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    Man Utd were humiliated and embarrassed on the pitch AND in the stands.. fans put at risk shows decline of club

    THERE have been some low moments at Old Trafford in the 10 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.Tuesday night felt like the nadir, Manchester United have lost control on the pitch and off it.
    Manchester United were embarrassed on and off the pitch on TuesdayCredit: Getty
    Galatasaray fans invaded the home end at Old Trafford after their win over Ma UtdCredit: Reuters
    Scenes after the final whistle — of thousands of Galatasaray supporters in pockets around the stadium, outside of the official away end — were shocking.
    It was negligent by the club, a risk to safety for the home fans.
    Those in the Galatasaray section of the directors’ box were even seen taunting United followers as they left at the end.
    One can be seen making an obscene gesture.
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    United were humiliated and embarrassed inside their own ground.
    The club say they are  launching an inquiry into how it all happened.
    They claim measures were in place to avoid this happening by not selling any tickets to a Turkish address.
    But they accept that tickets were snapped up through “official channels” and there will have been touting involved.
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    This was not just the odd group here and there, it was on a large and unacceptable scale.
    The tearing down of the East Stand banner — which features a  quote from legendary Red Devils boss Sir Matt Busby — could have been incendiary had any United fans wanted to wait around afterwards.
    Supporters took to social media to voice their horror at the complete and utter breakdown of organisation.
    According to one, stewards had been told not to engage with away fans in the home sections for fear of a riot.
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    It was a scene that summed up the malaise currently enveloping the club.
    The 3-2 Champions League loss to Galatasaray was United’s fifth defeat in seven games.
    If there had been any question  of negligence off the pitch, on the pitch it was clear to see.
    Twice the Red Devils let the lead slip to a team who had not won an away game in this competition, apart from a  qualifier, for a decade.
    And manager Erik ten Hag was left to trot out the same old, same old.
    He said: “Together with my squad, I am responsible for this team, the performance, the result — and together with my squad, we don’t get the results.
    “We have to do better. But I have seen a team with great spirit and also a team that was backed by a crowd from the start to the end. We are very disappointed.”
    That could have been last Saturday as well after their dismal 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
    There was a time last season even in victory that tough taskmaster Ten Hag demanded more from his team.
    Now in defeat the Dutchman is trying to convince us of positives, of things going in the right direction, of good passages of play. But this is worrying.
    Ten Hag remains safe in his position as boss, as he should be. Last season was an excellent first one in charge.
    There have been plenty of mitigating factors — not least the injuries that have decimated his back four with Aaron Wan- Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw major misses.
    He has had to cope with the Mason Greenwood situation.
    Antony has missed games to domestic abuse allegations.
    And he has a sulky prima donna in Jadon Sancho in exile at Carrington, having effectively called the boss a liar for questioning his commitment in training.
    There is no point ripping it all up and starting all over again, again.
    Too much has been invested in Ten Hag, not least approaching £400million on players.
    He was given control, with the club acceding to his every whim — including even rebuilding part of the infrastructure in the South Stand to accommodate a new players’ lounge.
    Hard-working Ten Hag’s attention to detail is huge.
    Ahead of last season’s Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle he went as far as to insist the players arrived at Wembley in training kit rather than suits because it would have affected his timetable for the day.
    But his reign as boss now has unfortunate echoes of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer where promising starts gave way to shocking collapses.
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    When things unravel at United they unravel quickly — much like that banner in the East Stand.
    At Old Trafford it never rains but it pours, as those below the leaking roof will testify.
    Man Utd are showing very worrying signs after losing five out of seven gamesCredit: EPA
    Man Utd gave away a lead twice before losing to GalatasarayCredit: EPA
    Galatasaray had never won in England before beating Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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    Ten Hag has full backing of Man Utd despite horror start to season with Champions League hopes hanging by a thread

    ERIK TEN HAG RETAINS the full backing of Manchester United despite a shocking run of five defeats in seven games.The Dutchman is the fifth permanent boss in ten years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, to go with two caretakers and one interim manager.
    Erik Ten Hag is coming under increasing pressure as United bossCredit: EPA
    But there is no desire amongst the owning Glazer family or Chief Executive Richard Arnold to make any changes despite the sudden downturn in performances and results.
    Ten Hag has been backed to the tune of £400million for new players and enjoyed a fine first season.
    The club reached two domestic Cup finals winning it’s first trophy in six years with the Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle at Wembley.
    He also guided the Red Devils into third position in the league to secure their position back in the Champions League.
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    But they have lost their opening two games in that competition away to Bayern Munich and at home to Galatasaray on Tuesday.
    Add that to the four defeats in seven in the league that have left them in tenth place already seven points off the top four.
    There have been mitigating circumstances with injuries and the current issue with Jadon Sancho who remains exiled from the first team.
    Recently Ten Hag had to give Antony time off to fight allegations of assault.
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    The fans are sticking with him although there have been the first murmurings of doubt.
    Top pundit and United legend Gary Neville has been a long term critic of the owning Glazer family and says he has sympathy for Ten Hag.
    Neville told TalkSport: “I feel very sorry for the manager, I know a lot of people will say he’s got to do a lot better, and that’s fine, he’s the Manchester United manager, but there are a lot of big problems at the club that managers have found over the last ten years.
    “I think until those problems are solved we’ll still continue to see underperforming teams, underperforming players, it’s become a graveyard for coaches and players – it’s not too strong a term.”
    Tuesday’s defeat had fans pining for David de Gea with goalkeeper Andre Onana producing another horror show.
    De Gea posted a selfie after the game on Instagram story with the caption “love y’all”. More

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    David Beckham was stunned by what Sir Alex Ferguson did after iconic halfway line goal for Man Utd vs Wimbledon

    DAVID BECKHAM became a star overnight after his stunning half-way line goal against Wimbledon in 1996. But his Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson feared for the repercussions it could have on Beckham, aged just 21 at the time.
    David Beckham’s iconic goal against WimbledonCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    Sir Alex Ferguson told Beckham not to speak to anyone after his goalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    So much so that legendary manager Ferguson demanded the youngster avoid speaking to any members of the press.
    In Beckham’s new Netflix docuseries, he recalled: “I walked off the pitch, the manager said, ‘David you get on the bus and you don’t say a word. No interviews.'”
    The United midfielder shot to fame thanks to the stunner and his dad Ted admitted life was never the same after.
    He said: “They never left him alone after that.”
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    Beckham spent five senior seasons at Old Trafford from 1992–2003, winning the Premier League and Champions League.
    But he was just as big an attraction off the field, something still to this day he insists did not change him.
    Beckham said: “My life had become something different… It definitely didn’t change me.”
    But Ferguson argued: “Well, he changed. There’s no doubt about that.”
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    Beckham, now 48, left United for Real Madrid where he shone as a Galactico and added a LaLiga title to his name.
    From there, the ex-England captain had spells with AC Milan, LA Galaxy and PSG.
    Eventually, Beckham retired and now owns MLS side Inter Miami and played a pivotal part in bringing Lionel Messi Stateside.
    David Beckham talking in his new Netflix docuseriesCredit: Netflix More

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    Graham Potter among favourites to be next Man Utd boss despite Chelsea flop but Euro legend tops list to replace Ten Hag

    GRAHAM POTTER is one of the shock candidates to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager.Pressure is building on Ten Hag after the Red Devils slumped to their SIXTH defeat in ten matches on Tuesday night at the hands of Galatasaray.
    Erik Ten Hag is under mounting pressure at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Former Brighton boss Graham Potter is among the favourites to replace the DutchmanCredit: PA
    Ex-Red Devil Michael Carrick is an outside bet to steer the Old Trafford ship nextCredit: REX
    United are currently ROCK BOTTOM of their Champions League group after two matches and their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament are hanging by a thread.
    A Premier League title tilt is also highly unlikely as the Red Devils are currently toiling in TENTH place in the table.
    Some of the Old Trafford faithful are wondering if Ten Hag – who is Sky Bet’s second favourite to be the next Prem boss axed – is the man to take the club forward.
    A number of managers would gladly jump at the opportunity to replace the Dutchman – including the recently sacked Potter.
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    The 48-year-old is Paddy Power’s fourth favourite to take charge of United should Ten Hag be relieved of his duties.
    That’s despite his reign as Chelsea manager coming to an end in April – a mere seven months after his appointment.
    Paddy Power have the former Brighton boss at 10/1 to take charge of the Old Trafford helm.
    Potter’s replacement at the Amex Stadium – Roberto De Zerbi – is at shorter odds to succeed Ten Hag, with Paddy Power pricing him at 15/2.
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    England boss Gareth Southgate is also one of the big names favoured to replace Ten HagCredit: GETTY
    Julian Nagelsmann, who has been out of work since being axed by Bayern Munich in March, is 5/1 to take the job after Ten Hag.
    Zinedine Zidane, who won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid, is their favourite to take charge of the struggling Red Devils.
    Paddy Power have Zizou at 4/1 to be Ten Hag’s successor at the Theatre of Dreams.
    Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick – who is currently in charge of Middlesborough – is an outside bet at 12/1.
    And England boss Gareth Southgate is 16/1 to be in the Old Trafford dugout after Ten Hag.
    Despite results on the pitch not being worthy of his £200million summer spending spree, Ten Hag insists he’s not feeling the heat.
    He said: “Last season: brilliant, terrific, more than we could expect but also when we went into this project we knew there would be common gaps and in this moment we are in a very difficult period, as everyone can see.
    “But we come out together, we are fighting together, we are sticking together, behind each other.
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    “It’s me, the directors, the team, all together, we will fight and this is not us.
    “We know we have to do better and in togetherness we will come out.”
    Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is the favourite to replace Erik ten HagCredit: Getty More

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    Unemployed De Gea posts cryptic Instagram story after Onana’s horror show as Man Utd fans say ‘he knows what he’s doing’

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon David de Gea may have relished Andre Onana’s howler in their Champions League loss to Galatasaray.The Cameroonian keeper was at fault for the penalty the Red Devils conceded in their shock defeat to the Turkish giants on Tuesday night.
    Andre Onana made another error in Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat to GalatasarayCredit: REX
    The Cameroonian keeper was at fault for the penalty the Red Devils concededCredit: GETTY
    Former Red Devils keeper David De Gea took to his Instagram story after the matchCredit: INSTAGRAM@D_DEGEAOFFICIAL
    Onana carelessly gave the ball away to Dries Mertens in the 77th minute, leading to Casemiro taking out the Belgium international in the box and being sent for an early bath.
    Many of the Old Trafford faithful were quick to think of former stopper De Gea after Onana’s latest gaffe.

    And the Spaniard appeared to post a cryptic message on his Instagram not long after the match.
    De Gea – who is currently a free agent – posted a photo of himself smirking with two of his pals to his Instagram story.
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    His accompanying GIF caption read: “Love y’all.”
    United fans began putting two and two together, with one commenting: “That smile he knows what he is doing.”
    Another said: “Man is trolling Man Utd.”
    And another said: “Why post this now, for what exactly?”
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    One remarked: “Please don’t tell me he’s happy about this.”
    Another chimed in: “HE IS MOCKING US.”
    One of the Old Trafford faithful said: “That smile he knows.”
    United’s hopes of qualifying for the latter stages of Europe’s elite club competition are hanging by a thread following their 3-2 defeat to the Turkish champions.
    Goals from former Red Devil Wilfried Zaha, Muhammed Akturkoglu and Mauro Icardi condemned United to their SIXTH defeat in their last ten matches.
    Pressure is beginning to mount on manager Erik ten Hag, although the Dutchman isn’t concerned about his future.
    He said: “Last season: brilliant, terrific, more than we could expect but also when we went into this project we knew there would be common gaps and in this moment we are in a very difficult period, as everyone can see.
    “But we come out together, we are fighting together, we are sticking together, behind each other.
    “It’s me, the directors, the team, all together, we will fight and this is not us.
    Read More on The Sun
    “We know we have to do better and in togetherness we will come out.”
    United will be back in action on Saturday, welcoming Brentford to Old Trafford.
    Pressure is mounting on Manchester United manager Erik ten HagCredit: GETTY More

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    Antony comes on as sub in Man Utd’s clash against Galatasaray – despite domestic abuse allegations hanging over his head

    ANTONY came on as a sub during Manchester United’s clash against Galatasaray – despite the domestic abuse allegations hanging over his head.The Brazilian star was sent on to rescue United in the 85th minute after Mauro Icardi put Galatasaray 3-2 ahead.
    Antony came on for United tonightCredit: Reuters
    But United still lost the Champions League game 3-2Credit: Getty
    Antony is facing domestic abuse allegationsCredit: AP
    There was no reaction from the crowd at Old Trafford as Antony entered the fray.
    Antony has been accused of physical assault by an ex-girlfriend and was questioned by Greater Manchester Police for five hours last week.
    The £85million signing was granted a leave of absence to address the allegations – which he vehemently denies – but returned to training on Sunday.
    The former Ajax man has been accused of assault by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who claims he assaulted her when she was pregnant with his baby.
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    Cavallin reacted to the news of Antony’s return to training in a statement via her legal team.
    It read: “Gabriela Cavallin’s attorneys inform that the crimes committed by the player are still being investigated by the Manchester Police and also the Brazilian Police.
    “Which is why we believe that he will soon be sent to court, where he will have to face a trial.
    “It seems obvious to us that fallacies would be created with the intention that the team bringing him back to training.”
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    Antony has repeatedly denied the allegations, which became public in June.
    He wrote on Instagram: “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations that I have been a victim of.
    “From the beginning, I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications to the police.
    “The investigation is under judicial secrecy, and therefore I cannot make its contents public.
    “However, I can calmly say that the accusations are false, and that the current evidence and the ones yet to be produced demonstrate my innocence.”
    Manchester United issued a statement on the ongoing investigation last week condemning all “acts of violence and abuse”.
    It added: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK.
    “And he continues to do so.
    “As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed.
    “This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
    “As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse.
    “We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
    United blundered their way to defeat on another sorry occasion at Old Trafford.
    Rasmus Hojlund twice put the Red Devils ahead in the 17th and 67th minutes.
    Former Red Wilfried Zaha had got one back on 23 minutes.
    In the final 20 minutes though United completely lost their heads with Andre Onana all over the shop.
    Kerem Arturkoglu plundered a 71st minute equaliser.
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    Then Mauro Icardi, having just missed a penalty made amends with the 81st minute winner.
    It was Galatasaray’s first ever win in England in 11 attempts and their first away win anywhere in the competition, apart from a qualifier, in a decade. More

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    Man Utd eye Everton star who nearly quit because his ‘knees were gone’ in shock transfer after Lisandro Martinez blow

    MANCHESTER UNITED are monitoring Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as they hunt for a replacement for injured Lisandro Martinez.Martinez had a second operation on his injured metatarsal on Monday after tests revealed it had not healed correctly.
    Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is being targeted by Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
    The Argentina defender, 25, had returned to action after initial surgery in April.
    But he experienced pain in his foot against Arsenal last month.
    Martinez then played against Brighton and Bayern Munich before realising it wasn’t getting any better – as United confirmed he would go under the knife again.
    Martinez is now set to be sidelined until the New Year as he tries to overcome the problem once and for all.
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    But, even if Martinez returns before then, his injury woes will force United into the market for a new centre-back in the January transfer window.
    Toffees star Branthwaite is reported to be on Erik ten Hag’s radar, according to the Daily Mail.
    But the defender, 21, has had his own share of injury concerns.
    Branthwaite earlier this year opened up about suffering from a growing pains condition called Osgood-Schlatter.
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    And he admitted that he almost quit football at 16 as “his knees were gone.”
    Harry Maguire’s future at the club remains in doubt while Raphael Varane’s fitness record means more depth is required.
    The Everton ace will join Antonio Silva of Benfica, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba on the Red Devils centre-back shortlist.
    Branthwaite had a stellar season on loan from Everton at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven last term.
    PSV wanted to buy him in a permanent deal this term, while Manchester City have been among the English clubs also keeping an eye on his progress.
    Branthwaite is in talks with Everton over a new contract, but that is unlikely to deter interest in the player if he continues to shine. More

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    Man Utd ‘desperately trying to root out MOLE’ after popular social media account leaks team news and injury updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED fear they have a mole within their ranks leaking sensitive information.An anonymous account on X – formerly known as Twitter – has been sharing first-team news and injury updates before they are made public by the club.
    An anonymous account on X has been sharing confidential Manchester United injury newsCredit: AFP
    Man Utd are trying to root out a potential mole issuing sensitive information on social mediaCredit: EPA
    The mystery leaker has stopped posting on match days.
    But the account most recently issued injury updates regarding the fitness of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon, who are all sidelined.
    Much of the information is accurate, and confidential.
    And, according to The Mail, the account has raised immense suspicion at Old Trafford.
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    And United chiefs believe someone connected with the club must be behind it.
    Now the Manchester giants are said to be investigating in a bid to root out any possible moles.
    The profile was created earlier this year, often beating the Red Devils’ official accounts in revealing the latest news.
    This has led to plenty of traction online and a large number of followers.
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    The Red Devils fear those kinds of accounts could damage team unity and offer an advantage to their opponents.
    A United insider told the Mail: “Preparation for games these days is so thorough that leaked information about team line-ups and injuries can give the opposition an advantage to exploit.
    “United fans should be hounding out these accounts that routinely leak this kind of information, and questioning what is their motivation for doing it.”
    United return to action tonight against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
    Erik ten Hag’s are looking for their first European victory this season after losing 4-3 to Bayern Munich in Germany. More