon star in the summer of 2022, with Newcastle also said to be keen.
      Inacio, 22, is under contract until 2026 and he has a big buyout clause worth £50million.
      SunSport understands a United scout has been sent to Lisbon and told to closely monitor the Portuguese international over the next couple of months ahead of launching a bid in the January transfer window.
      Inacio came through the Sporting academy and has made 129 appearances for the Portuguese outfit.
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      Goncalo Inacio is the latest name to be added to the Red Devils shortlistCredit: Getty
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      Antonio Silva
      Silva has been scouted by the Red Devils since last year, when he first broke into Benfica’s first team at just 18 years old.
      He has gone from strength to strength and also attracted attention from PSG, which has inflated his transfer value.
      Silva, 19, is under contract until 2027 and Benfica are unlikely to let him leave for less than £87m.
      Antonio Silva has a hefty asking priceCredit: Reuters
      Jean-Clair Todibo
      United tried to sign the French centre-back, who has helped Nice remain unbeaten in Ligue Un this season, in the summer.
      Todibo, 23, revealed he carefully considered his options but was fearful joining United would prove to be a mistake as it could disrupt his form ahead of the Euros.
      Tottenham also like the look of the defender but were put off by his £34m asking price in the summer.
      Todibo has impressed this season for NiceCredit: Reuters
      Edmond Tapsoba
      The centre-back has impressed for Bundesliga table toppers Bayer Leverkusen.
      His athleticism would be well suited to the Premier League and Tapsoba said he was flattered by the interest from the UK.
      Leverkusen set his asking price at £61m but he is now in the final year of his contract so could be available for a cut-price deal in January.
      Edmond Tapsoba was of interest to United in the summerCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd tipped to make January transfer swoop for Goncalo Inacio despite alarming scouting report putting off rivals

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing a January transfer swoop for Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio.But alarming scouting reports have scared off rivals Newcastle who have dropped out of the race for the centre-back.
      Manchester United are set to make a January transfer swoop for Goncalo InacioCredit: Getty
      SunSport exclusively revealed Man Utd were stepping up their bid for Inacio following the injury blow to Lisandro Martinez, who faces three months out.
      In fact the Red Devils and Newcastle have had their eyes on the 22-year-old for quite some time now.
      Inacio’s contract does not run out until 2026 meaning a big buyout clause of £52million is set for the defender.
      But with the January transfer window creeping up the Red Devils are ready to pounce.
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      SunSport understands a United scout has been sent to Lisbon and told to closely monitor the Portuguese international over the next couple of months ahead of launching a bid in the January transfer window.
      Inacio came up the youth ranks at Sporting and made his senior debut in 2020.
      He has made 129 appearances so far in the Portuguese capital and scored 11 goals.
      Erik ten Hag is in desperate need of restoring his backline as Harry Maguire has fallen down the pecking order and Lisandro Martinez has been sidelined due to a foot injury.
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      The Dutchman has already drawn up a list of potential recruits for the new year meaning Inacio will join top targets Antonio Silva, Jean-Clair Todibo and Edmond Tapsoba.
      But, according to Radio Renascenca, Newcastle have edged away from the Portuguese star after alarming reports from their scouting team.
      Newcastle staff have seen no progress in the player and “refuse to go crazy” for him.
      The report claims the Geordies see the centre-back as too expensive and are not willing to put up a fight for him anymore.
      A big part of Inacio’s minimal development in the last few terms is said to be due to the lack of “competitive context” at Sporting, the report suggests.
      The 19-time Primeira Liga champions have dominated Portuguese football for decades and are known for producing football legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo.
      However, according to Newcastle scouts, Inacio has not been blessed with the Sporting magic.
      But the former Lions U23 coach Leonel Pontes disagrees with the Magpies’ evaluation.
      He said: “I don’t agree. Goncalo Inacio was in the Under-23s three seasons ago and has been almost an undisputed starter for the last two years and already has a national team career.
      “He has progressively developed in the various aspects that are part of a player’s growth.
      “Whoever made that analysis didn’t evaluate what Goncalo Inacio was and what he is now.”
      The coach firmly believes Incio is perfect for a team such as Newcastle.
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      “If he’s playing for a team that requires constant transitions, he might have difficulties.
      “But for a team that likes to play out wide and build up play from defence, Goncalo Inacio has space in English football. I think he has space at Newcastle.” More

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      Jadon Sancho has ‘no relationship’ with Erik ten Hag with Man Utd duo ‘barely speaking’ as January transfer exit beckons

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      JADON SANCHO has “no relationship” with manager Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The Manchester United star has been exiled by his boss since the Red Devils’ 3-1 defeat at Arsenal on September 3.
      Jadon Sancho has been exiled by Erik ten HagCredit: Sportsfile
      Sancho, 23, had been dropped for the match, with Ten Hag questioning his application in training.
      The England international subsequently refuted his manager’s claim, effectively accusing him of lying, and said he’d been made a “scapegoat”.
      Ten Hag, 53, is demanding an apology from Sancho in front of the rest of the squad, something the former Borussia Dortmund ace doesn’t feel he should have to do.
      According to I News, Sancho and Ten Hag are “barely speaking”, with the situation locked in a stalemate.
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      Sancho has been training with United’s academy.
      It was claimed last month that he had been banned from all first team facilities at Carrington, including the canteen.
      Ten Hag is claimed to want to “wash his hands” of Sancho.
      The winger is said to be open to a January transfer.
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      But it’s claimed that he would rather go out on loan before reassessing his situation next summer.
      Should Ten Hag depart United amid their struggles, Sancho would then potentially see a way back at Old Trafford.
      Dortmund and Juventus are both said to be interested in launching a January swoop.
      Man Utd have made their worst start to a season since the 1986-87 campaign.
      Scott McTominay’s stoppage time double salvaged a 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford last weekend.
      The late triumph saw the Red Devils climb to tenth in the table with four wins and four losses from eight games this term.
      Sancho has made three substitute outings this season, with the most recent coming on August 26.
      He has played 82 times for Man Utd in total, scoring 12 goals and laying on six assists.
      Erik ten Hag and Jadon Sancho have reached a stalemateCredit: Getty More