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    Real Madrid ‘ask Man Utd about shock Diogo Dalot transfer’ as they look for Trent Alexander-Arnold alternative

    REAL MADRID are showing significant interest in signing Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot, according to reports.It comes after the LaLiga giants have repeatedly approached Liverpool for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in the summer.Real Madrid are eyeing a shock move for Diogo DalotThe LaLiga side have approached Liverpool over Trent-Alexander ArnoldBut with Liverpool flying high at the top the Prem and Alexander-Arnold being a local boy – Madrid could give up on the fantasy of luring him away from a new Anfield deal.Instead, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have reportedly eyed Dalot as an alternative to the England right-back.Madrid value Dalot at around £41million, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.And United were even approached by the 15-time Champions League winners about Dalot while Erik ten Hag was still in charge.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 25-year-old has played 178 games for the Red Devils and was voted the player of the year by his team-mates last season. Dalot’s importance grew during United’s dismal 2023-24 campaign, as he started 35 of 38 Prem games and scored twice.New boss Ruben Amorim is set to assess which players he fancies moving forward, but Dalot is likely to make the cut.But the Portugal international has four years remaining on his United contract, after putting pen-to-paper on a new deal in May 2023.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Madrid could land Alexander-Arnold for nothing.The Merseyside star is entering the final six months of Liverpool contract after coming through the youth ranks.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldBut Arne Slot will be hoping to convince him to sign a new deal at Anfield – and if the club continue on this upward trajectory, it would be hard to refuse.Alexander-Arnold has won it all with his boyhood club, including their first Premier League title, a Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.In theory, the 26-year-old is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January, with his current contract set to expire in June.But Madrid wanted to respect Liverpool, who defeated them 2-0 in Europe last week, by making their intentions clear.Alexander-Arnold, who has provided an astonishing 84 assists and 23 goals from right-back in 326 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, has long been linked with a switch to Madrid.Los Blancos are currently operating without their usual right-back – six-time Champions League winner Dani Carvajal after he ruptured his ACL.Alexander-Arnold is adored by Liverpool fans – he even has his own mural More

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    Man Utd hit with Bruno Fernandes injury fears as worrying picture emerges days before Arsenal clash

    BRUNO FERNANDES has left Man Utd fans sweating on his fitness after limping off during Ruben Amorim’s 4-0 trouncing of Everton.And it comes at an awful time for United with a massive trip to the Emirates looming in just three days time.Man Utd fans are concerned about Bruno Fernandes’ injury status after he was spotted wearing an ice pack at Old Trafford on SundayFernandes provided two goals on Sunday before Amad Diallo did the sameFernandes provided two assists for double goal scorers Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee either side of half-time against the Toffees before he was subbed off in the 66th minute.The Portugal international was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho as United moved into the top-half of the table for the first time in months. But the only potential concern for United ahead of their trip to second-placed Arsenal on Wednesday was the sight of their best playermaker in discomfort.Fernandes was pictured with an ice-pack strapped to his ankle after being substituted.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe skipper was, however, able to join his team-mates on the pitch after the game to salute the home fans attending Amorim’s first Prem game at Old Trafford.It could, of course, be precautionary as United had scored all FOUR goals by the time he and Casemiro came off.But United fans are concerned about his availability before they travel to North London in three days time.One posted: “Bruno Fernandes off injured. Arsenal have never seen luck like this.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “So if Bruno gets injured what happens?”A third replied: “Just when Fernandes starts to find some form. I hope he makes the Arsenal game 🙏.”Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionBut others were more optimistic.One wrote: “Bruno never misses a game. He’ll be there midweek 💪.”While a second quizzed: “Surely he’d be in the medical room if it was that bad?”The returning Kobbie Mainoo has been suspended for United’s trip to Arsenal after picking up his fifth yellow of the season. The England star went into the ref’s book in the 49th minute when he hauled down Dwight McNeil just outside the United 18-yard box.It marked Mainoo’s first start under Amorim having been an unused substitute against Ipswich Town and Bodo/Glimt.Kobbie Mainoo will miss United’s mid-week trip to ArsenalLikewise, Lisandro Martinez will miss the game against Mikel Arteta’s back in-form men for the same reason.Martinez received a caution two minutes later when he pulled back Toffees striker Beto, who looked to get on the end of a through-ball.Meanwhile, United fans fans labelled co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe a “c***” as they protested the rise in ticket prices.READ MORE SUN STORIESRed Devils chiefs have hiked Old Trafford tickets to a staggering £66 per game.They have also abolished concessions for children and pensioners as fans outside Anfield had their own protests ahead of Man City’s visit on Sunday.United fans staged a protest against the rise in ticket price More

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    Man Utd ratings: Marcus Rashford repays Amorim’s faith in style but Casemiro’s lack of pace could be major issue

    RUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford got the party started as his volley at the edge of the area was deflected into the goal by Jarrad Branthwaite.Marcus Rashford grabbed a brace against EvertonCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee also scored his first Man Utd goals since the opening dayCredit: GettySuperb work from Amad Diallo then set Fernandes away before he rolled the ball across the penalty box for Joshua Zirkzee to score his first United goal since the opening day against Fulham.Just 20 seconds in the second half, Amad ran through on goal before slipping the ball to Rashford to score a second.Amad was then involved again by winning the ball back on the right wing and passing the ball across the box for Zirkzee to tap home again and complete the 4-0 rout.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils as they won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season in a 5 -1 victory over Leeds United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLANDRE ONANA – 6 Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6 Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAMAD DIALLO – 8 Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6 Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt CASEMIRO – 5 Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6 Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8 Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back. HARRY MAGUIRE ( de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there. ALEJANDRO GARNACHO ( Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench. READ MORE SUN STORIESMANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5 Will be wanting more minutes than this. MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5  Sharp and up for it. More

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    Man Utd’s Chido Obi-Martin breaks goal record months after joining as fans say ‘we stole Arsenal’s biggest ever talent’

    CHIDO OBI-MARTIN made history as Manchester United Under 18s continued their perfect start to the season.The 17-year-old was signed from Arsenal’s academy to much fanfare given his record-breaking exploits with the Gunners of 32 goals in just 20 appearances in the competition.Chido Obi-Martin became the highest goalscorer in Premier League U18 historyCredit: GettySince officially switching North London for Manchester in September, those record-breaking exploits have continued.The teenage striker’s first professional contract with the club started on Friday.And he celebrated it by becoming the record goalscorer in Premier League Under 18s history.Obi-Martin opened the scoring in the Red Devils 3-0 win over Stoke on Saturday in the 71st minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe latched on to a long ball before being hauled down in the penalty area before going on to score the subsequent penalty.The goal put him on five goals in as many games for United, while it also took his tally in the competition up to 37 overall.That saw the Dane move ahead of Coventry star Ellis Simms’ tally of 36 scored for Everton.Following the game, Obi-Martin shared a post of his trademark celebration with his fingers in his ears.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe captioned his post: “Nice team win, happy to become the record goalscorer in the Premier League U18’s history.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “We stole Arsenal’s biggest ever talent.”New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against TottenhamA second said: “We really snatched him from that small club.”A third said: “Breaking records already… wow.”He scored just 11 seconds in his Man Utd debut before bagging a 14 minute hat-trick.United went on to win the game 3-0, with James Scanlon and Dante Plunkett netting to seal the tenth win of the season for Mark Lawrence’s team. More

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    Juventus eyeing transfer swoop for Ipswich’s Liam Delap but face fight for English striker from Chelsea and Man Utd

    JUVENTUS are eyeing Ipswich striker Liam Delap – but first face a fight with Manchester United and Chelsea.The ex-Manchester City youth striker has hit the Prem alight – scoring six of the Tractor Boys’ 13 goals this season.Juventus, Man Utd and Chelsea are eyeing a transfer swoop for Ipswich’s Liam DelapAnd now Juventus, who are drawing up contingency plans in case Dusan Vlahovic doesn’t agree a new deal, are monitoring Delap.So much so, the Serie A side sent scouts to Portman Road last weekend to watch the 21-year-old in the flesh against Man Utd.And Delap’s fine footwork and natural strength saw him bully Ruben Amorim’s back-line in Kieran McKenna’s 1-1 draw with the Red Devils.He could have won relegation-strugglers Ipswich the game if it weren’t for two incredible saves from Andre Onana.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJuventus remain determined to tie frontman Vlahovic down to a new, improved contract.His current deal expires in the summer of 2026 but so far, talks over an extension have failed to bear fruit.Prem giants Man Utd and Chelsea are also monitoring Delap’s progress. And City have a buy-back clause and negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on when they sold the attacker to Ipswich for £20million in July.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBlues boss Enzo Maresca and co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields both know Delap from their time working together at City.Speaking earlier this week, Ipswich boss McKenna poured cold water on discussion surrounding the forward’s future, specifically talk of City’s buy-back clause.Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use in FA Cup giant killingHe said: “It’s not anything I’m aware of or interested in to be honest. I think that’s a question for other people and for the chairman.”My full focus is on this season and, with regards to Liam, trying to help him to continue to improve. I know Liam’s full focus is here and trying to help the team.”This is Delap’s first full season starting regularly as a No 9, after playing off the wing at times for Hull last year, and as a wide striker in some earlier Championship loan moves. BBC pundit Danny Murphy believes England already have the next Harry Kane waiting in the wings in Delap.Murphy star of Delap on Match of the Day 2: “I think he’s got a lot of qualities.”I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”Danny Murphy is a big fan of Liam Delap More

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    Man Utd star ‘wants to leave club and reunite with former boss’ after being singled-out for criticism by Ruben Amorim

    MANCHESTER UNITED flop Joshua Zirkzee reportedly wants to QUIT his new club for a reunion with old boss Thiago Motta at Juventus.Zirkzee, 23, has netted just one goal in 18 appearances following a £36.5million summer move from Bologna.Joshua Zirkzee wants to quit Man Utd for a reunion with old boss Thiago MottaCredit: GettyFormer Bologna gaffer Motta is now in charge at JuventusCredit: AlamyThe Dutch striker failed to nail down a spot in United’s starting XI under either Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, with new manager Ruben Amorim also unimpressed after a verbal blast last week.And La Gazzetta claims Zirkzee is already eyeing a return to Italy in January.Before his move to Old Trafford, the forward netted 14 goals in 53 games at Bologna.Despite not being particularly prolific, Zirkzee established himself as a key player due to his link-up play and last season he helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League.Zirkzee’s manager during his two years at the club was former Barcelona, Inter Milan and PSG midfielder Motta.He is now gaffer at Serie A giants Juventus.And it’s reckoned Zirkzee is desperate to join Motta in Turin next year.Juventus would also like to strike a deal after remaining the only unbeaten side in Italy’s top flight.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey are hoping United will agree to let Zirzkee join them on loan for the remainder of the season.And the two clubs could then sit down next summer to negotiate a fee for a permanent move.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt Ruben Amorim has already been critical of ZirkzeeCredit: GettyHowever, United would likely need to sign a replacement before green-lighting the deal.The Red Devils’ recent business has been heavily influenced by PSR and FFP constraints.And United would likely only be able to afford a temporary striker themselves – a rare commodity in the common market.But new manager Amorim has been less than impressed with the striker and could use it as an opportunity to bring in his own man.Speaking after his first match in the dugout, a 1-1 draw with Ipswich, Amorim criticised Zirzkee for failing to understand the basic nature of his role as a No9.Amorim said: “I think that (decision making) is a concern, you don’t need to coach them at this level.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You have to keep the ball and know the momentum to put the ball in front. Sometimes you feel that you can’t keep the ball and you have to put the ball in front.“Then you have like we are in the end of the game, we were around the box with two strikers. Josh has to understand that he has to go to the box to have the crosses.”Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the answer to unwanted trivia question – but he might not be for much longer

    AARON WAN-BISSAKA is the answer to one of the more difficult football quiz questions.That poser is: Which player has cost the most money without making a single England international appearance?Aaron Wan-Bissaka has reignited his career at West HamCredit: GettyAnd it may see new England boss Thomas Tuchel take noticeCredit: SplashYet the one-time £50million Manchester United defender has breathed new life into his flagging career with a summer move to West Ham.And if the right-back keeps playing like he is at the moment, there is no reason why he could not be in the frame for a call-up by Thomas Tuchel when the German takes over as England manager in a month.Wan-Bissaka was included in then Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate’s squad in November 2019 but the Croydon-born star withdrew with a back injury.The 27-year-old, who played for the DR Congo Under-20s side in 2015 before appearing for England U20s and U21s, has proved to be a relative snip at £15m for West Ham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnder Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, he has added a more attacking dimension to his game which for the most part was lacking in his largely underwhelming five years at Old Trafford after his 2019 switch from Crystal Palace.Ahead of this evening’s home derby clash with Arsenal, Lopetegui said: “Aaron is a good player, he has started a new period in his life here, building a new career at West Ham.“He is very happy here and we are very happy with him and we trust in him.“When you are in a new group, it is not easy at first.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“But step-by-step, he is adapting better. He can improve offensively. And the most important thing is that Aaron wants to improve. He was a good signing for the club.”A couple of years ago, it was no surprise that Wan-Bissaka was out of the picture with England as Southgate had an embarrassment of riches on the right side of defence.Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international But Manchester City’s Kyle Walker has suffered a huge drop in form, and doubts remain over Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in this position for England.Chelsea’s Reece James continues to suffer injury problems, while Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier retired from international football in August.Arsenal’s Ben White has previously stated he does not want to play for the national team and Reds star Joe Gomez has struggled with injuries and form.Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, 22, and Manchester City starlet Rico Lewis, 20, have huge potential, but Tuchel might go for some experience when he names his first squad in March.So, maybe there could be an opening for Wan-Bissaka.Asked about England, Lopetegui said: “This question is for Tuchel not for me.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.“I would like all my players in the English national team.“For me, the most important thing is that Aaron remains hungry and wants to improve.“His attitude tells me he is able to achieve anything.”Defender Max Kilman, a £40m summer buy from Wolves, is another Irons star who could be in the frame for Tuchel.As for Lopetegui, he is merely hoping West Ham can continue where they left off against Newcastle after Monday’s impressive 2-0 win.The Spanish coach has a few injury doubts but one player who could eventually be in action soon is £27.5m signing Niclas Fullkrug.German striker Fullkrug, 31, has only played four times since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in August due to an Achilles injury but Lopetegui could get him back next month.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers boss said: “I hope he is in the last part of his recovery. Let’s see.“He’s not going to be ready for the next two or three matches but I know he is feeling better.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Holland legend Guus Hiddink reveals the key mistake Erik ten Hag made at Man Utd that left him ‘watched with suspicion’

    FORMER Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink believes Erik ten Hag’s downfall at Man Utd was due to an over-reliance on his personal circle. According to Holland legend Hiddink, Ten Hag failed to integrate into the culture at Old Trafford and left himself “isolated”.Former Holland manager Guus Hiddink has explained where Erik ten Hag went wrong at UnitedTen Hag was finally axed after a chaotic final 12 months in chargeTen Hag, 54, was sacked by United after a dismal run of results which culminated in a 2-1 defeat to relegation strugglers West Ham.United’s fourth Premier League defeat of the season proved to be the breaking point as Ineos swiftly replaced him with Ruben Amorim.While the autopsies on Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford are still being crafted, Hiddink has shared his own thoughts on where the former Ajax manager went wrong.He told Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur: “Everyone does it in their own way, but I was surprised at how many confidants Erik gathered around himREAD MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Then you end up on an island, which makes it more difficult to integrate into the culture of your new club and is watched with suspicion. “I always took one assistant abroad with me, with whom I could map out things in the field of football. “I therefore opted for local trainers and supervisors. People who knew the club or the country well.”You play a role in how you are judged. Sometimes approach it with a wink. I mean, we are talking about football, not about war and peace.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You should not respond to force that comes your way with force. Then it will explode somewhere.”Hiddink had two successful spells in charge of Chelsea, leading them to the FA Cup in 2009.Is Amad Diallo the key to transforming Ruben Amorim’s attack at Manchester United?It comes as first-team coach Steve McClaren and trainers Benni McCarthy and Richard Hartis all departed over Ten Hag’s reign.The decision to sack Ten Hag was not taken easily after a summer in which United had backed him with a new contract, £205m spent on the transfers he wanted, and even his own additions to his staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy, who Ten Hag hired in the summer, was waiting in the shadows as he was named interim manager before Amorim arrived.Van Nistelrooy, who wanted to return to his assistant role after his four game stint, was dismissed by Amorim on day one.But the legendary United striker has since been named as Leicester City’s new manager after Steve Cooper was sacked on Sunday.With Ten Hag gone, Amorim now faces the challenge of steering United back to success after enjoying an undefeated record with Sporting this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim started his reign with a 1-1 draw at Ipswich but claimed his first Old Trafford victory with a 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday.The Red Devils sit 12th in the Prem as they host Everton on Sunday.Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More