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    ‘There are a lot of fall-outs behind the scenes’ at Man Utd says Shay Given who sees ‘divide’ between Ten Hag and stars

    FORMER Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given said that Manchester United’s problems extend beyond the field following their 3-0 defeat to Newcastle last night.He believes there is a “real divide” between the players and Erik Ten Hag as he delivered his analysis on the heavy defeat.
    Things are beginning to look ominous for Ten Hag at UnitedCredit: Alamy
    The result was United’s second consecutive 3-0 loss at home after being beaten by Manchester City at the weekend.
    There is a growing feeling that Ten Hag has lost the dressing room at United, with his treatment of Jadon Sancho continuing to dominate conversation.
    The winger continues to be exiled from the squad until he apologises to the manager, but that position has been undermined by Ten Hag continuing to play the likes of Antony.
    Raphael Varane’s absence from the Manchester derby first XI and complete omission from the squad yesterday is another talking point, with some claiming the Frenchmen is the “new scapegoat”.
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    Given told Sky Sports after the match: “It feels there is a real divide, in my opinion, between the players and the manager.
    “I think there are a lot of fall outs behind the scenes, that maybe we don’t hear about.
    “Varane was missing tonight and in the derby, ill, Sancho is out of the picture and Antony has had his issues.
    “At the end of any managerial reign at any club, there seems to be a disbelief.
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    Given told Sky Sports he is worried for Ten Hag at UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
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    “Players have to take responsibility, that’s their job when you cross the white line.
    “But it seems at the end of someone’s tether that players, I don’t want to say down tools, but there is disconnection.
    “Losing the derby at the weekend and then losing here tonight, the game was over after an hour.”
    Former Manchester United and Newcastle striker Andy Cole said the club needs to stick together in the midst of defeat with the club now at a crossroads.
    He told Sky Sports: “Losing Sunday and again this evening, the performance wasn’t good and Ten Hag knows that and appreciates that.
    “He is talking about looking at himself, but the players need to look at themselves as once you go over the white line, it is not about the manager, it is about playing for each other.”
    United have the chance to arrest their poor run of form since the international break when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham this Saturday.
    Another poor result could leave the manager in big trouble – with United ninth and eight points adrift of a Champions League spot. More

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    Fans say Newcastle Twitter admin ‘chose violence’ after savage tweet during Man Utd Carabao Cup mauling

    FANS claim Manchester United were “cooked on and off the pitch” as Newcastle’s social media team “chose violence” with a taunting tweet.Three days after a 3-0 Prem derby humbling against Manchester City, United departed the Carabao Cup by the same score against the Toon. 
    Man Utd fans booed their team at the end of each half while some in a crowd of 72,484 left Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat earlyCredit: Getty

    Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag is under mounting pressureCredit: Getty
    Noting some home supporters exiting early, the Magpies’ admin posted: “Tonight’s attendance at Old Trafford is 72,000. Slightly less now.”
    And the response on X, formerly known as Twitter, was no kinder to the Red Devils.
    “It’s a zinger,” said one fan, and “Total violation,” stated another – apparently with glee.
    United were booed off at the end of each half by disheartened fans.
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    And after the Toon added to the home misery with their online jibe, one supporter mocked Erik ten Hag’s troubled side further by posting: “Cooking them on the pitch. Cooking them on Twitter.”
    Fans, at least from the North East, were even more delighted when one viewer posted what he called “context” – a clip of those United fans leaving before the final whistle.
    Newcastle supporters could be heard chanting in that video: “We can see you sneaking out.” 
    One fan replied online: “Watched like 32 times. I love this so much.”
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    Early sub Miguel Almiron and Lewis Hall, with his first goal for Newcastle, had put the visitors 2-0 up at the break.
    Joe Willock’s solo special then clinched a victory stroll on the hour.
    Old Trafford boss Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “We know this is not good enough. We have to take responsibility for it, so do I. We’re sorry to the fans.”
    And of the jeers from United supporters, the Dutchman added: “We have to recover from it. We have to do it quickly. Saturday (at Fulham) is the next game. We have to raise our standards.”
    In contrast, Newcastle fans could not have been happier with their nightCredit: AP More

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    Man Utd’s Mason Mount slaughtered over Newcastle’s first goal as online jokers tease ‘if only his shirt wasn’t so tight’

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans blasted Mason Mount for a disastrous first-half performance against Newcastle.United hosted the Magpies at Old Trafford and found themselves trailing 2-0 at half-time after goals by Miguel Almiron and Lewis Hall.
    Manchester United ace Mason Mount was slammed on social mediaCredit: Reuters
    That was after the way Newcastle’s Tino Livramento went past Mount with immense ease

    And it was Almiron’s opener in the 28th minute that led to some intense criticism for Mount.
    Tino Livramento won the ball back in the Toon’s own half, before going past the playmaker with absolute ease.
    Livramento then played the Paraguay international a perfect ball at the back post from where his team-mate hit the back of the net.
    United legend Gary Neville was so stunned he claimed the full-back went past Mount “like he’s not there”.
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    Fans took to social media immediately after Newcastle’s opener to voice their own shock.
    Some even trolled United over recent reports suggesting the players have found their adidas kit to be “too tight”.
    Paddy Power tweeted: “If only Mason Mount’s shirt wasn’t so tight, Livramento wouldn’t have been able to waltz past him as if he wasn’t there.”
    Another commented: “What has happened Mason Mount, my God Livramento walked past him there.”
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    A third posted: “Mason Mount let Livramento have a clean run.”
    This fan said: “Bro how can Livramento run past Mount like tha?”
    And that one stated: “Livramento just absolutely rinsed us… Moved passed Mount like he was nothing.” More

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    Man Utd’s 20 worst ever signings named with Paul Pogba in second and England star Harry Maguire in seventh

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever signings have been named with a handful of current stars among them.The 20 biggest transfer flops in the club’s history were ranked by FourFourTwo.
    Paul Pogba has been ranked second in Manchester United’s worst ever signingsCredit: Getty
    Harry Maguire also appears in the top 20, coming in at seventh on the listCredit: Getty
    Paul Pogba comes in second place, with Harry Maguire also appearing in the top 10.
    Portuguese winger Bebe comes in at number one as the Red Devils’ worst ever signing.
    Bebe was signed as an unknown in 2010 after being spotted by the club’s scouting network.
    Sir Alex Ferguson even admitted he had never seen him play following his £7.5million move from Vitoria Guimaraes.
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    The wideman scored twice in seven appearances for United before he was sold to Benfica four years later following a string of loans.
    Pogba places one spot behind Bebe, though, having returned to Old Trafford for a then world record £89million fee in 2016.
    However, the Frenchman won just three trophies as he battled criticism from fans and pundits across the next six years.
    By the time he left on a free in 2022, Pogba had registered 80 goal contributions in 226 appearances.
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    Bebe’s £7.5million move sees him ranked first in the listCredit: Getty

    Cult hero Eric Djemba-Djemba completes the top three, having been signed as a potential successor to Roy Keane in 2003.
    His £4million move from Nantes failed to prove fruitful, though, as he made just 13 league starts before leaving for Aston Villa 18 months later.
    The rest of the top five consists of Ralph Milne and Donny van de Beek, who rank just ahead of Alexis Sanchez and Maguire.
    Milne was signed from Bristol City in 1988 but made just 29 appearances before losing his place in the side to Lee Sharpe.
    Ferguson even picked Milne out as his worst ever signing in 2009, explaining: “I only paid £170,000 but I still get condemned for it.”
    Eric Djemba-Djemba completes the top threeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Ralph Milne was singled out by Sir Alex Ferguson as his worst signingCredit: Getty
    As for Van de Beek, he remains at the club after signing from Ajax for £34million in 2020.
    His time in England has been marred by injuries and a lack of minutes, with a loan move to Everton failing to turn his fortunes around.
    With just under two years still remaining on his contract, the Dutch midfielder has played just 21 minutes so far this season.
    Sanchez sits in between Van de Beek and Maguire in sixth after he lasted just a year-and-a-half at Old Trafford.
    The forward had been highly sought after before he signed from Arsenal in 2018 for £30million in a deal which saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan go the other way.
    However, Sanchez mustered just five goals in 45 appearances ahead of being shipped out on loan to Inter Milan, who he would then join on a free transfer.
    Maguire is next and finishes the not so magnificent seven despite being a former United captain.
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    The England international had the armband taken off him by Erik ten Hag in the summer after a dip in form saw him slammed by fans.
    His £75million arrival from Leicester in 2019 had made him the most expensive defender in history before rivals Manchester City snapped up Josko Gvardiol for £78million this year.
    Donny van de Beek has struggled since his £34million transfer to UnitedCredit: The Mega Agency
    Alexis Sanchez left United on a free transfer just 18 months after signingCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Man Utd ‘lining up Onana replacement as they scout keeper with £65m release clause’ – but could turn to unemployed star

    MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a swoop for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to reports.The Red Devils signed Andre Onana in a £47million transfer from Inter Milan this summer, but his performances so far have left a lot to be desired.
    Man Utd want to sign Diogo CostaCredit: EPA
    Despite his poor run of form, the 27-year-old recently said that he WILL compete in the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in January if given the chance, meaning Erik ten Hag will be without his No.1 for up to seven games.
    SunSport exclusively revealed last week that United are exploring the possibility of bringing David De Gea back to Old Trafford to cover Onana’s absence.
    However, Portuguese outlet A Bola now claim that the Red Devils are targeting a move for Porto shotstopper Costa.
    A United representative allegedly went to watch the Portugal international in action against Vizela last week.
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    Costa’s current contract expires in 2027, but he has a £65m release clause.
    The 24-year-old has been at Porto since 2011.
    He made his first team debut in 2019 and became the club’s first choice goalkeeper two years later.
    Costa has since made 122 appearances and kept 50 clean sheets.
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    Should he join Man Utd, Costa will likely become Ten Hag’s first choice goalkeeper.
    Onana could then be moved to the bench. More

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    Struggling Man Utd stars ‘moan adidas kits TOO TIGHT and are wearing replica tops’ as fans say ‘our club is a mess’

    MANCHESTER UNITED stars have complained their adidas kit is too tight as their shambolic season finds news lows.According to The Mail, some United players are so dissatisfied with their kit manufacturers that they have been wearing replica items instead.
    Manchester United stars have complained about their adidas kitCredit: AP
    Andre Onana is among the players frustrated at the kitCredit: EPA
    Some of the Red Devils’ aces have not worn the official socks since the second game of the season at Tottenham in August.
    Andre Onana has had issues with his jersey as he had been wearing the shirt specifically designed for players with a closer fit than those made available to fans.
    However, the summer signing found it too tight and has now switched to a looser replica version.
    The Manchester giants’ 2-1 victory over Sheffield United two weeks ago was the final straw for the goalkeeper.
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    Bizarrely, United’s No1 last season David de Gea complained his kit was too BAGGY.
    However, Onana has a larger frame than his predecessor and it appears the adjustments made with De Gea in mind have backfired.
    Other United players have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the socks as they find them too tight on their calves.
    Some cut holes in the back of their socks but the club ultimately switched to fan-issue socks as a temporary solution.
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    The club and adidas did not comment to the Daily Mail on the situation but the kitwear company are understood to be looking into a solution.
    United fans, however, have been left furious with the latest issue amid a turbulent campaign that has seen Erik ten Hag’s men slumping to eighth place in the Premier League table.
    One fan tweeted: “Holy f**k our club is a mess.”
    Another commented: “We’ve already blamed VAR. The refs. The injuries. The schedule. The owners. The stadium. Only thing left was the kit and well… Here we are.”
    A third posted: “What a disaster of a club from top to socks.”
    This fan said: “We have become a joke club. What is this am I reading!!”
    And that one wrote: “We should start keeping some news to ourselves. This club is highly embarrassing.”
    Man Utd stars claim the jerseys and socks are too tight this seasonCredit: PA More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Chris Smalling’s Rome house ‘burgled’ as crooks ‘break in through window and try to escape with safe’

    A GANG of burglars reportedly broke into Chris Smalling’s home and tried to steal a safe.The former Manchester United star will be questioned by police to get an account of what was stolen.
    Chris Smalling was a target of Burglars in his house in ItalyCredit: Rex
    He is married to Sam Cooke and has a son called LeoCredit: instagram
    The burglars were said to be ‘professionals’Credit: PA:Press Association
    Smalling, 33, is currently playing his trade for Roma in the Serie A.
    Italian media have claimed that his home in Tor Carbone in the Appia Antica area was targeted by thugs on Monday.
    It is reported that a gang broke into his home by smashing a window.
    It goes on to say that they attempted to steal a safe from the house after failing to break into it.
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    Police are said to be investigating the scene and a forensic team have been called in.
    The media have claimed that the gang are “professionals” and are suspected to have come from Eastern Europe.
    SunSport have contacted local police for comment
    It comes two years after the defender was robbed at gunpoint.
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    They have lived in Italy since 2020
    The couple got married in 2017Credit: instagram
    In 2021, Smalling was robbed in front of his wife Sam Cooke and toddler son Leo when three hooded men broke into his home.
    The incident left the family “very distressed” as they required support from the police.
    Smalling signed for Roma in 2020 after a successful loan spell with the club.
    During his time at Old Trafford, he won two Premier League titles after joining from Fulham.
    He married former Page 3 glamour model Sam in June 2017.
    The couple’s son Leo was born before they moved to Italy.
    Smalling is currently sidelined with injury, having played his last match on September 1.
    Earlier this year he rejected Premier League interest in order to stay at Roma and signed a two-year contract extension. More

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    Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s Man Utd future in limbo as Red Devils mull over extending two other players’ contracts

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Aaron Wan-Bissaka faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford.Wan-Bissaka’s deal with United runs out in June after talks over a new contract hit a snag in the summer.
    Manchester United ace Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future at Old Trafford is uncertainCredit: Getty
    Man Utd ace Victor Lindelof is free to talk to clubs overseas in JanuaryCredit: The Times
    Man Utd are uncertain to extend Anthony Martial’s contract at Old TraffordCredit: Alamy
    According to The Mail, however, the Red Devils are likelier to trigger a one-year extension to keep the full-back until 2025 and reevaluate his situation in January.
    The England international has recently returned to training after sustaining a hamstring injury in September.
    And the Manchester giants want the 25-year-old to regain full fitness before making any final decisions regarding his future.
    Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial’s deals also expire in June, which means they can talk to overseas clubs in January.
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    And it is unclear whether United will extend Lindelof or Martial’s deal at this stage.
    Wan-Bissaka is fighting for a place in Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up at right-back with Diogo Dalot.
    Lindelof, on the other hand, has managed to play more minutes this season following the injuries of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, who recently returned to full fitness at centre-back.
    And Martial has dropped down the pecking order after striker Rasmus Hojlund’s £72million arrival from Atalanta last summer.
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    Ten Hag, though, is not looking as far as January following a turbulent start to the campaign.
    United are eighth in the Premier League table with only five wins out of their first 10 matches.
    Last season’s Carabao Cup winners have also lost the other half while coming up short in their first two Champions League matches as well before finally beating Copenhagen last week. More