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    I was Rasmus Hojlund’s first coach… Man Utd’s £72m striker is cheeky and fun like Bendtner, but not as naturally gifted

    RASMUS HOJLUND’S first coach is full of praise for his former player, but admits Nicklas Bendtner was more talented.Danish starlet Hojlund joined Manchester United this summer for £72million after an impressive campaign last season at Atalanta.
    Rasmus Hojlund’s first coach is full of praise for the new Man United signingCredit: Getty
    He has compared him to Nicklas Bendtner, but with the caveat that he is less naturally giftedCredit: Getty
    The hardworking centre-forward showed glimpses of promise when he made is debut in a 23 minute cameo against Arsenal.
    And it’s a former Gunner, and compatriot, that he has been compared to by his first coach.
    Christian Mouroux, of minnows Horsholm-Usserod Idraetsklub in North Zealand, Denmark, knows Hojlund well after working with him from the age of 12 and has compared him to ex-Arsenal striker Bendtner.
    Mouroux, who himself followed Hojlund to Brondby as a coach, said: “A good comparison can be made to the other rising superstar we had in Nicklas Bendtner.
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    “They are both number nines, both very physical and have this twinkle in the eye. They are humorous, outgoing and cheeky.”
    But despite the comparison, Mouroux doesn’t think Hojlund is quite as gifted as Bendtner.
    He explained: “Bendtner was probably a more naturally-gifted footballer but that perhaps made him take things more lightly and get influenced by everything that affects you from the outside when you become a superstar.
    “Rasmus is completely different. Although I’m sure he will probably buy a bigger car and has a nice watch, it will not blow out of proportion.
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    Hojlund made his debut off the bench in Man United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal before the international breakCredit: Getty
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    “He has the right mentality for it. He is so disciplined. He is very aware of what hard work does for you and it’s hard work that has brought him to where he is today.”
    Bendtner garnered himself a reputation in England of being a flashy star who splashed the cash and regularly found himself in the news and even earned himself the nickname “Lord Bendtner”.
    But he still had an impressive career making 171 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 47 goals and registering a further 22 assists.
    Manchester United fans will be hoping Hojlund can go a step further than Bendtner and help them return to their former glory.
    And Mouroux has no doubt that the youngster can shoulder the pressure to achieve big things at Old Trafford.
    He said: “Rasmus has never been an arrogant person. But he has always been extremely confident and, more than that, extremely focused.
    “If anyone can, I would say it is Rasmus who can cope with that pressure.”
    After a successful international break helping to steer Denmark’s Euro 2024 qualification hopes back on track, Hojlund will be looking to translate his national team form on to the pitch for Erik ten Hag.
    He will be hoping to get his first start for the Red Devils when they host Brighton on Saturday.
    Hojlund addressed the Denmark fans after his country’s 1-0 win over FinlandCredit: EPA
    He will be hoping to live up to his price tag at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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    Rasmus Hojlund was shocked when he found out he was worth £72m, but he has the mentality to lead Man Utd to glory

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are crying out for Rasmus Hojlund to lead the team out of their early season struggles.The Red Devils new boy used a megaphone to address Denmark supporters after a substitute appearance in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Finland that put them  back on course to qualify for Euro 2024.
    Rasmus Hojlund joined Manchester United this summer from AtalantaCredit: Getty
    He addressed the Denmark fans after his country’s 1-0 win over Finland during the international breakCredit: EPA
    And after a controversial couple of weeks for boss Erik ten Hag involving Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Antony, Hojlund is finally ready to deliver some more good news.
    The 20-year-old striker is now hoping to make a big noise as he eyes his full debut against Brighton tomorrow.
    And the sporting director of his old Danish club is convinced he has the personality and ability to be an Old Trafford hit.
    Christian Mouroux, of minnows Horsholm-Usserod Idraetsklub in North Zealand, knows Hojlund well after working with him from the age of 12.
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    He revealed: “Rasmus has never been an arrogant person, but he has always been extremely confident and, more than that, extremely focused.
    “If anyone can, I would say it is Rasmus who can cope with that pressure.”
    Hojlund is not the first strapping, self-assured Danish centre forward to arrive in England with big expectations.
    Mouroux, who himself followed Hojlund to Brondby as a coach,  said: “A good comparison can be made to the other rising superstar we had in Nicklas Bendtner.
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    “They are both No 9s, both very physical and have this twinkle in the eye. They are humorous, outgoing and cheeky.
    “Bendtner was probably a more naturally-gifted footballer but that perhaps made him take things more lightly and get influenced by everything that affects you from the outside when you become a superstar.
    “Rasmus is completely different. Although I’m sure he will probably buy a bigger car and has a nice watch, it will not blow out of proportion.
    “He has the right mentality for it. He is so disciplined. He is very aware of what hard work does for you and it’s hard work that has brought him to where he is today.”
    Nicklas Bendtner burst on to the scene with Arsenal where he went on to score 47 goals in 171 appearancesCredit: Getty
    Hojlund will be hoping to make an even bigger impact in the Premier League than Bendtner didCredit: Getty
    Hojlund’s discipline comes from dad Anders, a former semi-pro striker, and mum Kirsten Winther, an ex-100metre sprinter.
    The family home is still just around the corner from HUI and was adapted to help Hojlund and his younger twin brothers Oscar and Emil (now in FC Copenhagen’s Under-19 team) reach their potential.
    Mouroux said: “Rasmus’ father is a carpenter. When they renovated their house, he converted the basement into a football field so they could play even when the weather was bad.
    “Anders coached all three of his sons at HUI. But when those boys came home and had lost a game, or had not played well, the mother was just as tough on them, maybe even more, pushing them to have the right mentality.
    “They’ve had it from very young and from both sides.”
    Rasmus has never been an arrogant person, but he has always been extremely confident and, more than that, extremely focused.Christian Mouroux
    Hojlund’s commitment to self-improvement, rather than spectacular talent, was what made him stand out as a kid.
    Mouroux said: “He played a year up and was always quite physically developed. An attacking midfielder, as I recall.
    “But he wasn’t extremely fast, like he is now, and  he wasn’t extraordinarily gifted compared to those he was playing with.
    “I do remember watching him running round the field in a Manchester United shirt. But I saw him more often in the stadium training on his own.
    “Standing out came later for him, thanks to the individual training he did, constantly being down there running through cones, shooting, his father giving him balls again and again, and training with his brothers.”
    Hojlund stood out as a kid because of his commitment to self-improvement
    He regularly played against opponents a year up from his age group
    Man United fans will be hoping Hojlund can be the striker they so desperately craveCredit: Getty
    HUI had a partnership with Brondby and Hojlund moved just before his 12th birthday.
    But when he and his father felt he was not making enough progress, he went to FC Copenhagen.
    There, Hojlund’s ability to be a powerhouse No 9 was unlocked and he made his first-team debut at 17.
    Yet he was unable to establish himself as first-choice frontman. So in January 2022, as an 18- year-old, he upped sticks to Austria to join Sturm Graz.
    SG sporting director Andreas Schicker and head coach Christian Ilzer were struck by how confidently Hojlund  took the big move in his stride.
    After an impressive first half-season, Hojlund started the next campaign in style. The second goal of his double in a 2-1 win over champions Red Bull Salzburg in July 2022, a lightning-quick run that ended with a fine finish, was transformational.
    He has the right mentality for it. He is so disciplined. He is very aware of what hard work does for you and it’s hard work that has brought him to where he is today.Christian Mouroux
    Ilzer said: “It was probably the goal that opened all the doors of European football for him.”
    Weeks later, he was signed for nearly £15million by Atalanta for nearly, whose boss Gian Piero Gasperini added to the “new Erling Haaland” hype.
    Less than a year after that, United agreed an initial fee of £64m, plus £8m in add-ons, to make him by far the most expensive Danish player ever.
    Mouroux said: “When the number first came, I know he was surprised.“But as soon as he had taken that in, he thought: ‘There must be a reason why someone wants to pay this for me. Someone believed in what I am able to do, now it’s just a matter of me doing what is expected of me and what I know I can do to fulfil that expectation’. ”
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    There were signs of promise in Hojlund’s United debut off the bench in the defeat at Arsenal.
    Now, fresh from delivering a rallying cry to his country, he needs to give United fans something to shout about.
    Hojlund impressed last season with nine league goals in 32 appearances for AtalantaCredit: Getty
    Hojlund showed small sparks of promise during his small cameo against ArsenalCredit: Getty More

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    When could Mason Greenwood make his Getafe debut?

    MASON GREENWOOD has been on a hiatus from professional football ever since charges were brought against him in 2022.Since the charges against the 21-year-old were dropped, the striker will make his return to professional football with La Liga side Getafe.
    The striker returns to professional football with Spanish La Liga team GetafeCredit: Getty
    Where has Mason Greenwood moved to?
    Mason Greenwood has joined Spanish La Liga team Getafe on a season-long loan from Manchester United.
    After 19 months of inactivity at Manchester United, the player has made the move to the Spanish club.
    Greater Manchester police charged Greenwood with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault in October 2022.
    The charges were dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew from the investigation and new evidence came to light.
    Read more on Mason Greenwood
    Greenwood denied all charges, maintaining his innocence from the beginning.
    Since the charges were dropped, Manchester United faced increasing pressure to drop the player from their roster.
    In a statement released by the club in August 2023, Manchester United announced that Greenwood would be leaving Old Trafford.
    A Man United statement said: “Mason Greenwood has signed for La Liga side Getafe CF on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance.
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    “The move enables Greenwood to begin to rebuild his career away from Manchester United.”
    The statement went on to say that the club will continue to provide support to Greenwood and his family.
    After Man United concluded their internal investigation, Greenwood said: “I fully accept I made mistakes and I take my share of responsibility.”
    Greenwood remains contracted with Manchester United until June 2025 with the option to extend for another year.
    When could Mason Greenwood make his Getafe debut?
    Mason Greenwood could make his Getafe debut against Osasuna on Sunday, September 17.
    The match will take place at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, with kick-off set for 1pm BST.
    Getafe currently sit 14th in La Liga after a rocky start to the new season.
    Most recently, Jose Bordalas’ side were defeated by Spanish giants Real Madrid after Jude Bellingham scored late on to secure a 2-1 victory for Los Blancos.
    What TV channel will Getafe vs Osasuna be on and can it be live streamed?

    Getafe vs Osasuna will be broadcast live on Viaplay Sports 1.
    The match will also be shown on La Liga TV.

    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    What are Getafe’s upcoming fixtures?
    Here are Getafe’s next six fixtures:

    Getafe vs Osasuna – 17/09/2023
    Real Sociedad vs Getafe – 24/09/2023
    Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe – 27/09/2023
    Getafe vs Villarreal – 1/10/2023
    Celta Vigo vs Getafe – 07/10/2023
    Getafe vs Real Betis – 22/10/2023  More

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    Man Utd star once involved in training ground bust-up wanted by Besiktas in last-gasp transfer swoop

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S Hannibal Mejbri is wanted by Besiktas on loan after they recently had a permanent deal for the midfielder rejected.The 20-year-old who was once involved in a training ground bust-up with former teammate Alex Telles is wanted in a last-gasp transfer swoop.
    Hannibal Mejbri may be up for a late transfer swoop by BesiktasCredit: Getty
    Besikitas and United have recently been in negotiations after the Instanbul-base side signed centre-back Eric Bailly.
    They are now looking to strengthen their ranks further by eyeing a move for midfielder Mejbri with the Turkish transfer window still open.
    Mejbri spent last season in the Championship at Birmingham City, where he made 41 appearances.
    The Tunisia International is in high demand but has remained at United, who have resisted offers to sign the player permanently.
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    Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund also had their eyes on a deal for the midfielder in the summer but the move got turned down.
    And Besiktas offered a loan deal with an option to buy the player but got knocked back by the Red Devils.
    Now Turkish outlet Fanatik, cited by Sport Witness says the Turkish giants will fire back with a loan approach without an option to buy.
    Erik ten Hag has not played the youngster yet in any of United’s four Premier League games.
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    While Besiktas boss Senol Gunes is desperate for an attack-minded midfielder and believes Mejbri is the perfect fit.
    Mejbri has been capped 26 times for the Tunisian senior side at international level.
    Tunisia’s 3-1 victory against Mo Salah’s Egypt on Tuesday saw United fans demanding Ten Hag to reward Mejbri more game time.
    The youngster made headlines last May as he was involved in a training ground clash with former Red Devils star Alex Telles – in the aftermath of their humiliating 4-0 defeat against Brighton. More

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    Man Utd vs Brighton: Betting preview, tips and predictions for Premier League clash

    THERE’S a top Premier League contest amongst the Saturday 3pm games this weekend as Brighton travel to face Manchester United.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest, and carefully selected our best bets, tips and sign-up bonuses for the showdown at Old Trafford.
    Man Utd vs Brighton: Betting preview, tips and preview for Premier League clashCredit: Reuters
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    Manchester United vs Brighton preview
    Manchester United welcome Brighton on Saturday in a very intriguing Premier League duel.
    The Seagulls have had a bit of an up-and-down start to the season, but when they’re up, they’re very much flying.
    Last time out saw them thump Newcastle 3-1 in a full-throttle performance, which went some way to getting back on track after a 3-1 home defeat to West Ham previously.
    As for United, it’s difficult to sum their start to the season up, other than putting it down as ‘bumpy’.
    They weren’t convincing when beating Wolves on matchday one and were even less so in losing to Tottenham.
    A come-from-behind win over Nottingham Forest followed before that late, late defeat to Arsenal before the break.
    United thought they’d won it towards the end, only for the Gunners to bang in two late goals against a centre back pairing of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans.
    Rasmus Hojlund made his first appearance from the bench after injury and played over 70 minutes across Denmark’s games in the break, so he should be slowing getting back up to speed.
    But with off-field problems for Antony and Jadon Sancho, it’s not all rosy in Manchester at present.
    Manchester United vs Brighton odds

    Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
    Manchester United vs Brighton betting tips
    Brighton to win and both teams to score at 17/5 – CLAIM HERE
    They’re probably the most exciting team to watch in the division at present and Brighton could show that here.
    United haven’t had a decent performance at home this season yet and it’s difficult to see their defence – whoever makes it in the back four – coping with the sheer pace and power that the visitors have to offer.

    Old Trafford is a big pitch and their expansive football will suit it perfectly.
    Both teams have scored in every one of their games so far.
    Solly March to score or assist at 13/8 – CLAIM HERE
    Much has been spoken about Mitoma and Ferguson as March continues to fly under the radar.
    He scored twice in the Seagulls’ last away game and on the opening day too.
    Two games without a goal could see him fire back here, or set up one of his forward friends.
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    After a string of yellow cards last season, the Brazilian is yet to find his way into a whistler’s notebook this season.
    That could change here with the fast-pace football the Brighton trio in midfield will play.
    Their transitional play will cause United problems and the enforcer in the middle could find himself isolated at times, which has been a theme for the Reds this campaign.

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    Harry Maguire must be axed by England for Euro 2024.. it’s painful to watch Man Utd star after summer transfer blunder

    LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher has urged Gareth Southgate to drop Harry Maguire from the England squad “for his own protection” ahead of Euro 2024.Maguire, 30, was taunted by Scotland fans during Tuesday’s international friendly at Hampden Park.
    Maguire has been heavily criticised by fansCredit: Getty
    The defender was booed by fans during England’s match against ScotlandCredit: PA
    Carragher believes Maguire should be dropped from the England teamCredit: Alamy
    He also received criticism from England supporters after scoring an own-goal in the 67th minute.
    Southgate stepped in to defend the centre-back after the match, blasting the “ridiculous treatment” of him.
    The England boss said: “I’ve never known a player treated the way he is. He’s been an absolute stalwart for us in the second most successful England team for decades – he’s been an absolutely key part of that.”
    He later added: “From a Scotland fans’ point of view I get it. I have absolutely no complaints with what they did. But it’s a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time.
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    “It’s a joke. Not by the Scottish fans but by our own commentators, pundits or whatever it is. They’ve created something that’s beyond anything I have ever seen.”
    Many fans and pundits questioned Maguire’s place in the squad given his lack of game time at club level.
    He has played just 23 minutes of Premier League football so far this season for Man Utd, with his only appearance coming against Arsenal just before the international break.
    The defender has also come under fire at Old Trafford, with some fans now turning against him.
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    Maguire has also come under fire at Man UtdCredit: PA
    The centre-back has made just one appearance for the Red Devils this seasonCredit: Getty
    And Carragher, who made over 500 Premier League appearances as a player and earned 38 senior England caps, believes the situation has become out of control.
    In his column for The Telegraph, the Liverpool icon wrote: “For his own protection, Harry Maguire should not play for England until his career is back on track. Personally and professionally the current situation is unsustainable.
    “There must be a frank and honest conversation with those closest to him about how to resolve a mess because this drama around him needs fixing.
    “I was watching the England versus Scotland match with my son, James. It was painful to watch. ‘If that was you, I would want you out of the firing line. This has gone too far,’ I told him as Maguire endured a nightmare second half.
    “My first thought after the game was that I really hope Maguire is okay. More than ever we are aware of mental health issues impacting on footballers, or anyone subjected to such unrelenting ridicule.
    “I cannot recall any top level player enduring as much as Maguire over several years and struggling to find a meaningful response to it.
    “I do not see how continually putting him on such a stage without regular, high class club football will help him get back to the level he was. This has to stop, first and foremost, for Maguire’s sake.”
    Carragher also believes Maguire should have left Old Trafford this summer in a bid to reignite his form after falling out of favour with Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag.
    The defender was linked with a move to West Ham, but talks broke down when the two parties failed to agree terms.
    Ex-Liverpool star Carragher claims it will be “unfeasible” for Maguire to be selected for Euro 2024 if he refuses to leave the Red Devils.
    He added: “He missed the opportunity to start landing a few punches when he turned down West Ham in the summer. David Moyes would have had the perfect manager in an ideal team for Maguire’s attributes. I am sure he would have been a success there.
    “Too many transfers stall because a player feels mistreated and refuses to leave without a pay-off. Maguire had to think beyond that, especially when considering his international career.
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    “It is unfeasible for a centre-back to go into the next Euros when they have not been a regular for their club for two years.”
    Maguire joined Man Utd in a record-breaking £80million transfer from Leicester in 2019 and has since made 176 appearances. More

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    Harry Maguire breaks silence after latest England jeers as defender sets out masterplan to win back Man Utd spot

    HARRY MAGUIRE says he can deal with all the stick he gets — and is on a mission to win back his Manchester United place.The England defender was taunted by Scotland fans when he went on as a half-time sub in Tuesday’s 3-1 friendly win in Glasgow.
    Harry Maguire has opened up about after being jeered on England dutyCredit: Reuters
    He has found himself far down the pecking order at United after being stripped of the captaicyCredit: Reuters
    And it ramped up after his 67th-minute own goal.
    But the ridicule is nothing new for the 59-cap veteran, who has seriously thick skin.
    Maguire said: “We knew it would be hostile against the Scots and in the second half I got most of it. I am happy to go with that, don’t worry.
    “They piled pressure on myself. I wouldn’t say I’m used to it but I can deal with it.
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    “I would not say I am a person who struggles with pressure mentally.
    “I have been through a lot in the last couple of years and I was Manchester United captain for nearly four years.
    “It was a huge honour and you take a lot of responsibility and everything that comes with it — and that is a lot of bad as well as good.”
    Asked about the endless baiting he is getting from opposing fans, Maguire smiled, and saw the positive side.
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    Maguire was targeted by Scotland fans at Hampden and scored an own goalCredit: PA
    But Maguire has thick skin and has learned to deal with the flakCredit: Getty
    He added: “Well, it pretty much takes the pressure away from my team-mates and puts it all on myself.
    “It makes them play better, for sure. It is a little bit of banter and it is a hostile environment, coming away to Scotland.”
    Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate branded criticism of Maguire as ‘ridiculous’ and a ‘joke’.
    Yet he continues to be frozen out of the United team by Erik ten Hag and has made just one brief appearance as a sub, in the 3-1 loss at Arsenal.
    The central defender, who lost the captain’s armband to Bruno Fernandes, was set to leave for West Ham in the summer but he ended up in a financial wrangle with United over his departure.
    Asked why he ended up staying at Old Trafford, the 30-year-old said: “We just didn’t come to an agreement.
    “They were happy for me to stay and I was happy to fight for my place.
    “I would not say I am a person who struggles with pressure mentally.”Harry Maguire
    “I want to do that — and every time I train or play, I will give everything. I want to play games, I want to play football.
    “The first four weeks were hard because it was one game a week and the manager didn’t select me. But we have lots of games coming up now and I am sure I will play lots of games.”
    Maguire replaced Lisandro Martinez for the final 23 minutes of United’s trip to the Emirates on September 3 with the match level at 1-1.
    Arsenal then claimed victory through goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus in injury-time.
    Martinez, 25, limped off with a foot injury yet travelled to Argentina for international duty.
    But the centre-back was not included in the squad for the World Cup winners against Ecuador or Bolivia, so his availability for Premier League clash at home to Brighton on Saturday is in the balance.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Victor Lindelof was also replaced at Arsenal by deadline-day signing Jonny Evans after a bout of sickness but the Sweden defender led his country in both Euro 2024 qualifiers.
    First-choice Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw, who has been used as a centre-back option by Ten Hag, are both still injured. More

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    Man Utd to lose Andre Onana for up to seven games in January as Cameroon secured AFCON qualification by beating Burundi

    ERIK TEN HAG has been handed another headache after Cameroon booked their place at the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.That means the Manchester United boss is likely be without first choice keeper Andre Onana for up to seven games in the New Year.
    Manchester United could be without Andre Onana for seven games after Cameroon qualified for The African Cup of NationsCredit: Getty
    His £43.8million summer signing from Inter Milan announced last month he would return to the international fold for the crucial final qualifier against Burundi.
    Onana, 27, is now expected to make himself available for the finals in the Ivory Coast which run from January 13 to February 11.
    And that will be a concern for Ten Hag as the keeper had quit international football when he was chosen as the man to replace David de Gea.
    The pair are set to hold talks over Onana’s plans in the coming weeks.
    READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
    If he goes to Africa in January, it would leave Ten Hag with only recent £4.3m signing Turkey international Altay Bayindir and veteran Tom Heaton, 37, to choose from.
    Deadline-day midfield loan arrival Sofyan Amrabat is also likely to go to the tournament with Morocco — who clinched their place back in March.
    And two other players on United’s books, winger Amad Diallo and midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, will be going to the finals with Ivory Coast and Tunisia respectively.
    Meanwhile, United have named both Antony and Jadon Sancho in their Premier League squad for the season despite their recent problems.
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    Brazil winger Antony is on leave of absence as he tries to clear his name against allegations of domestic abuse.
    Sancho is back at United’s Carrington training ground but angered Ten Hag with a social media post aimed at the Dutchman following the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal 10 days ago. More