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    Chelsea ‘in talks with Ajax over transfer for former Man Utd target with personal terms nearly agreed’

    CHELSEA have contacted Ajax over a move for Mohammed Kudus.Kudus stood out for the Eredivisie giants last season, despite their poor campaign that saw them finishing third, and attracted interest from Europe’s top bidders.
    Chelsea have contacted Ajax about Mohammed KudusCredit: Rex
    Chelsea target Kudus was previously linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Manchester United were interested in landing the attacking midfielder this summer but ended their pursuit after signing Mason Mount from the Blues.
    And according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the West Londoners have now swooped in to land the Ghana international.
    Chelsea and Ajax have held talks but no offer has been tabled from the Premier League giants.
    However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side has also contacted the 22-year-old.
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    And personal terms are close to being agreed with Kudus, who appears keen to move in the summer.
    The Ghanaian’s agent Jennifer Mendelewitsch put potential suitors on red alert in May by admitting that her client would like a new challenge.
    Mendelewitsch told De Telegraaf: “I think it is best for both Ajax and Mohammed that he makes a transfer now.
    “Now is the right time. He has ignored a proposal to extend his contract until the summer of 2026.
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    “What I can say is that after the World Cup and this season there is a lot of interest in Kudus.”
    Kudus has two more years left in his contract and Ajax have previously demanded £40million to let him go.
    He joined Ajax from Nordsjaelland in 2020 and quickly rose to prominence in Amsterdam.
    The versatile forward has since scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists in 84 appearances for the Dutch giants.
    And that also led to two Eredivisie titles as well as the Dutch Cup in 2021. More

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    Arsenal ace Fabio Vieira ‘sends penalty to Philadelphia’ as fans are left in disbelief at his excuse after Man Utd loss

    FANS were left in disbelief after Fabio Vieira’s penalty miss against Manchester United yesterday.Arsenal collapsed to a 2-0 defeat at the MetLife stadium, but the friendly was due to have a penalty shootout regardless of the score.
    Vieira sent his penalty well into the stands
    The Portuguese appeared to blame the penalty spot for the miss
    It saw Arsenal fall to a 5-3 shootout defeat
    And that caused even more misery for Arsenal, with the Gunners collapsing to a 5-3 defeat thanks to Vieira’s penalty miss.
    The Portuguese international skied his penalty over the bar and then looked down at the penalty spot to suggest his howler was caused by a divot in the ground.
    And fans were quick to react to the penalty miss on Twitter.
    One fan wrote: “Commentator said Fabio Vieira’s pen landed somewhere in Philadelphia 😭😭😭”
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    Another wrote: “Fabio Vieira actually blamed the penalty spot after blasting the ball above the bar 😂”
    While a third fan wrote: “Fabio Vieira still hasn’t changed from last season.
    “Sent his penalty to row Z after he was heckled by Man United supporters, who mistook the game for a cup final.
    “I was at the stadium, he panicked after the boos.”
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    Vieira has endured a tough start to his career in an Arsenal shirt after arriving for £34million from Porto last season.
    The attacking midfielder has struggled to hold down a starting berth in the side, making 22 appearances and registering one goal and two assists for the Gunners.
    The Portuguese youngster will face increased competition for places this season with the arrival of Kai Havertz for £65million pushing him further down the pecking order.
    Arsenal will continue their pre-season tour of America in a friendly against Barcelona in LA on Thursday. More

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    Man Utd outcast Alex Telles completes transfer to Saudi side Al Nassr to seal reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo

    ALEX TELLES has left Manchester United to sign for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.He links back up with Cristiano Ronaldo after finding himself surplus to requirements under Erik ten Hag.
    Alex Telles has joined Al-NassrCredit: Instagram @alnassr
    The defender spent last season on loan at SevillaCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag cast Telles out of his squad after taking over last year, with the left-back joining Sevilla on loan for the season.
    The 30-year-old made 38 appearances for the Spanish club and helped them win the Europa League.
    But he is now set for a very different challenge after finalising a transfer to Al-Nassr.
    It is believed Telles will earn £7million a year at the Saudi outfit, with Al Nassr paying United £4m for his services.
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    Ten Hag has been trying to offload fringe players in an attempt to build transfer funds, and Telles was an obvious option given his last appearance came in the last game of the 2021-22 season.
    He could be joined at Al-Nassr by another forgotten man at United, Eric Bailly, who is in England training on his own.
    Bailly came to United from Villarreal for £30million but never really established himself in the side after a promising first season due to injuries.
    The defender is not expected to command a fee.
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    He has not played for United since December 2021 and spent last season on loan in Marseille.
    The Red Devils could also raise funds by selling both Dean Henderson and Anthony Elanga to Nottingham Forest.
    Goalkeeper Henderson would cost £30million with winger Elanga costing £15million. More

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    Watch fan get knocked out by rival supporter as crowd fight at heated Man Utd versus Arsenal ‘friendly’ in US

    THINGS got heated last night during Arsenal and Manchester United’s pre-season friendly in the US.United got the better of Arsenal with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho.
    Fans clashed at the MetLife stadiumCredit: Twitter @TenHagEra
    The men had to be separated by fellow fansCredit: Twitter @TenHagEra
    Lisandro Martinez did not help things when he clashed with Martin OdegaardCredit: twitter @ManUnitedTID_
    Bizarrely, there was also a post-game penalty shoot-out despite United’s victory at the MetLife Stadium.
    United also triumphed in that, with a 5-3 shootout victory.
    Despite the fixture officially being a friendly – there was plenty of needle on and off the field.
    United defender Lisandro Martinez caused a ruckus after wiping out Bukayo Saka with a reckless first half tackle.
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    Martinez’s full blooded tackle caused a ruckusCredit: mutv
    The foul enraged Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard – with the two going at it as Saka was left on a heap on the floor.
    Martinez received a yellow for his troubles, but it seems the bad temper on the pitch affected those in the crowd.
    A video emerged shortly after the game of two fans fighting in the stands – although it is unclear which teams both men supported.
    The video, which was shot from another stand showed a man in blue throwing a punch at a man wearing an Arsenal shirt.
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    The two were then separated by bystanders, with the man in blue being dragged away from the scene.
    The 2-0 loss to Manchester United was Arsenal’s first defeat of pre-season after a 1-1 draw with Nurnberg and a 5-0 victory over an MLS All Star team managed by Wayne Rooney.
    United meanwhile continued their winning ways having beaten Leeds and Lyon in previous outings.
    United will play Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owned Wrexham on Wednesday with United confirming they will play a “youth focused” team against the League Two side. More

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    Man Utd ratings: Jadon Sancho finally shows potential as he thrives in new role, but Antony continues to frustrate

    MANCHESTER UNITED beat Arsenal 2-0 in their first pre-season friendly in the US.United dominated the Gunners at MetLife in New Jersey, and showed potential heading to the upcoming Premier League season.
    Manchester United destroyed Arsenal in their pre-season friendlyCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils broke the deadlock in the half-hour mark with a powerful long-range shot by Bruno Fernandes that Aaron Ramsdale failed to hold onto.
    This came after some poor marking by Arsenal defenders Gabriel Mahalhaes and Takehiro Tomiyasu down the left.
    United doubled their lead just seven minutes later when Gabriel lost possession in midfield and that allowed Jadon Sancho to run through and beat Ramsdale with a clinical finish.
    But who stood out and who struggled for Man Utd? SunSport’s Neil Custis rates every single player at MetLife Stadium:
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    TOM HEATON – 7
    A rare appearance for the United No2 but the 37-year-old veteran remains sharp. He produced a superb double save from Gabriel Martinelli early on which had his team-mates patting him on the back in congratulations.
    AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 7
    It was an all action display from the full-back who constantly got forward to help the attack and even slotted into the midfield for a short time.
    RAPHAEL VARANE – 7
    A cool calm presence in the heat of New Jersey. He looks totally unflustered as he goes about his business of keeping opponents away from goal.
    LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6
    Nobody loves a tackle more than the fiery Argentine. But one caused a commotion when he went through Bukayo Saka causing a melee and bringing him a yellow card. He was quick to seek out Saka at half-time to explain there was no malice intended.
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    LUKE SHAW – 6
    The consistent left-back produces a fine first-choice back line for United. Like Wan-Bissaka he is always keen to get forward and service from the flank.
    MASON MOUNT – 6
    A quiet half from the new signing but did produce one great bit of combination play with Antony as he forged forward exchanging passes. Likes to be an organiser too.
    BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
    The captain celebrated officially taking the armband with the opening goal as he struck from just outside the area. Not that Aaron Ramsdale will want to see it again as the ball bounced up of his outstretched hand and in.
    KOBBIE MAINOO – 6
    These pre-season games can often bring an academy graduate to the fore and this year it is 18-year-old Mainoo. He has impressed manager Erik ten Hag enough in training to earn his chant and didn’t look out of place in this strong starting XI.
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    Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for Man Utd with a powerful shotCredit: EPA
    ANTONY – 6
    Ten Hag will be expecting more from his former Ajax winger this season after an up-and-down first campaign. He has the speed and ability but United fans will want to see more than just cutting inside from the right and having a go with his left.
    JADON SANCHO – 8
    With United desperately searching for a new striker they are having to mix and match at the moment and on this occasion it was Sancho put upfront through the middle. What a goal he scored too on 37 minutes taking advantage of a Gabriel error and race away to fire into the near top corner.
    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6
    A lot of United fans rave about him but so far it has only been in late cameos as a substitute where he shines. When he starts it’s not quite as good as this game proved again.
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    DIOGO DALOT – 6
    Very much the understudy to Wan-Bissaka now but what an option for Ten Hag to call upon. He rates him, which is why he was given a new contract to 2028.
    Jadon Sancho stood out for Manchester United against ArsenalCredit: Getty
    HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
    It is a tough time for Maguire after having the captaincy taken off him. He is not happy about it and a move is on the cards, although Ten Hag says he wants him to stay and fight for his place. Did his job here.
    VICTOR LINDELOF – 7
    The manager says he wants four centre-backs fighting for two places this season and Lindelof is very much number three on the list.
    BRANDON WILLIAMS – 6
    Could be one of those on his way with little chance of much first-team action. But he produced a brilliant diving header in front of his own goal to deny Leandro Trossard.
    CASEMIRO – 6
    A quiet game for the 31-year-old Brazilian who looked to be struggling in the heat. Unlike many of his team-mates it looks like he is going to need a few games to get back up to speed.
    Manchester United star Antony couldn’t shine against ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6
    His form dropped last season after an injury but looked back to his best again here operating alongside Casemiro. Although it looks like he’ll be the one stepping aside more often now Mount has arrived.
    AMAD DIALLO – 5
    Didn’t last long after an early challenge in the second half put him out the game.
    FACUNDO PELLISITRI – 6
    Came on for Amad in the 59th minute and nearly got a spectacular goal similar to Sancho’s as he raced clear and fired just over the near top corner.
    SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 5
    Operated in the Fernandes role just behind the front man but did not look as comfortable as he does when playing from deeper.
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    MARCUS RASHFORD – 6
    Played as the No9 rather than in his preferred role off the left and that could be long term if United cannot get a striker in. Missed a chance from a yard at the far post and will have been happy to learn he was offside.
    OMARI FORSON – 5
    The attacking midfielder impressed for the club’s under-18 side last season earning him a start against Leeds in the pre-season friendly in Oslo and then an invite out to the US. Will take time to adjust to his new senior team-mates. More

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    Arsenal player ratings: Odegaard only shining light as Declan Rice anonymous amid defensive horror show

    ARSENAL lost 2-0 to Premier League rivals Manchester United following a disappointing performance in the US.The Gunners took on United at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and failed to replicate their dominant display against the MLS All-Stars on Wednesday.
    Arsenal lost 2-0 to Manchester United after a poor display in the USCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils opened the scoring in the half-hour mark with a powerful long-range shot by Bruno Fernandes that Aaron Ramsdale failed to hold onto.
    Gabriel Magalhaes and Takehiro Tomiyasu also took too long to close Fernandes down.
    United doubled their lead just seven minutes later when Gabriel lost possession in midfield and that allowed Jadon Sancho to break through and beat Ramsdale with a clinical finish.
    But who stood out and who struggled for Arsenal? SunSport’s Kostas Lianos rates every single player at MetLife Stadium:
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    AARON RAMSDALE – 4
    Couldn’t inspire the same level of confidence between the sticks like he did against the MLS All-Stars. Carries responsibility for Bruno Fernandes’ goal and didn’t save a single penalty.
    JURRIEN TIMBER – 5
    Very few moments of brilliance from the summer signing, who started at right-back. But Timber showed he could form a good partnership with Bukayo Saka down the wing.
    WILLIAM SALIBA – 5
    Struggled during Manchester United’s counter-attacks. Mikel Arteta would have expected more from his star centre-back.
    GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 2
    Carries responsibility for both goals as he failed to mark Fernandes during his run and was the one that gave the ball away before Jadon Sancho’s strike.
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    TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – 3
    Struggled throughout the first half and was rightfully taken off at half-time. Also partly responsible for Fernandes’ goal as he didn’t mark him on time – was playing out of position at left-back, though.
    DECLAN RICE – 5
    Arsenal fans will be expecting much more from their club record signing this coming season. Failed to anchor the Gunners’ midfield and was mostly anonymous throughout the match – early days, though.
    KAI HAVERTZ – 5
    Also uninspiring, just like his other two fellow summer arrivals. Played on the left in midfield and couldn’t cause United any problems.
    MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6
    Probably the best of the worst, but not by much. Showed some moments of brilliance and almost got Arsenal back in the game with a clever through-ball from a free-kick only for Eddie Nketiah to miss from close range.
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    Arsenal’s star signing Declan Rice was largely anonymous against Man UtdCredit: Getty
    BUKAYO SAKA – 5
    Showed he could form a good partnership with Timber on the right flank. But was a far cry from his dominant performance against the All-Stars where he amassed two assists.
    GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 5
    Largely anonymous for Arsenal during both halves. Couldn’t create any significant dangers on the left for either United right-back.
    EDDIE NKETIAH – 4
    Had a perfect chance to put Arsenal back in the game when he missed from close range after a brilliant through pass by Odegaard. Will have to do a lot more to take Gabriel Jesus’ place.
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    KIERAN TIERNEY – 5
    Did better than Tomiyasu on the left but didn’t add any significant spark. Seems to be on his way out.
    Jurrien Timber started alongside fellow summer signing Rice and Kai HavertzCredit: Getty
    GABRIEL JESUS – 5
    Didn’t add anything significant after coming off the bench. But he doesn’t have to stress about his place in Arteta’s starting XI yet…
    BEN WHITE – 5
    Didn’t add much more in defence but kept United at bay. Far fewer leaks on the right than there were on the left during the second half.
    THOMAS PARTEY – 5
    Failed to inspire any confidence in midfield after his introduction during the second half. Partey’s future is still uncertain.
    JORGINHO – 5
    Nothing much from the midfielder. Jorginho and Partey failed to limit United’s attacks after their introduction in the second half and also didn’t push their team-mates forward.
    LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4
    Scored an incredible goal against the MLS All-Stars and dominated during Arsenal’s first game of their US tour. Couldn’t emulate any of that against United but came back from a knock he suffered against the All-Stars.
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    EMILE SMITH ROWE – 4
    Came on quite late and couldn’t set the game alight. Smith Rowe was largely anonymous after his introduction.
    FABIO VIEIRA – 4
    Struggled to keep United quiet, just like Partey and Jorginho. Didn’t do much to shield the back four and then missed a penalty for good measure. More

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    Man Utd suffer huge injury blow as winger struggles to walk after being subbed off just 13 minutes after coming on

    MANCHESTER UNITED are sweating on Amad Diallo after the sub winger struggled to even walk after being forced off injured against Arsenal.The former Sunderland loan sensation, 21, lasted just 13 minutes during the second half of Saturday’s friendly in the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
    Amad Diallo was crocked as he bids to earn a first-team spot this seasonCredit: Rex
    Uruguayan Facundo Pellistri came on for Diallo just before the hour mark.
    Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho struck fiercely-driven goals late in the first half, which would see United secure a 2-0 win.
    And the Red Devils’ high-tempo style impressed after the break – until Diallo’s injury and the inevitable batch of substitutions.
    The four-cap Ivorian, was helped along the touchline as he limped away following his substitution.
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    He appeared ultra careful not to put pressure on his left foot.
    Diallo’s blow will be especially disappointing to the ex-Atalanta starlet as he attempts to finally break through for United.
    A clutch of clubs were keen on his services after he nearly fired Sunderland to promotion from the Championship.
    Instead it was another wideman – under-pressure Sancho – who literally took his chance to press for a regular starting role.
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    Fernandes cut in from the right to fizz home a 20-yard left-footer on the half-hour that the diving Aaron Ramsey perhaps should have kept out.
    And seven minutes later Sancho punished dozy defending by Gabriel when he burst into the right of the box for a top-corner finish. More

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    Arsenal and Man Utd fans absolutely baffled as they discover very bizarre rule change minutes before friendly

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal fans were left baffled after finding out there would be a penalty shootout regardless of the scoreline in their friendly.United and the Gunners faced off in a pre-season clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
    Arsenal and Manchester United fans were baffled with rule change before their friendlyCredit: AFP
    Arsenal and Man Utd had a penalty shootout after full time even though the match didn’t end in a drawCredit: Getty
    Fans were left stunned by the news as they stormed social media to expresses their shock.
    One fan tweeted: “But why?”
    Another posted: “Another reason why football should never be soccer.”
    A third wrote: “So if Arsenal wins at fulltime, and Man Utd wins penalty shootout.. who will be winners?”
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    This fan said: “Welcome to USA.”
    And that one stated: “USA does things different.”
    However, it turned out that the shootout was nothing to do with the match being held in the United States.
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    In fact, managers Mikel Arteta and Erik ten Hag made the decision in order for their players to hone their skills from the spot in front of a capacity crowd.
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    But United’s new goalkeeper Andre Onana did not get to showcase his penalty-saving abilities in the US.
    The Red Devils announced the £47million signing of Onana from Inter Milan on Thursday.
    But the friendly with Arsenal came too early for David de Gea’s replacement.
    Man Utd ran out 2-0 winners over 90 minutes in New Jersey through goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho.
    And they then followed that up with a victory in the shootout as Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira blasted the ball over the bar. More