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    Major boost for Mason Greenwood’s Man Utd return hopes as CEO Richard Arnold leaves club before ‘takeover’

    HOPES of Mason Greenwood returning to Man United may have been given a boost today – after the man who sacked him leaves the club.CEO Richard Arnold will depart Old Trafford before the end of the year.
    Richard Arnold is set to leave his role as Manchester United CEOCredit: AFP
    Manchester United General Counsel Patrick Stewart has been appointed interim CEOCredit: Getty
    Greenwood sealed a shock season-long loan move to LaLiga side Getafe on transfer deadline day to end the 18-month exileCredit: Rex
    Patrick Stewart, United’s general counsel, will remain in post but also be interim CEO.
    Greenwood “mutually agreed” to leave United on August 21 following his January 2022 arrest for attempted rape and sexual assault which saw him suspended from the club.
    He was charged in October that year but all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
    It was Stewart who helped conduct an internal Man United investigation into Greenwood which ruled he should return.
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    But Richard Arnold did not follow this recommendation.
    He was previously reported to have been considering giving the star a second chance following an internal investigation by the club.
    But backlash from fans and protests outside Old Trafford saw Arnold reconsider and he sent Greenwood packing.
    In a statement in August, Man United said they “recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career” at the club.
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    They said his exit was the “most appropriate” result from the saga, adding: “We will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
    Arnold added: “This case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.”
    The controversial striker, 21, sealed a shock season-long loan move to LaLiga side Getafe on transfer deadline day to end the 18-month exile.
    There is no suggestion Patrick Stewart will bring Greenwood back.
    Arnold had been United’s CEO since succeeding Ed Woodward in February, 2022.
    He entered the football world when he joined United in 2007, initially being appointed a group commercial director.
    It comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Sport is set to confirm its acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the club.
    Joel Glazer, Executive Co-Chairman, said in a statement: “I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to Manchester United over the past 16 years, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
    “We are fortunate to be able to call on the deep knowledge and experience of Patrick Stewart to provide interim stability and continuity as we embark on a search for a new permanent CEO.” More

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    Man Utd ‘convinced’ about signing latest Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, 19, dubbed ‘the next Bruno Fernandes’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have upped their interest in Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, according to reports.The Red Devils have held an interest in Neves, 19, since June.
    Man Utd want to sign Joao Neves from BenficaCredit: Getty
    They have closely followed his performances this season by sending scouts to watch several Benfica games.
    And according to Portuguese outlet Record, they are now “fully convinced” about the midfielder.
    Neves began training with the Benfica first team in January following the departure of Enzo Fernandez.
    He has since made 38 senior appearances across all competitions.
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    The teenager has impressed fans since breaking into the first team, with some even calling him the “next Bruno Fernandes”.
    Neves made his international debut for Portugal alongside the Man Utd captain last month in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    Fernandes is understood to be a huge admirer of him.
    While United hold a strong interest in Neves, Juventus are also keen on signing him.
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    However, Benfica are “in no rush to sell” and the player is “in no rush to leave” amid rumours of a transfer.
    Neves recently signed a new deal with Benfica which runs through to 2028 and has a release clause of £103m. More

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    Ratcliffe will give Ten Hag transfer war chest to overhaul Man Utd in January with Sancho among three names up for sale

    ERIK TEN HAG will be given a transfer war chest once Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sealed his deal with Manchester United.The under-pressure Dutchman is poised to carry out “a reset” of his squad in January – and is believed to be targeting a full-back and a winger.
    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will be backed in the January transfer windowCredit: Rex
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe will back Ten Hag with a transfer war chest at Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
    It’s also understood that Ten Hag would be willing to listen to offers for Antony, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho as he looks to refresh his attacking options.
    A United source explained Ten Hag’s eyes remain “very firmly” fixed on securing a Champions League place – something he is convinced his squad can achieve, especially after the weekend win over Luton.
    Our source said: “January will be a big month for United. The deal involving Sir Jim should be done by then, and this will free up funds for Ten Hag to reset his squad.
    “He’s targeting a forward who can play on either flank and a right full-back.
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    “There’s a massive question mark over Sancho and Martial – neither are thought to be a part of the manager’s long-term plans. Both could move on.
    “Despite the difficulties of the first few weeks of the season, Ten Hag remains very confident and will be using the international break to try and work with the wider squad.
    “He’s convinced they can finish in the top four. Even though their form has been erratic, they are still within touching distance of those places. Now they have to kick on.
    “Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team won’t be coming in and demanding changes to the management. Ten Hag will get time to prove he’s the person to take the club back to past glories.”
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    Meanwhile SunSport can reveal that Scott McTominay has now “secured his future at the club” having almost left in the summer.
    Our source added: “Ten Hag needs Scott in his team. There’s no chance he’d let him go now.
    “Scott is a key part of the side now as is Harry Maguire. In fact they are two of the first names on the team sheet. Things change fast in football.” More

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    Victor Osimhen reveals he owns two Premier League kits as Liverpool join Chelsea and Arsenal in transfer race

    VICTOR OSIMHEN has revealed he owns two Premier League shirts as clubs queue up for the in-demand striker.The Napoli hitman finished as top scorer in Serie A last season.
    Victor Osimhen is wanted by multiple Premier League teamsCredit: Getty
    That sparked interest from several Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Arsenal.
    Now the Nigerian has revealed he owns two team shirts – Manchester United and Chelsea.
    He told The Obi One podcast: “I don’t have a favourite Premier League team but I’ve two jerseys: Chelsea and Manchester United.
    “Many friends of mine are Chelsea fans, few are United fans.
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    “Premier League is the most appreciated league by every African player — it’s a huge league.”
    Arsenal have been linked to a striker with Eddie Nketiah struggling for goals in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus.
    Brentford star Ivan Toney is believed to be of interest but he could cost between £80-£100million.
    Osimhen is another potential option for the Gunners although SunSport revealed Liverpool sent scouts to watch the Napoli ace while he was on international duty last month.
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    United are also said to be interested in Osimhen as they are targeting an experienced forward to help out Rasmus Hojlund.
    It remains to be seen if Napoli will let their star man leave in January, and if he does go it could be for a fee upwards of £100m. More

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    Jadon Sancho and Richarlison wanted in stunning Saudi Arabia transfers as Premier League braced for triple raid

    MANCHESTER UNITED outcast Jadon Sancho and Tottenham forward Richarlison are wanted by clubs in Saudi Arabia, according to reports.Saudi teams are ramping up their transfer preparation ahead of the January window.
    Jadon Sancho could leave Manchester United after being banished from the first-teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Richarlison was wanted by a Saudi club in the summerCredit: Reuters
    And it appears they are determined to lure more big names from the Premier League to the Middle East.
    The likes of Al-Ittihad tried to sign Mo Salah in the summer, with Son Heung-min also revealing he rejected an offer from the Saudi Pro League.
    Now clubs are targeting Sancho and Richarlison, according to The Telegraph.
    It is claimed Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq were amongst the clubs interested in Sancho in the summer.
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    The winger has since fallen out with manager Erik ten Hag and has been banished from United’s first-team squad.
    He has been linked with a loan move to former side Borussia Dortmund, but Al-Ettifaq could return with a bid following their stuttering start to the season.
    While Richarlison is understood to have attracted interest from Al-Ittihad and Spurs could decide to sell as he has failed to live up to his £60million price tag since joining.
    United could also decide to cash in on Bruno Fernandes with reports claiming Saudi clubs are prepared to spend £87m on the midfielder.
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    Erik ten Hag may want to keep ahold of the Portuguese however after making him captain in the summer.
    But he will likely be happy to see Sancho leave, with the winger still exiled after failing to apologise to him over their public spat in September.
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be happy to sell him when he joins the United board following his investment in the club. More

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    Ten Hag forced to miss Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral with Harry Maguire one of four Man Utd stars paying respects to icon

    ERIK TEN HAG has missed Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral due to an “unbreakable and long-standing personal commitment in Holland”. Manchester United icon Charlton last month passed away aged 86 following a battle with dementia.
    Erik ten Hag will miss Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeralCredit: AP
    Charlton’s funeral cortege is passed Old Trafford before heading on to Manchester Cathedral for a memorial service.
    Sir Bobby was commemorated alongside former teammates Denis Law and George Best in the “United Trinity” statue at around 1.30pm.
    The cortege then passed through a guard of honour comprising members of the club’s youth team squads and the statue before setting off for the cathedral via the A56, Trinity Way, Chapel Street and Victoria Bridge.
    Despite Ten Hag being unable to attending, former captain Harry Maguire was among four current stars present.
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    Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton joined Maguire at the service while other United players are on international duty.
    The United boss apologised and explained his absence was due to “an unbreakable and long-standing personal commitment in the Netherlands”.
    United legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were all also there.
    But the unpopular Glazer family were not, fearing a backlash from supporters who are keen to see them end their ownership of the club.
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    United declined to comment when approached by SunSport.
    The ceremony, which was not filmed or broadcast, included eulogies and tributes from former United chief executive David Gill and a personal tribute from Sir Bobby’s family.
    Thousands lined the streets as the funeral cortege arrived at Old Trafford.
    The midfielder made 758 appearances and scored 249 goals for the Red Devils in a glittering 17-year playing career.
    He survived the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, which claimed the lives of eight of his fellow Busby Babes, and went on to win the World Cup with England in 1966 alongside older brother Jack.
    His glittering career also included winning the European Cup with United two years later.
    Charlton returned to the club as a director in 1984 and continued to serve both it and football in general as a much-admired ambassador until his latter years.
    His stature in the game was reflected in the tributes which poured in after the news of his death was announced.
    Sir Bobby Charlton passed away aged 86 following a battle with dementiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Man Utd ‘set to receive £87m transfer bid for Bruno Fernandes with Saudi clubs desperate to land Portuguese star’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to receive a “super” offer for Bruno Fernandes from Saudi Arabia, reports suggest.Fernandes is among United manager Erik ten Hag’s most important players that has led the team to some significant results despite another turbulent campaign.
    Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is being targeted by Saudi Arabian clubsCredit: Rex
    Man Utd could receive an offer worth €100million (£87m) for FernandesCredit: Reuters
    According to Fichajes, however, the Red Devils are facing the prospect of losing their captain in the summer transfer window with some of the biggest Saudi clubs keeping tabs.
    In fact, Saudi Pro League clubs are looking to offer a whopping €100million (£87m) to land the 29-year-old at the end of the season.
    This comes after reports suggesting that representatives from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are set to hold talks with the midfielder’s entourage.
    The oil-rich PIF, who own 80 per cent of Newcastle, control four of Saudi Arabia’s biggest teams Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad.
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    The group have already signed some of the world’s biggest names for the respective clubs, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar and Riyad Mahrez.
    Fernandes arrived at Old Trafford in 2020 from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth up to £60m.
    The Portugal international has since amassed a total of 68 goals and 57 assists in 201 appearances for United.
    And the playmaker’s consistent performances led to the captain’s armband following Harry Maguire’s struggles at Old Trafford.
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    Fernandes’ impressive displays have continued this season with four goals and three assists in 16 appearances across all competitions.
    The Portuguese star also looks set to play a critical role for Portugal as Roberto Martinez’s side gears up for Euro 2024.
    Many players who moved to Saudi Arabia have continued to play for their countries, such as Jordan Henderson who joined Al-Ettifaq last summer but is still relied on by England manager Gareth Southgate. More

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    Man Utd send scouts to watch 18-year-old wonderkid as his own manager says ‘that doesn’t surprise me at all’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have sent scouts to watch wonderkid Jayden Addai, according to reports.Addai, 18, plays for AZ Alkmaar’s under-19 side.
    Jayden Addai is one of Holland’s brightest talentsCredit: Rex
    United scouts were present at AZ’s u-19 match against Molde FK in the Uefa Youth League, according to Football Transfers.
    The attacker has impressed in Holland’s second division, where AZ’s B team plays, and is reportedly attracting the interest of some of Europe’s biggest sides.
    The forward has nine goals in 11 league games and is now seen as one of Holland’s brightest talents.
    It’s seen as a matter of time in the Netherlands before Addai receives the call up to AZ’s first-team.
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    AZ are currently third in the Eredivisie and the introduction of the youngster into the first team could take them further up the table.
    They are also competing in the Europa Conference League this season and are in the same group as Aston Villa.
    Despite being a permanent presence in AZ’s B side, Addai is competing with AZ’s U-19s in the Uefa Youth League as the side look to win the prestigious tournament.
    Addai registered a goal and two assists in the U-19s side’s 4-3 victory over Molde and picked up the man of the match award.
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    That’s reportedly done enough to convince Manchester United’s scouts to recommend a move for the forward.
    The attacker is under contract at AZ until 2025 and the club’s hierarchy are reluctant to see him leave.
    Speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, AZ’s manager Pascal Jansen said about United’s reported interest: “That doesn’t surprise me at all because Jayden is a great talent.
    “He’s a good player, so I hope he shows up in 30-plus games in the KKD [Holland’s second division]. I hope that he can stand out there.” More