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    Bayern Munich ‘in talks to sign ex-Man Utd keeper De Gea’.. but face major obstacle to complete free transfer signing

    BAYERN MUNICH are pursuing a shock move for former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.The Spanish stopper has been a free agent since the expiration of his contract with the Red Devils in June.
    Bayern Munich are keen on signing former Manchester United goalkeeper David de GeaCredit: Getty
    But the Spaniard’s wage demands are said to be a major stumbling blockCredit: GETTY
    De Gea, 32, is understood to be on the radar of several Saudi Pro League clubs – although reports in Germany suggest he could end up in Bavaria.
    Sport claim the German champions are locked in talks with the Spain international over a free transfer to the Allianz Arena.
    But they claim there is a major stumbling block in the deal.
    De Gea’s wage demands are said to be too high for the Bundesliga big boys.
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    The Spaniard was Manchester United’s top earner before leaving the Theatre of Dreams earlier this summer – taking home a whopping £375,000 a week.
    Bayern are said to be exploring a number of options for a back-up keeper for Manuel Neuer, who is still recovering from his freak injury.
    The Germany international broke his right leg last December in a skiing accident, snapping his tibia and fibula.
    Neuer, 37, immediately underwent surgery but his recovery is said to have stalled.
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    Manuel Neuer is still recovering from the brutal broken leg he suffered last yearCredit: AP
    It’s claimed the veteran keeper is struggling to put weight on his right leg and kick with his left foot.
    According to reports, Bayern are planning to have Neuer undergo more surgery to correct the issue.
    Bayern will kick off their defence of the Bundesliga title on Friday, travelling to the Weser Stadium to take on Werder Bremen. More

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    Harry Maguire demands massive £15MILLION pay-off to quit Man Utd for West Ham in huge blow to Ten Hag’s transfer plans

    HARRY MAGUIRE is demanding a £15million pay-off from Manchester United to join West Ham.Old Trafford chiefs thought they had a deal done after agreeing a £30m fee with the Hammers.
    Harry Maguire is on the the verge of leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTY
    The England international is set to join West Ham in a deal worth £30millionCredit: PA
    But he’s demanded a whopping £15m pay-off to leave Old TraffordCredit: REUTERS
    They had also offered Maguire a £6m payment to leave.
    But the former captain is holding out for more than TWICE that with him facing a wage cut to move to The London Stadium.
    Maguire would have to reduce his wages from £190,000 a week to £120,000 – which would come to a shortfall of £14.5m over a four-year contract.
    He already has two years left of his current deal at Old Trafford which would be worth £19.7million.
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    So the 30-year-old England international, understandably, does not believe the £6m offer is enough.
    He remains unhappy at his treatment at the hands of manager Erik ten Hag.
    The Dutchman stripped him of the captaincy this summer and handed the armband permanently to Bruno Fernandes.
    Maguire only started eight Premier League games under Ten Hag last season.
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    Yet ahead of the club’s opening game against Wolves, he has challenged the centre-back to fight for his place or go.
    Ten Hag said: “For Harry, that is just how I described it. He has to fight for his place.
    “He has the ability to be a top class centre back and he is the best for England.
    “So why shouldn’t he be the best for us? But he has to prove it.
    “When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision but I’m happy with him.”
    Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard is one of the top candidates to replace Maguire.
    The French World Cup winner is desperate to move to United.
    But Pavard will cost around £35m and Ten Hag will only make the move is Maguire is sold. More

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    Furious Man Utd fans slam decision to include Mason Greenwood in eFootball video game

    FURIOUS Manchester United fans have slammed a decision to include Mason Greenwood in the eFootball video game.The striker, 21, was included in the United squad in a popular game developed by Japanese animation firm Konami.
    Greenwood has been included in the Man United squad in the eFootball gameCredit: Twitter/ManUnitedZone_
    Greenwood pictured during a United training session in June 2020Credit: Getty
    Konami, an official partner of the club, named Greenwood within the game despite him having not played since January last year.
    Greenwood was suspended from playing for the club after being arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    He was charged with the offences in October, before the criminal probe was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.
    However, United fans have reacted with disdain to his inclusion within the computer game.
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    Taking to social media, one supporter said: “Take him out of the club.”
    Another wrote: “That’s low from them”.
    A third said: “I thought they’d at the minimum be too scared about the PR disaster but clearly not.”
    A fourth added: “This might be the end of me watching football.”
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    Another tweeted: “Deleting my eFootball account what a terrible game.”
    However, some fans backed the decision and gave their support to his return.
    One supporter wrote: “Our boy is coming back!”
    A second said: “Can’t wait to have him back in real life.”
    It comes as United fans are set to protest tonight’s Premier League opener against Wolves at Old Trafford.
    One group, called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return, issued a full statement on the matter earlier this week
    The recently founded group wrote: “We are calling on the club to do the right thing. For their fans, for their employees, for the millions of young boys and girls across the world who look up to our players as heroes and role models, and the millions of women whose lives have been blighted by violence and abuse.
    “To the decision-makers at the club, remember; this goes beyond football. This decision is a reflection of you, your morals; of who you are as individuals, and as humans. 
    “Will you stand with abusers, or with the abused? History will judge your choices. Make sure you choose well.”
    They concluded by saying: “We female fans of Man United are demanding that the club abide by their duty of care towards their female fans and employees and demonstrate a zero tolerance approach towards acts of violence against women by refusing to bring Mason Greenwood back into the squad.”
    Meanwhile, United have ruled out making a decision on Greenwood’s future until a “set date”.
    Greenwood has been the subject of an internal probe since the charges were dropped.
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    Man United had intended to provide an update on his future prior to the start of the season.
    But the Old Trafford club is now not expected to announce a decision until the September international break.
    A fan group is set to protest during tonight’s match More

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    Major Mason Greenwood update as Man Utd rule out making decision on striker’s return until ‘set date’

    MANCHESTER United have ruled out making a decision on Mason Greenwood’s return to football until a “set date”.The striker, 21, has not played for the club since he was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
    Greenwood in action for Man UnitedCredit: Getty
    Greenwood has not played for the club since January last yearCredit: Getty
    He was charged with the offences in October, before the criminal investigation was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.
    Greenwood has been the subject of an internal probe since the charges were dropped.
    Man United had intended to provide an update on his future prior to the start of the season.
    But the Old Trafford club is now not expected to announce a decision until the September international break.
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    It is understood the club wishes to explain the findings of its internal investigation to stakeholders, resulting in the delay.
    This is said to include United’s women’s team and its fan advisory board, The Athletic reports.
    It comes after it was reported that United players Mary Earps and midfielders Ella Toone and Katie Zelem, all of whom are currently playing for the Lionesses, will be consulted before a decision is made.
    Club bosses are said to have been involved in conversations with their female first team, Greenwood and his family, the BBC reports.
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    But the final decision rests with chief executive Richard Arnold, the club insists, and will be made on the facts established by the club’s own probe, rather than opinions.
    The fan advisory board, a group of supporters consulted on major issues involving the club, will similarly be approached for feedback.
    However, communication with the women’s team may prove difficult given the Lionesses so far successful World Cup bid.
    England reached the semi-final stage on Saturday and will play a further two games before returning home.
    The final is scheduled for August 20, should England reach it, while the third-place playoff is a day earlier.
    During the men’s international break, England are scheduled to play Ukraine in Poland on September 9 before travelling to play Scotland at Hampden Park three days later.
    United last week released provisional squad numbers for the new season – with Greenwood omitted.
    Last season he wore No11 on his back – but that number as well as the player himself did not appear on the list.
    And last week The Sun revealed snaps of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
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    United fans will tonight protest against his return to action as they host Wolves in their Premier League opener.
    One group, called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return, issued a full statement on the matter earlier this week
    Greenwood dribbles with the ball during a game against West Ham in January last yearCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd fans to protest against Mason Greenwood’s potential return during first match of season today

    MANCHESTER United fans will tonight protest against Mason Greenwood’s potential return before the team’s first home game.The 21-year-old striker is rumoured to be returning to the team after charges of attempted rape and coercive behaviour, as well as assault, against him were dropped earlier this year.
    A group of Manchester United fans are planning a protest against a potential Mason Greenwood return
    His fate at the club remains uncertain
    He has not played for United since he was arrested over the allegations in January last year.
    But fuming fans are set to protest at tonight’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Wolverhampton.
    One group, called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return, issued a full statement on the matter earlier this week.
    The recently-founded group wrote: “We are calling on the club to do the right thing. For their fans, for their employees, for the millions of young boys and girls across the world who look up to our players as heroes and role models, and the millions of women whose lives have been blighted by violence and abuse.
    “To the decision-makers at the club, remember; this goes beyond football. This decision is a reflection of you, your morals; of who you are as individuals, and as humans. 
    “Will you stand with abusers, or with the abused? History will judge your choices. Make sure you choose well.”
    They concluded by saying: “We female fans of Man United are demanding that the club abide by their duty of care towards their female fans and employees and demonstrate a zero tolerance approach towards acts of violence against women by refusing to bring Mason Greenwood back into the squad.”
    While the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case against him in February due to “key witnesses” withdrawing and “new material coming to light”, he has remained suspended while the club concludes its own internal investigation.
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    Last week, Greenwood was snapped training in a park as his dad Andrew watched on, holding the footballer’s newborn baby girl in his arms.
    The Sun exclusively revealed that top-level discussions about a possible return to Old Trafford are nearly concluded, while Greenwood has the backing of his teammates and manager Erik ten Hag.
    However, he suffered a major blow to his hopes as he was excluded from the team’s provisional squad list.
    He was seen training in a park last week More

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    Bayern Munich star ‘fighting’ to replace Harry Maguire with ‘£35m transfer valuation putting Man Utd off’

    BENJAMIN PAVARD is reportedly “fighting” to be Harry Maguire’s replacement at Manchester United.But the Red Devils could be put off by Bayern Munich’s £35million valuation for the defender.
    Benjamin Pavard is reportedly desperate to join Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Former captain Maguire looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer.
    And Sky Sports report the Frenchman is among the top targets lined up by Erik ten Hag to bolster his back line.
    It is claimed the defender will push hard to complete the move – although the two clubs are yet to agree a fee.
    Pavard, 27, is into the final 12 months of his current contract at the Allianz Arena having joined from Stuttgart in 2019 for £31.4m.
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    He has no intention of signing an extension and wants to leave for a new venture.
    However, despite his deal running out, Bayern are said to still want around £30m to £35m.
    That fee, though, is more than United want to pay for the World Cup winner who can operate at right-back or centre-back.
    And they will only get the Pavard deal over the line once Maguire’s exit has been confirmed.
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    United accepted a £30m offer from West Ham.
    And SunSport revealed the League Cup holders will pay off Maguire with a £6m golden handshake to sweeten the deal.
    However an agreement has still not materialised with Ten Hag confirming Maguire could feature in Monday night’s Premier League opener against Wolves. More

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    Erik ten Hag sends brutal message to Harry Maguire as £30m transfer to West Ham hangs in the balance

    ERIK TEN HAG has told Harry Maguire: ‘If you don’t want to fight for your place then go’.Maguire’s £30million switch from Manchester United to West Ham has stalled on personal terms.
    Erik ten Hag has told Harry Maguire to leave Man Utd if he doesn’t want to fight for his placeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    He has a deal in place that cuts his weekly wages from £190,000 to £120,000, with United offering him a £6million pay-off to help offset the shortfall over his contract.
    Still there is no agreement — although Maguire has looked a dispirited figure since having the captaincy taken off him earlier this summer.
    But now manager Ten Hag has demanded the player commits fully to United or walks out of the door.
    Ten Hag said: “For Harry, that is just how I described it. He has to fight for his place.
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    “He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back and he is the best for England so why shouldn’t he be the best for us — but he has to prove it.
    “When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go. Then he has to make a decision but I’m happy with him.”
    Maguire is in the squad for tonight’s Premier League opener at home to Wolves.
    The pre-season proved that Ten Hag can field two strong sides when they twice played on consecutive days.
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    And the boss wants those not in tonight’s starting line-up to challenge themselves to get in that regular starting XI.
    He said: “We don’t have a squad with 11 players, and the last year proved definitely we need all the players.
    “So that means you need some high-level players who are maybe not starting but that can change so there is an internal competition — everyone has to fight for his place.
    “Every player, when they are good, will get their games but no one can play all the games and finally you find out what is the best team.
    “In the squad now all the positions are double and every player has the perspective to fight for his place.
    “It is up to the players if they have game time or less.”
    One player who will not be figuring tonight is £72m new striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is still getting fit after suffering a slight injury in pre-season with his now former club Atalanta.
    For Harry, that is just how I described it. He has to fight for his place.Erik ten Hag
    Ten Hag said: “We are not in a rush. We know without him we have a strong team and the position is covered.
    “It is about him getting to the right fitness level and then we have to integrate him in training and bring him in for the games.
    “So we take our time. It is not about winning in this moment, it is about winning in the long term.”
    Ten Hag believes United are ready for winning as well.
    Last season the Red Devils qualified for the Champions League after finishing third, won their first trophy in six years with the Carabao Cup and reached the FA Cup final.
    And Ten Hag, who took over in July 2022, said: “We couldn’t expect this, where we are now, when we look back a year.
    “We showed we could beat all the good teams, the best teams in the world.
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    “We have a really good foundation and now we have to work on it and do it consistently.
    “If we work well, with the right plan and efforts in place and we work with consistency, we will be more successful — and we can make that step.” More

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    Man Utd fans fear for Bruno Fernandes as new Premier League yellow card rule causes chaos

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are fearing the worst for Bruno Fernandes after seeing the Premier League’s new rulebook in action.This Premier League season is set to have more bookings than ever before due to a major clamp down on discipline.
    Fans are fearing the worst for Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes with the new Prem rulesCredit: Getty
    We got a glimpse of it last weekend in the Community Shield when Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was shown a yellow card on the touchline for demanding that Manchester City’s Rodri get booked.
    New rules for this season will see officials come down hard on such behaviour from both players and managers.
    And a host of stars have found themselves receiving a caution throughout the opening weekend for similar antics and dissent.
    Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson were two of the latest to get booked for gesturing for cards during the 1-1 draw between their respective clubs today.
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    United begin their campaign with a home clash against Wolves on Monday.
    But with their new captain Fernandes, 28, having form for waving imaginary cards in the past, their fans are fearing for their skipper.
    “Someone at Manchester United needs to be talking to Bruno Fernandes or else he’ll get booked every game,” tweeted one.
    A fellow United fan commented: “Bruno Fernandes getting YC every single game I guess.”
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    “Yellow cards for asking for a booking this season? Bruno Fernandes you’re in trouble,” joked another.
    “That new dissent rule is horrible. Bruno Fernandes will be getting a 1 game ban by GW 5 with these rules,” said another supporter.
    While another added: “Bruno Fernandes gonna rack up them yellow cards this season.” More