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      Vincent Kompany denied Man Utd transfer as Sir Alex Ferguson became ‘smitten’ with little-known star on scouting mission

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      VINCENT KOMPANY missed out on a transfer to Manchester United because Sir Alex Ferguson became “smitten” with a little-known star.The Belgian former defender, 37, became a hero across town at Manchester City.
      Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany could have joined United insteadCredit: PA:Press Association
      Sir Alex Ferguson’s scouting mission for the Belgian defender was distractedCredit: PA
      In 11 years at the Etihad, Kompany won ten major honours including four Premier League titles to etch his name into the club’s folklore and cement his legendary status.
      But it could have been very different indeed.
      That is because Ferguson had identified Komapany as a transfer target all the way back in 2004 when he was still at Anderlecht, four years before his £7million move to City.
      A list of wanted defenders, published in Fergie’s Leading book, showed Kompany’s name alongside Gabriel Heinze, Gerard Pique and Philippe Mexes.
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      Heinze and Pique both joined while Mexes snubbed United to go to Roma instead.
      However, a swoop for Kompany collapsed when Ferguson got distracted on a scouting mission.
      The legendary Old Trafford boss said in 2018: “When I went to the Celtic vs Anderlecht Champions League tie in Glasgow in November 2003, it was to watch the Belgian defender Vincent Kompany.
      “However, my attention soon gravitated to Celtic’s energetic young midfielder, slight of stature but with an assured, calm way about him.
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      “What I witnessed was a player with a tremendous set of midfield fundamentals — his movement off the ball, his penetration of the Anderlecht midfield.
      “I came away smitten by his performance, not least the timing of his runs.
      “Leaving Parkhead I was totally determined to get Liam Miller to Manchester United.”
      Irishman Miller completed a switch to United in the summer of 2004 and made 22 appearances, including nine in the Premier League.
      He headed to Leeds on loan in 2005, though, before a journeyman career in England, Scotland and Australia.
      Miller played for hometown club Cork City in 2015 and spent the final year of his playing days at Wilmington Hammerheads in 2016.
      Tragically, the former midfielder died in February 2018, four days before his 37th birthday, after receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer.
      Kompany, meanwhile, stayed with Anderlecht for another two years and then signed for Hamburg.
      The 89-cap ace, who faces United as Burnley manager on Saturday, said in 2015: “United asked about me, but I had other priorities at the time.
      “I was studying for my A-levels and my mother made me finish my education before I could concentrate on football.
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      “It’s a massive honour to be captain of Manchester City and I can tell you that I feel really good.
      “I have put my sweat and blood into this club. I’m passionate about the club and I want success as much as the owners.”
      Ferguson named Kompany as a transfer target way back in 2004
      Liam Miller, right, signed for United in the summer of 2004Credit: Getty
      Kompany’s Burnley side host Manchester United on Saturday nightCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd fans convinced Son Heung-min is a secret fan as they beg Tottenham star to join club after red carpet interview

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced Son Heung-min is a secret fan.Supporters have begged the Tottenham star to join the Red Devils after seeing his red carpet interview from the EA FC launch.
      Manchester United supporters are convinced Son Heung-min is a secret fanCredit: PA

      Son was asked to build his ultimate player on his way into the event and chose three former United stars in his response.
      The Spurs captain picked out Paul Scholes’ passing, Ruud van Nistelrooy for his shooting and the strength of Wayne Rooney.
      He also highlighted the dribbling of World Cup winner Ronaldo and Thierry Henry’s pace.
      Reacting to the interview, one fan commented: “Sonny is a Man United fan no doubt.”
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      Another added: “Might as well come join United bro.”
      A third supporter also wrote: “Just join United buddy.”
      Meanwhile, one more joked: “He has Man United bedsheets and wallpaper at home.”
      Son previously played with former United striker Van Nistelrooy during their time at Hamburg.
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      He has also admitted in the past that he was a United fan growing up as well as being linked with the club in recent seasons.
      Compatriot Park Ji-Sung has even tipped Son to be a success at Old Trafford amid his previous transfer links.
      Son has scored three goals in five Premier League appearances this season, with all of them coming as he grabbed a hat-trick against Burnley earlier this month.
      He is also now the club’s captain, having taken the armband from Hugo Lloris back in August. More

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      Bruno Fernandes says Man Utd youngster deserves place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI after ‘training hard’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes insists youngster Facundo Pellistri deserves a place in the starting line-up.Pellistri, 21, made a rare start for United against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday and featured on the right wing.
      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes insists Facundo Pellistri deserves a place in the starting XICredit: Rex
      Fernandes is impressed with the way Pellistri trains at Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The winger was tasked with taking on Bayern left-back Alphonso Davies during the Red Devils’ 4-3 loss at the Allianz Arena.
      And the Uruguay international impressed Fernandes in his first start of the season with other forwards like out-of-favour Jadon Sancho, Antony – who’s on leave – and the injured Amad Diallo unavailable.
      The Portugal international insists Pellistri deserves more opportunities after “always training hard” and showing commitment to the team.
      Fernandes said: “Pellistri is one of the players that deserves his chance and deserves a lot of credit for everything he has done for the team.
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      “He is someone who is always available, always training hard and someone who deserves his chance.
      “He did well today, he did the job the manager asked him to do and we are all happy for him because he really deserves to get his chances.”
      United manager Erik ten Hag insisted he didn’t start Pellistri due to a lack of options in the wings.
      Instead, the Uruguayan earned his spot and the unenviable task of going up against Davies.
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      Ten Hag said before the match: “It’s not that we’ve given it to him [the chance]. He deserves it.
      “I thought it was not the right time as he came back from a tough journey in South America.
      “We already had two players in Casemiro and Licha Martinez, coming from that journey but I think he’s ready for it.
      “Now he has to prove it. It’s a great game and also he actually fits tactically very good as they have a tough player there in Davies with a lot of speed. He is the one who can match that speed.
      “That’s why we play him [to go up against Davies]. He can match him defence wise and he’s also capable to be a threat.
      “He is a very good dribbler, Pellistri, and Davies is not a great defender so we expect something from him.” More

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      Abandoned football stadium where David Beckham’s Man Utd suffered historic upset razed to ground after 90 years

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      A HISTORIC abandoned football stadium where David Beckham’s Manchester United suffered a famous upset has now been demolished.Home to York City FC, Bootham Crescent was razed to the ground after 90 years to make way for a unique housing development worth £7million.
      Manchester United suffered a famous upset against York City in 1995 despite prevailing on the nightCredit: Getty
      The legendary stadium has been torn down for a housing developmentCredit: Getty
      Bootham Crescent being torn down for new homesCredit: Google Maps
      Despite hosting countless matches and even surviving the Second World War, the iconic ground was ripped up after being sold to Persimmon Homes.
      The Minstermen left the 8,256 capacity ground in 2020 with the York Community Stadium in Huntington becoming their new home.
      But the National League side’s original patch still has a place in many York supporters’ hearts.
      Older fans may well remember some of their finest moments taking place at Bootham Crescent.

      Iconic moments included a historic FA Cup win over Arsenal in 1985 – followed by a 1-1 draw against a formidable Liverpool side in the same competition.
      But perhaps one of the greatest results witnessed at the hallowed ground was in fact a 3-1 loss to giants Manchester United in 1995.
      United were six games unbeaten in all competitions when York showed up for the first leg of the League Cup second round tie.
      City took on the Red Devils in the then-named Coca Cola League Cup, and defeated the Prem leaders in a shock 3-0 victory in the first leg at Old Trafford.
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      United put out a full strength team for the return leg at Bootham Crescent two weeks later.
      Stars like David Beckham, Roy Keane and mercurial forward Eric Cantona – who had just returned from a nine-month ban – all took to the pitch.
      And despite losing on the night thanks to two goals from Paul Scholes and another from Terry Cooke, York managed to hang on.
      The plucky underdogs went through 4-3 on aggregate thanks to Scott Jordan’s strike at Bootham Crescent.
      Stung by their League Cup embarrassment, United rallied together and went on to win the Premier League and FA Cup Double that year.
      The new Bootham Crescent development will eventually provide 93 new homes.
      19 properties will then be transferred to the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust to be made available for social rent and discount sale.
      A wide mix of properties will be available including, two, three, and four bedroom houses as well as one and two bedroom apartments.
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      Persimmon announced that there will be plenty of options for homebuyers at a range of prices, which will be released in due course.
      York got their first win of the season against Southend United last Saturday.
      David Beckham also played for the club in 1995Credit: Getty More

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      Erik ten Hag matches unwanted Solskjaer record as Man Utd slump to Bayern Munich defeat

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      ERIK TEN HAG has matched an unwanted record set by one his predecessors as Manchester United manger – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils slumped to a 4-3 defeat away to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last night.
      Erik ten Hag has now lost three games in a rowCredit: Getty
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the last United manager to match this recordCredit: Getty
      Ten Hag’s men very much second best at Allianz Arena – despite Bayern not being on their best form..
      Man Utd’s defeat was compounded by a goalkeeping howler by £47m summer signing Andre Onana in Munich.
      The Red Devils came into the match on the back of an embarrassing 3-1 drubbing at home to Brighton.
      This came just two weeks on from another crippling 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
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      The last time the Red Devils lost three games in a row was four years ago, under Solsjkaer.
      It was April 2019 when United lost three in a row – heavy defeats away to Barcelona and Everton and a humiliating Manchester derby loss at Old Trafford.
      That was near the end of the Norwegian’s first six months in charge – and was only made the permanent boss a few weeks before.
      Ten Hag however has been in the managerial position for well over a year now and finds himself under alot more pressure.
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      United have conceded more than 14 goals in their last five games – one of which they have won.
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      Another unwanted record is that United have conceded three or more goals in three straight games for the first time since Dave Sexton was manager in 1978.
      Last night’s result leaves the team bottom of their Champions League group after matchday one – as Galatasary drew 2-2 with Copenhagen.
      The Dutch boss is determined to bounce back in this weekend’s Premier League clash against Burnley at Turf Moor. More

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      Solskjaer slams Man Utd for missing out on Kane and names FOUR stars he begged Man Utd to sign including Jude Bellingham

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      OLE GUNNER SOLSKJAER has revealed in a new interview that he pleaded with United to sign five top players before he ultimately lost his job.Solskjaer was sacked following a 4-1 away defeat to Watford in November 2021 after a start to the season which saw them lose five of their opening seven games.
      Solskjaer claims he tried to sign Kane, Bellingham, Haaland, Rice and Caicedo while at UnitedCredit: PA
      He said he “would have signed Kane every day of the week”Credit: Getty
      And that he wanted Bellingham BEFORE he went to Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
      In an interview with The Athletic, Solskjaer opened up on everything that went wrong during his tenure, including tactics, signings and the club’s ownership.
      And one area where he feels that he was not backed was in bringing transfers in.
      Solskjaer said he identified a number of stars with potential that United failed to sign during his tenure.
      He claims that United “couldn’t” sign these young players and when he was asked by The Athletic who they were he said: “Erling Haaland, before he made his Salzburg debut. 
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      “Declan Rice, who wouldn’t have cost what he did in the summer.
      “We discussed Moises Caicedo, but we felt we needed players ready for there and then. 
      “Brighton are very good at letting players come from abroad and find their feet for a year and a half.
      “At United, you don’t have that luxury and that has cost the club loads of players.
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      He also explained how he’d asked the United board to sign Jude Bellingham, saying: “We wanted Jude Bellingham badly — he’s a Man United player, but I respect he chose Dortmund. That was probably sensible.
      “But it’s why I respect Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Dan James and Jadon [Sancho].
      “Young players prepared to come into a team that wasn’t 100 per cent there like it was when I arrived.”
      He also explained how he would have done his utmost to sign Harry Kane this summer had he still been the United manager.
      Reports emerged yesterday that Kane “had his heart set” on a move to United and even would have waited until next summer to make the move on a free.
      But united were not interested after turning their attentions to £72million rated Rasmus Hojlund.
      Speaking about his long-term interest in Kane, Solskjaer said: “I would have signed Kane every day of the week and my understanding was that he wanted to come.
      “But the club didn’t have the budget with the financial constraints from Covid-19, there was no bottomless pit.”
      Kane himself commented on United’s interest this summer, saying: “Man United option for me last summer? Obviously there were talks with different clubs.
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      “But FC Bayern was a club I was really interested in. Once they came in there weren’t many other options. 
      “Manchester United is a big club but I’m very happy here.” More

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      Ten Hag has NO regrets about missing out on Harry Kane despite horror start as Man Utd boss lauds ‘big talent’ Hojlund

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      ERIK TEN HAG has no regrets over missing out on Harry Kane as he bid to stop the England talisman tomorrow.The Manchester United manager made Kane his No 1 transfer target at the start of the summer.
      Man Utd missed out on signing Harry Kane this summerCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils signed Rasmus Hojlund insteadCredit: Getty
      But the striker, 30, ended up leaving Tottenham for Champions League opponents Bayern Munich in a £104million deal.
      United brought in rookie Rasmus Hojland, 20, for an initial £64m but they have slumped to THREE defeats in their opening five Prem games.
      Asked if he had any regrets at not landing Kane, Ten Hag said: “No. We are happy with Rasmus.
      “For the first game, he was injured. He played against Arsenal, he’s had a start, now we have to integrate him in the team.
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      “You can see he’s a big talent.”
      United have scored just six goals in five Prem games this season, while Kane has netted four times in four Bundesliga matches.
      Now that Hojlund has returned from a back injury, Ten Hag is confident the Dane will form a great partnership with Marcus Rashford, who hit career-best 30 goals last season.
      He said: “We have to work on how the two can benefit from each other.
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      Erik ten Hag has no regrets about not signing KaneCredit: PA
      “But they have to know each other and that process has just started but at the same time, we need results. It has to go hand in hand.
      “We learn from every training session and every game and we reflect.
      “We have seen Rasmus and Rashy together, they are talking about how they can benefit from each other.
      “You can see that discussion and the interaction is going on, on the pitch, you can see that connection is there and they will get the routines there.”
      The pair combined to find the net and what they thought was an equaliser on Saturday against Brighton.
      But the ball had run out of play before Rashford crossed it and United went on to lose 3-1.
      It has put the pressure on as they return to Champions League action tomorrow after last season’s third placed finish.
      Ten Hag said: “We are in a process and what you see is in parts of games we play very good but in parts of games we play below our levels.
      “What we have to demand is to be consistent, we have to step up in certain levels, for 90-plus minutes.”
      We are happy with Rasmus.Ten Hag on Hojlund
      United arrived in Munich without 12 players available, nine of whom are injured.
      Raphael Varane, Mason Mount and Harry Maguire trained today but did not travel to Germany.
      Ten Hag said: “One thing is true – from the start last season I almost never started with the best starting XI.
      “It was always something like an injury. But you have to deal with it and we always get the results, apart from the period we are in now.
      “That is football and I have the experience in the past, I have managed it in the past.
      “Of course, it’s a concern but that’s why we constructed the squad with depth – so we can deal with it. The squad can deal with it.”
      United face a Bayern team at the Allianz Arena who are unbeaten in their last 27 group games at home – a record going back ten years.
      But the last team to avoid defeat here in the group stage was managed by Ten Hag when Ajax drew in 2018.
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      He added: “They have very attractive players, very skilful, you can’t be unfocused for one second, one split second.
      “But we are looking forward because we like the challenge and we trust ourselves.”
      Kane has scored four goals in four Bundesliga appearances since joining Bayern MunichCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘finally some good news’ as FOUR injured stars return to training ahead of Bayern Munich test

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have rejoiced at the news that FOUR stars have returned to training ahead of tomorrow’s game against Bayern Munich.Manager Erik Ten Hag had preached patience to fans wanting the injured stars to return for the Bayern Munich game, saying they were more likely to make the squad for next week’s trip to Burnley.
      Mason Mount returned to training in a major boost for Erik Ten HagCredit: PA
      Raphael Varane also took part in the sessionCredit: PA
      Amrabat returned but did not train with the main group
      He said after Saturday’s defeat to Brighton: “Maybe, maybe one player, but I think Munich is a little bit too short. But I think, when we go to Burnley in the week after, I think players will return, yes.”
      But United fans have in fact been handed a huge boost with Mason Mount, Raphael Varane, Sofyan Amrabat and Kobbie Mainoo all returning.
      Varane missed the last two United matches with an unspecified muscle problem and Mount has missed the last three.
      The pair trained alongside the main group and should be available for selection against Bayern Munich.
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      Sofyan Amrabat meanwhile is continuing to train away from the main group as he looks to regain fitness before making his United debut.
      The midfielder was set to play a part for Morocco during the international break but picked up a minor tweak, meaning he’ll have to continue to wait to make his debut for United.
      In another boost for United, Kobbie Mainoo has finally returned to training after picking up an injury against Real Madrid in pre-season.
      The 18-year-old was one of United’s highlights of the pre-season but a tackle from Madrid winger Rodrygo ruled him out for months.
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      Mainoo took part in individual trainingCredit: twitter @UtdPlug
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      Like Amrabat, he did not take part in full training.
      Anticipation for his return will be high as Ten Hag continues to tinker to try and find his strongest possible midfield.
      United fans on Twitter were buzzing with the injury boost after a testing opening period of the season.
      Reacting to the return of the four, one fan on Twitter said “Finally, some good news for United. Will the presence of Varane and Mount be sufficient to inspire a positive result for them at Bayern tho? I highly doubt it.”
      Another wrote: “Great to see Mason Mount and Raphael Varane back in action for Manchester United! The team is looking stronger than ever!”
      A third wrote: “Good news. They’ll be back to their winning form.”
      United face Bayern Munich at The Allianz Arena tomorrow at 8pm in what will be Harry Kane’s Champions League debut for the Bundesliga side.
      Earlier today, reports emerged that Kane had his heart set on a move to United, not Bayern, this summer but United opted to sign Rasmus Hojlund instead.
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