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    Premier League giants on transfer red alert as Ansu Fati ‘decides to LEAVE Barcelona’

    ANSU FATI is set to spark a Premier League scramble after deciding to leave Barcelona.Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been linked to making a move for the winger.
    Ansu Fati has decided to leave BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    And the Prem trio will be among clubs scrapping for the Spain international’s signature this summer.
    Fati, 20, burst onto the scene as a teenager three years ago, having been at Barcelona since he was nine.
    He is the youngest goal scorer in Champions League history, at the age of 17 years and 40 days.
    And he even inherited Lionel Messi’s iconic No 10 shirt with the Argentina legend left the club in 2021.
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    But Fati has slipped down the pecking order under boss Xavi.
    And Spanish publication AS report that the Guinea Bissau-born star now wants out.
    That represents a change of heart for Fati, who had been determined to earn his boss’ trust.
    But he was left on the bench for the disappointing 0-0 La Liga opener against Getafe.
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    And, to rub salt in the wound, he saw unknown kids Abde Ezzalzouli and Lamine Yamal come on ahead of him as Barca desperately hunted a winner.
    Fati was finally called on in the 79th minute, but failed to make an impact.
    And that appears to have been the final straw for Fati, as he looks to resurrect his career elsewhere.
    Atletico Madrid are reportedly also keen but have yet to contact Barcelona, meaning Prem sides can get a head start. More

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    Man Utd ‘planned to record Mason Greenwood video explaining decision to bring striker back’

    MAN Utd chief executive Richard Arnold planned to release a video explaining exactly why Mason Greenwood was being brought back, it is claimed.The club was reportedly aiming to release the video message to staff and fans on August 4 announcing the striker’s return.
    Man Utd CEO had reportedly planned to make a video announcing Mason Greenwood’s returnCredit: AFP
    The striker hasn’t played for the club since January last yearCredit: AFP
    Richard Arnold, CEO, would have outlined the plan for how Greenwood would be re-integrated into the team, The Athletic reports.
    This included a guarantee that he would not make any appearances with the Manchester United Foundation at the start of his return.
    But Greenwood would find himself back on the first team – 19 months after he last touched a ball for the club.
    The announcement was mysteriously scrapped though, with the star’s future at Man Utd is still in doubt 12 days later.
    It is not clear why it was dropped but there are believed to be a number of factors.
    These are thought to include speaking with sponsors, the fan’s advisory board, the women’s team and major stakeholders.
    Greenwood was was suspended in January last year after his arrest for attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    The club has remained tight-lipped over whether the star striker will return after they carried out their own probe.
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    They released a statement this afternoon confirming they are now in the “final stages” of making a decision on Greenwood’s future.
    The club added: “Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
    “This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
    “Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
    “We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
    “The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.”
    Utd also claimed the decision has “not yet been made” and is “currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation”.
    They added: “This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain.
    “We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.” More

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    Liverpool ‘step up Ryan Gravenberch transfer pursuit but Bayern star prefers Ten Hag reunion at Man Utd’

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly chasing Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.But the ex-Ajax player is believed to prefer linking up with ex-boss Erik ten Hag over at Old Trafford, according to Foot Mercato.
    Liverpool and Manchester are keen to sign Bayern Munich’s Ryan GravenberchCredit: Getty
    According to Santi Aouna, Jurgen Klopp is keen to sign the Dutch midfielder after he had a difficult debut season in the Bundesliga.
    He tweeted: “Liverpool have reactivated their pursuit of Ryan Gravenberch this week.
    “The player is open to a move to England.
    “Talks ongoing with his entourage.
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    “The Bayern midfielder is still on Manchester United’s list, although no offer has yet been made.”
    After completing a £16m move from Ajax last summer, Gravenberch, 21, scored only once in 33 appearances across all competitions.
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    However, he was limited to just three league starts as he failed to establish himself under both Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.
    The Dutch international is now ready to depart the Allianz Arena and make a move to England but it may not be to Anfield.
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    Prior to completing a £16million move to Bayern last summer, Gravenberch played under Ten Hag at Ajax from 2018-2022.
    He made 72 appearances and scored seven goals during his spell for ten Hag’s team.
    Meanwhile, Klopp is desperate for a new defensive midfielder after Sunday’s 1-1- draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
    After losing seven numbers of last season’s squad the Reds have only recruited Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
    Now missing out on Moses Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Mauricio Potchettino Liverpool is on the hunt to fill in the gaps left by Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
    However, no offers have been made yet from either Premier League side. More

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    Mason Greenwood update as Man Utd release statement on club probe

    MANCHESTER United have released a statement on the club’s investigation into the future of Mason Greenwood.The striker, 21, has not played for United since being arrested in January last year.
    Greenwood has not played for United since January last yearCredit: PA
    He was later charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive control, before the charges were dropped in February.
    Greenwood has been waiting to discover his fate at United since, with the club remaining tight-lipped over their own internal investigation.
    But in a statement released today, the club said it is “in the final stages” of announcing a decision.
    It reads: “Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
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    “This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
    “Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.”
    The statement continues: “We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
    “The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
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    “Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
    “Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.
    “This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain.
    The club asked for patience as officials “work through final stages of this carefully considered process”.
    It comes after United’s CEO reportedly told senior staff two weeks ago Greenwood would be brought back into the fold.
    The club is said to have initially planned to make the sensational announcement on August 4 – before the new season started.
    Richard Arnold had intended to film a video message explaining the club’s decision, while also outlining the plan for his reintegration.
    Part of the agreement would have also included Greenwood having no involvement with the Manchester United Foundation charity, The Athletic reports.
    But no decision has been revealed on whether or not the striker will return.
    Chief operating officer Collette Roche also gave an update earlier today, telling The Athletic: “We’ve done a really detailed and thorough internal investigation and we’ve asked as many people as we can around what happened and try to understand it beyond the original investigation done by the police.
    “You’d expect us to engage with people who were relevant in terms of stakeholder groups.
    “And now we just need to make the decision. That decision is firmly a decision that’s on us.”
    United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
    There was also a protest at Old Trafford ahead of their first game of the season on Monday night – led by female fans.
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    Several employees within the club are said to be troubled by the prospect of Greenwood’s return.
    But manager Eric Tan Hag is understood to be supportive of a comeback.
    Greenwood’s has been the subject of an internal investigationCredit: AFP
    A group of fans gathered outside Old Trafford to protest Greenwood’s returnCredit: LNP More

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    Man Utd ‘planned to bring Mason Greenwood back before season started but scrapped announcement’

    MAN Utd’s CEO reportedly told senior staff two weeks ago Mason Greenwood would return but the announcement was scrapped.The club are understood to have planned to make the sensational announcement on August 4 before the new season started.
    Mason Greenwood is still waiting to hear about his future at the club
    But Greenwood’s future at Man Utd is still in doubt 12 days later with the new season already underway.
    Richard Arnold, CEO, had intended to film a video message explaining the decision and outline a plan for his reintegration, The Athletic reports.
    This included a guarantee that Greenwood would not make any appearances with the Manchester United Foundation at the start of his return.
    But Greenwood would find himself back on the first team – 19 months after he last touched a ball for the club.
    It is not clear why the announcement about his alleged return was dropped but there are believed to be a number of factors.
    These are thought to include speaking with sponsors, the fan’s advisory board, the women’s team and major stakeholders.
    But the publication claims gaffer Erik ten Hag and football director John Murtough are behind his return.
    Greenwood was suspended in January last year after his arrest for attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
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    The club has remained tight-lipped over whether the star striker will return after they carried out their own probe.
    They released a statement this afternoon confirming they are now in the “final stages” of making a decision on Greenwood’s future.
    The club added: “Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
    “This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
    “Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
    “We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
    “The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.”
    Utd also claimed the decision has “not yet been made” and is “currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation”.
    They added: “This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain.
    “We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
    Greenwood has remained “in limbo” about his future at Utd after chiefs launched their own five-month probe into the claims.
    The majority of the first team have suggested they were open to the idea of bringing the Greenwood back.
    United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
    Greenwood joined Utd aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
    In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
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    Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
    CEO Richard Arnold had been planning to make a video message explaining the decisionCredit: PA
    The star has not played for the club since January last year More

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    Mason Greenwood fans target Man Utd women’s players with messages demanding they support bringing suspended striker back

    MANCHESTER United’s women footballers have been targeted by supporters wanting them to back Mason Greenwood’s return.Stars preparing for England’s semi-final tomorrow against hosts Australia at the Women’s World Cup have been put under pressure as the club continues to deliberate over the suspended striker’s future.
    Mason Greenwood has not played for Manchester United since January last yearCredit: Getty
    Greenwood, 21, hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control last January.
    The charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remains suspended by United, despite recent talk suggesting a possible return from their head coach Erik ten Hag.
    Members of Manchester United Women’s team have reportedly raised concerns about the prospect of Greenwood returning to the training ground.
    And protests against his possible return were staged outside United’s opening match of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers last night at Old Trafford.
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    Now players on United’s women’s team have received messages from Greenwood fans urging them to back his return.
    Among those contacted are England internationals currently in Australia on Women’s World Cup duty – Mary Earps, Ella Toone and club captain Katie Zelem.
    They have been targeted in responses from Greenwood fans to social media posts by United celebrating their involvement in England’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia last Saturday.
    The messages were seen by players, according to The Athletic.
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    An Instagram post by United hailing their three Lionesses for reaching the semi-final was bombarded with comments urging them to support Greenwood in returning to action/
    It was previously revealed United’s Lionesses would be among those players consulted over what to do about Greenwood.
    One female fan outside Monday night’s Premier League opener at Old Trafford held an expletive-laden poster blasting the club’s refusal so far to rule out a comeback by Greenwood.
    It read: “Don’t leave the decision up to the women’s team, you spineless, motherless f***s.”
    A group called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return have called on United to never let him play again, saying: “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.
    “We female fans of Man United are demanding that the club abide by their duty of care towards their female fans and employees.
    “Demonstrate a zero tolerance approach towards acts of violence against women by refusing to bring Mason Greenwood back into the squad.”
    The Sun exclusively revealed that top-level discussions about a possible return are nearly concluded, while Greenwood has the backing of his teammates as well as his manager ten Hag.
    However, he suffered a major blow to his hopes as he was excluded from the team’s provisional squad list.
    Greenwood was last week seen practising his skills at public training grounds rather than his club’s base at Carrington.
    He was joined there by Ben Mangan, who describes himself as an “individual professional football coach”.
    Greenwood was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
    Two days after the Iceland game he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were withdrawn from the squad for breaching Covid guidelines by leaving the part of the hotel where they were staying.
    The Sun revealed earlier this summer former United boss Jose Mourinho had telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan to Italian Serie A side Roma.
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    United are said to have had contact with other Italian teams Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan about potential moves.
    Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Manchester United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
    Goalkeeper Mary Earps is among the United women’s team players targetedCredit: Reuters
    Her England and United team-mate Ella Toone is another coming under pressureCredit: Getty
    Manchester United Women’s captain Katie Zelem is also in Australia for the Lionesses
    Protests about United’s approach were held ahead of their match on Monday nightCredit: Getty More

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    Watch fan storm pitch as Man Utd’s first match of the season descends into CHAOS moments after Mason Greenwood protests

    THIS is the moment Manchester United’s first match of the season descended into chaos when a fan stormed the pitch.The bizarre scenes came after protestors slammed Mason Greenwood’s rumoured return during tonight’s Prem opener against Wolves.
    A fan stormed the Old Trafford pitchCredit: SkySports
    He tried to tackle a Wolves playerCredit: SkySports
    Protesters slammed Mason Greenwood’s rumoured return
    Raphael Varane headed United to victory with the game’s only goal
    The man ran onto the pitch during the 93rd minute of the game, interrupting a tense Wolves build-up which could have led to an equaliser.
    He tried to take the ball off a Wolves player before he was chased by stewards.
    The pitch invader was jeered by the stands – but the exhausted players on the field barely reacted before play resumed.
    It is currently unknown what led the man to storm the Old Trafford pitch.
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    A disjointed Red Devils side snatched three points from Wolves in front of a restless home crowd.
    Wolves had a late call for a penalty turned down by VAR after Andre Onana clattered through two Wolves players.
    Gary O’Neil was booked for his protestations and Wolves will wonder how they left Old Trafford empty-handed.
    The run-up to United’s curtain-raiser was dominated by protests against the club’s refusal to rule out a return for Mason Greenwood.
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    One female fan held an expletive-laden poster blasting the club’s refusal to rule out Greenwood’s return.
    It read: “Don’t leave the decision up to the women’s team, you spineless, motherless f***s.”
    Others sang protest chants outside Old Trafford in the run-up to the start of United’s season.
    The 21-year-old striker could return to the team after charges against him of assault, attempted rape and coercive behaviour were dropped earlier this year.
    Greenwood has not played for United since he was arrested in January last year.
    ‘SPINELESS’
    Before the game against Wolves, a group called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return called on United to never let him play again.
    The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case against Greenwood in February after “key witnesses” pulled out.
    But the player is still suspended while United investigates the allegations itself.
    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.
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    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. More

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    Paul Pogba puts his Cheshire mansion up for rent for eye-watering price — after Erling Haaland fails to buy it

    FOOTIE ace Paul Pogba has put his mansion back up for rent after rival Erling Haaland failed to buy it — and is charging £27,500 a month.The 30-year-old France international paid out £3million for the pad in 2016 when he signed for Manchester United.
    Paul Pogba has put his mansion back up for rent after rival Erling Haaland failed to buy it — and is charging £27,500 a monthCredit: Getty
    Last summer Man City striker Haaland eyed up the Hale Barns, Cheshire, property but decided to settle in Manchester city centre instead.
    Pogba, who plays for Juventus, listed the house for rent at £6,346-a-week.
    It boasts six bedrooms, an open-plan living area, landscaped garden, games room, gym and indoor football pitch.
    It has mini goals, an electronic scoreboard, LED lighting and even the footballer’s logo on the centre circle.
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    It also has a gated entrance, after burglars broke in last year while Pogba’s children were asleep upstairs.
    He rushed home from a match at Old Trafford, saying it was his family’s “worst nightmare”.
    The footballer failed to sell it after a string of players have opted for city centre living.
    Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, Julian Alvarez, and even City manager Pep Guardiola have all chosen the hustle and bustle of Manchester rather than leafy Cheshire.
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