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      Forgotten Man Utd academy star returns to first-team training after 21 YEARS at the age of 36 following 600-game career

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      A FORGOTTEN Manchester United academy ace has returned to train with the club 21 YEARS after he left.The 36-year-old never turned out for the Red Devils’ first-team as he was deemed too small.Tommy Rowe has been spotted in training with Manchester UnitedCredit: X – MUFCHe has featured in the Premier League 2 for the clubCredit: GettyTommy Rowe left Old Trafford in 2003 after one year in the academy as he joined Stockport County.The winger went on to enjoy a successful career in the English Football League.He made 601 appearances for seven different clubs, including Peterborough United and Doncaster Rovers.His best season came in 2016/17, as he netted 13 times for Doncaster in League Two.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRowe has now become the latest former Man United player to link up with the Under-21s.However, has now been pictured training with the first-team squad.He followed in the footsteps of Tom Huddlestone and Paul McShane, who also held player-coach roles, but has gone one further by joining Erik ten Hag’s squad for a session.Huddlestone made 24 appearances for the U21s before he left the club in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe club completed the deal to bring in the former academy player back in September.Rowe has already made six appearances for the U21s in the Premier League 2 as well as one in the EFL Trophy.Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man UtdRowe is in a similar role to Tom HuddlestoneCredit: GettyDuring his career, he reached the championship but played up and down the English leagues.Rowe enjoyed play-off success from League Two with Stockport as well as League One play-off and Football League trophy victories with the Posh.He has insisted that he is keen to remain in the sport for the next five decades.He told the Yorkshire Post in 2023: “I am asked questions about how long my career is and it is never defined. It’s how I see it tomorrow.”It would destroy me if someone said I came into training and didn’t care. That would be when I ended my career.”Because I know until this point that I have done all I can do to put things right.”Whatever success is to everyone else is probably not the same version that I see for myself.”I have aspirations of being in football for the next forty or fifty years.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I can’t actually stop playing football as football has an ongoing appeal and will stay in my mind forever.”I don’t even think about retirement at any point. I just keep going. I have got that clear in mind.” More

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      Three ways Man Utd could line up under Xavi as he finally brings Barcelona star Ten Hag was desperate to sign

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could finally land a star Erik ten Hag has been desperate to sign for three seasons if they appoint Xavi.Despite the club backing under-pressure manager Ten Hag, reports have emerged suggesting the Red Devils have lined up Xavi as a potential replacement.Xavi has reportedly been tipped as a target by Man Utd chiefsCredit: GettyThey could move for the former Barcelona boss if they sack Erik ten HagCredit: GettyAnd it may result in Man Utd finally landing Frenkie de Jong, three years after Ten Hag originally wanted himCredit: GettyThe legendary Spaniard is out of work after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.And according to reports, United chiefs have identified the 44-year-old as a possible option if the Dutchman is sacked.It’s claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months, with CEO Omar Berrada in Barcelona last Thursday as part of a four-person delegation.In the event Xavi is hired, it begs the question; how might United line up?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLXavi’s team typically lines up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the La Masia graduate championing the “Four P’s” – positioning, possession, pressure and perception.In terms of line-ups, Xavi would not be likely to go searching for a new goalkeeper, given how well Andre Onana suits his style of wanting to play out from the back.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both extremely capable right-backs who could feature in a Xavi team due to their technical prowess, though the former’s ability to tuck into midfield could make the difference on who is given the nod.Lisandro Martinez is another star who suits Xavi’s system, though there could be a toss up on who starts as the right centre-back.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMatthijs de Ligt has looked lightweight at times for United, which could prompt Xavi to ask the club to sign a new defender in the form of Ronald Araujo.This being said, like Martinez, the Uruguayan is an aggressor centre-back, while the Argentine has played his best stuff alongside a covering partner in Raphael Varane.Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester UnitedThat may instead mean Xavi turns to teen prodigy Leny Yoro, who is back in training after suffering an injury in pre-season.United have left-back options who are good when fit, however, both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw have been absent for some time, leaving Dalot as the main defender to fill in there.If either Malacia or Shaw cannot be relied on to play, Xavi may try a raid on his old club by signing 21-year-old Alejandro Balde.Moving into midfield, Xavi may finally be able to land the midfielder who was Ten Hag’s No1 target in his first summer at the club, Frenkie de Jong.However, while the manager of Barcelona, Xavi had a number of midfield targets which he may switch over to his Old Trafford moving in shopping list. He is said to “love” Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who is a transfer target for Arsenal, while Arthur Vermeeren was also linked to Barcelona during Xavi’s tenure.Xavi Simons was targeted by Xavi while at BarcelonaCredit: ReutersXavi reportedly ‘loves’ defensive midfielder Martin ZubimendiCredit: RexAlternatively, and echoing reports suggesting the Red Devils want to bring him back, Angel Gomes could also be a welcome addition in midfield.United academy star Kobbie Mainoo is likely to remain in the team – given not just his importance and quality but also because Xavi is more than happy to give a large volume of minutes to youngsters.Further forward, Xavi may see fit to try and ease out club captain Bruno Fernandes by bringing in Xavi Simons – targeted by him in Spain and by United transfer chiefs.Xavi is known to be a big fan of Marcus Rashford, meaning his spot in the team is likely secure. Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo are other exciting prospects.But should Xavi tell transfer bosses he is desperate for some new additions, he may ask them to sign Barca target Nico Williams. The Euro 2024 winner refused to move to the Blaugrana from Athletic Bilbao last summer as he wanted to stay for another season.READ MORE SUN STORIESXavi may even look to some of his old favourites at Barcelona, with former Leeds star Raphinha and ex-Man City star Ferran Torres among his most used stars at the Camp Nou with 113 and 100 appearances respectively.Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may also be a consideration, but he would likely be less available than the other options mentioned.Xavi could look to pip his former club to the signing of Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyWhile signing a technical star like Angel Gomes could align with both Xavi’s style and Man Utd’s transfer needsCredit: RexNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Man Utd ‘set to appoint former EFL boss and academy product, 48, to surprise role’ in major backroom rethink

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      MANCHESTER UNITED look geared up to bring old boy Michael Appleton into their new-look backroom staff.The 48-year-old has been linked with a return to his childhood club after he was sacked by League One side Charlton in January.Manchester United look ready to bring Michael Appleton into their backroom staffErik ten Hag has already added Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to his staffNow Old Trafford’s sporting supremo Dan Ashworth is poised to appoint him to the transfer team with responsibility for loans.Former Tranmere physio and manager Les Parry holds the position but he is set to be replaced, according to The Mail.Appleton was spotted sitting alongside Ashworth and Old Trafford technical director Jason Wilcox at the start of October.The trio watched the Under-21s fight out a 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Premier League International Cup in Salford three weeks ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAppleton’s appearance has re-ignited talk that he could be appointed in the near future to oversee United’s young players who go out on loan to other clubs.The Mail initially reported that Appleton wouldn’t take the job last month, but it appears the lifelong United fan could make a stunning U-turn.Appleton was appointed as Charlton gaffer last September, eight months after being sacked by Blackpool. However, he didn’t last very long at The Valley as he was shown the exit door in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 48-year-old has also previously taken charge of Portsmouth, Preston, Blackburn, Oxford and Lincoln.Appleton worked with Ashworth at West Brom and is among his proteges.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noHe was given a chance to come through as a coach at the Hawthorns under his mentor and they have a very close relationship.It would be his first administrative job but he has a good knowledge of United’s rising stars and the right contacts to find them homes.Appleton joined the Red Devils as a teenager and earned his first professional contract in 1994 after impressing academy coaches.He was loaned to Wimbledon and Lincoln the following season to get first-team experience and eventually returned to Old Trafford in 1996 to make his senior debut.After playing just 90 minutes in total for Man Utd, Appleton moved to Preston North End in 1997.He then joined West Brom, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring in 2003 after losing his two-year battle with the injury. Michael Appleton spent three years in the United set up More

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      ‘I nearly joined Man Utd after Sir Alex Ferguson charmed me but I don’t regret it… then I ended my career at Barnet’

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      EDGAR DAVIDS revealed he almost joined Manchester United after meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson in 1996.Davids, 51, enjoyed tremendous success playing for the likes of Ajax, where he won the Champions League and the Eredivisie, as well as Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles.Edgar Davids revealed he almost joined Manchester United in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdDavids held talks with Man Utd’s legendary boss Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyDavids turned Man Utd down to play for AC Milan as that was where the ‘big boys’ playedCredit: Allsport – GettyHowever, the former midfielder’s career could have looked a lot different if he accepted Ferguson’s offer to join him at United just three years before the legendary Treble triumph.The Dutchman revealed he had a “charming” conversation with Sir Alex but opted for AC Milan as that was there the “big boys” played back in the day.And the Netherlands great insists he has no regrets despite United’s tremendous success under Fergie until 2013.Davids told BetMGM: “When I left Ajax in 1996 there was a good chance of me going to Manchester United.Read More on Football“I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson and it was one of the most unbelievable experiences I had in my whole career. He was funny, charming, intelligent — basically everything you wanted.“The big boys were in Serie A and that’s where I wanted to go at that time of my career. That was the main reason why I chose to go to AC Milan.“I don’t regret not going to Manchester United. I’ve seen Sir Alex since and we had a good laugh about it all and there are still the same good feelings between us.”Davids did ultimately make the move to England nine years later as he played for Tottenham until 2007 before a short stint with Crystal Palace in 2010.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Barcelona star then turned into an EFL cult hero two years later as he took over as player-manager at Barnet in League Two, where he amassed 38 appearances until his retirement in 2014.Davids is now pursuing a career in management and currently works as Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman’s assistant.Steven Bergwijn gives a finishing masterclass with Edgar Davids in Netherlands training The ex-Inter Milan star revealed he cut his teeth learning under current United boss Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of Utrecht.The Juventus legend insists Ten Hag is a remarkable manager and hinted that the Red Devils’ troubles are caused by a lack of firepower up front.Davids added: “I know him [Ten Hag] very well. I did an internship at FC Utrecht and he was there. “He was very innovative with lots of different things and I was very impressed. He’s very focused and passionate about football.“We all know it hasn’t gone great at Manchester United. They are a club trying to rebuild and that’s never easy — but I do look at their options up front and think there’s not a prolific goalscorer there which makes such a difference.“For me, that’s what they are really missing. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are good, young strikers and have talent but they don’t have that experience yet.“It’s so hard to say if he’s going to stay but the one thing you do know is, just like Real Madrid, results are what you are judged on and they clearly haven’t been nearly good enough while he’s been in charge.”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) £12.8mDavids ended a successful career at Barnet in League TwoCredit: Getty Images – GettyDavids is now pursuing a career as manager and currently works as assistant boss for the Netherlands’ national teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Man Utd ‘contact Barcelona legend Xavi over replacing Erik ten Hag’ as three-man shortlist emerges if he is sacked

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have contacted former Barcelona boss Xavi over potentially replacing Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving Barca at the end of last season.Xavi has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag at Man UtdCredit: PAThe former midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Barcelona at the end of last seasonCredit: EPATen Hag, 54, has come under intense scrutiny so far this season.Following the Red Devils’ 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham last month, the Dutchman’s United future appeared to be in severe doubt.They have since drawn away matches at Porto and Aston Villa, before coming from behind to beat Brentford at Old Trafford last Saturday.According to the Mail, United chiefs have identified Xavi as a possible Ten Hag replacement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months.Man Utd CEO Omar Berrada jetted out to Barcelona last Thursday for meetings as part of a four-man delegation.Figures within United claim that several meetings have taken place in the Catalan city recently due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos taking part in sailings America’s Cup there.Xavi began his managerial career with Qatari side Al-Sadd in 2019.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter winning a league title and six domestic trophies, the former midfielder was appointed Barca boss in 2021.Amid financial turmoil off the pitch, Xavi guided the Blaugrana to a LaLiga title during the 2022-23 season, also winning the Spanish Supercup in 2023.Xavi to leave BarcelonaFollowing a 5-3 defeat to Villarreal in January, Xavi announced that he would be stepping down as boss at the end of the season.In April he had a change of heart, however, saying he would fulfil his contract, which had been set to run until 2025.But the following month, the club legend was sacked by club president Joan Laporta.Prior to Xavi, Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate had been linked with the Man Utd job.Both have subsequently been ruled out of contention, however, with Tuchel accepting the England job and Southgate vowing that he won’t coach for 12 months.In addition to Xavi, United are claimed to be interested in former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and current Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.The latter, however, is also being strongly linked with Manchester City, should Pep Guardiola leave the Etihad at the end of the season.Alejandro Garnacho is United’s top scorer in the leagueMan Utd’s next five gamesNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      I couldn’t believe my eyes as I watched Mourinho’s Man Utd meltdown – but he’s still Special and can prove it vs Ten Hag

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      WITH his arms outstretched, holding the Europa League aloft, Jose Mourinho took the acclaim of Manchester United’s faithful.The date was May 24, 2017. The venue was the Friends Arena, Stockholm.Mourinho with the Community Shield in 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorHe won the League Cup the same seasonCredit: AFP or licensorsMourinho ended 2017 winning the Europa LeagueCredit: PAAt that moment — more than any other in the turbulent 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired — it really did feel like Manchester United were back.They had faced a young Ajax team who were tipped to showcase the future with their short passing and high pressing against a man some were beginning to write off.Mourinho out thought his opposite number Peter Bosz who, after the final whistle, would bemoan the tactics United had employed.They were simple. If they want to press high and pass short we’ll whack it over them onto the head of Marouane Fellaini and he’ll lay it off to Marcus Rashford and go from there.READ MORE IN football It worked a treat, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan getting the goals in a 2-0 win.Not long after, in a conversation with former chairman Martin Edwards, he said that the club really believed they were on to something special with Mourinho.He had already bagged the League Cup that season in what is still probably the most exciting final the new Wembley has seen as United beat Southampton 3-2.Foreign coaches tend to hold a lot more store by the Community Shield, or Super Cups as they are called abroad, so Mourinho was happy to claim a treble as he got his players to hold up three fingers at the final whistle in Stockholm.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the team plane on the way home he was pictured laughing and joking with Pogba, the player who helped lead to his demise less than two years later.At the start of that season Mourinho was being written off as a United boss after a 1-0 away loss to Feyenoord sandwiched between defeats to Manchester City and Watford.Jose Mourinho booked after putting his laptop in front of TV camera to highlight referee’s wrong decisionYet it had been on the eve of that Feyenoord clash late at night outside a hotel in Rotterdam that Mourinho was returning from dinner with his staff and happened across three of us in the Manchester press pack.Asked for a chat, he came over and explained, off the record, what he was having to do to unpick the Louis van Gaal football to create his own brand.His football brand that was a step up from the drudgery under Van Gaal although not always popular with the United faithful.But they liked him, and the fact he won, he gave United standing again, an image, they felt big.True that first Premier League season did not go well as they came sixth. Asked for a chat, he came over and explained, off the record, what he was having to do to unpick the Louis van Gaal football to create his own brand.But he had worked out late in the campaign the Europa League would provide the easier route back into the Champions League and cleverly rotated his squad accordingly.The following season he boasted it was one his greatest-ever achievements to lead United to Premier League runners-up spot behind City.He would deny the neighbours claiming the title on derby day as the Red Devils came back from 2-0 down at the Etihad to win 3-2.It was Pogba’s only good game. It is often forgotten that Mourinho also led the Red Devils to an FA Cup final that season going down 1-0 to Chelsea in the final.So it was all heading in the right direction as the season ended. Then came the summer in LA and we all realised something was not right.In a building at their training base in UCLA he was asked an innocent question as to whether he thought he had the squad to now go a step further and challenge for the title.He replied: “I cannot answer that question.” Eyebrows were raised.Later in the tour he would be seen in the foyer of a stadium snarling down the phone ‘it’s s**t, s**t’. Uh-oh.It seems an unsuccessful pursuit of Harry Maguire was part of it but his relationship with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was fracturing.Nobody wanted this all to unravel but the unravelling had started.He refused to engage in the traditional on-tour relaxed interview with the English media that every United boss has done. And saw criticism and injustice which was not there.The meltdown continued after a 3-0 home loss to Spurs he demanded ‘respect, respect respect’ from the media because he had won three titles.By the club’s Champions League exit to Valencia, he was questioning whether United had a ‘football heritage’ in Europe. Later in the tour he would be seen in the foyer of a stadium snarling down the phone ‘it’s s**t, s**t’. Uh-oh.Less than a week later, after a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool he was gone.“How on earth did it get to that point?” I asked Woodward later. He suggested if I had had to work with Mourinho, I would have known.He has never been easy. But as he sits in his Four Seasons’ suite on the banks of the Bosphorus tonight he will be planning to bring down his former club in the Europa League.There are already murmurings of unrest at his new club Fenerbahce.But United and Erik ten Hag know he is the man for the big occasion. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has only lost five times against United as the opposition manager. He remains special.In years to come United fans may look back and realise that — for two years under him — it was special, too.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

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      Man Utd fans moan ‘this is so sad’ after finding out which pair they sent scouts to watch in Serie A clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED allegedly sent a representative to watch two Serie A stars in action at the weekend – but fans are not satisfied.The scout flew to Italy on Sunday for Napoli’s clash with Empoli.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was being watched by a Man Utd scoutCredit: ReutersAlessandro Buongiorno is also a target for the Red DevilsCredit: GettyAntonio Conte’s side clinched a 1-0 win thanks to a penalty from Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.The 23-year-old was one of two players on United’s radar during the match, Italian outlet Tutto Mercato claims.Centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno was also being watched by the scout.However, several Man Utd fans are not excited by the prospect of potentially signing both stars – especially Kvaratskhelia.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne person took to social media to write: “Watching the wrong players.”Another commented: “Stop this! United don’t need another LW!”A third said: “We already have Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho for the LW. Go for proper RW and a ST.”While a fourth wrote: “This is so sad. You are sending representatives to watch Kvaratskhelia. Send representatives to watch Harry Kane, Messi, Ronaldo ffs the guy is in top 5 wingers in Europe just buy him.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite some claims that signing Kvaratskhelia would be unnecessary, other fans believe he would strengthen the squad.One person said: “Khvicha is one of the main ingredients to turn us to a serious consistent team again.”Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ While another suggested: “Would be a fantastic signing heir to the #7.”Man Utd have endured one of their worst starts to a Premier League season.The Red Devils currently sit 12th in the table with 11 points from eight games. More

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      Fans praise Joshua Zirkzee’s thick skin as struggling Man Utd star ‘likes’ Instagram post ripping into him

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Joshua Zirkzee was praised by fans after his classy response to an Instagram clip that was ripping into him.Zirkzee, 23, joined United in the summer after a £36.5million deal with Bologna where he stood out last season with 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances.Manchester United ace Joshua Zirkzee ‘liked’ a parody video on InstagramCredit: GettyZirkzee was praised by Man Utd fans for showing a strong characterThe striker had a strong start with the Red Devils as he scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Fulham on his debut in August at Old Trafford.However, the Netherlands international has been unable to build momentum in his next 10 games across all competitions after his impressive bow.That has led to criticism across social media amid United’s worst ever Premier League start.A channel satirised Zirkzee’s positioning on the pitch with a clip on Instagram.Read More on Man UtdOne of the content creators pretended to be the Dutchman and was shown being unable to play at No9 as he instead opted for a deeper role in midfield or down the wing.Zirkzee caught wind of the parody clip and won over a lot of fans by being a good sport and simply “liking” the video.Fans stormed the comments section and praised the centre-forward’s strong character, while some predicted he will soon silence his critics and trolls.One fan tweeted: “He might have a better sense of humour than most of your bunch.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “Zirkzee is unstoppable.”A third wrote: “Zirkzee is fantabulous.”Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clashThis one said: “His redemption arc is loading.”And that one stated: “He’s scoring on Thursday [in the Europa League at Fenerbahce], watch.”Zirkzee only spent 16 minutes on the pitch during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford.Stats showed that the forward did float around the Bees’ half and at times was caught deeper than the No9 position, but his career so far shows that he was actually playing to his strengths.The ex-Bayern Munich ace previously revealed that he occasionally drops down to midfield and thus considers himself more of a “9.5”.Zirkzee said: “I occasionally drop down to midfield. I don’t do that for myself but to help the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I am what I call a false striker. Not a No 9, not a No 10. I am a 9.5! That’s my game.“Maybe I’m a little different than others. But being different is good, right?”Zirkzee only played 16 minutes for Man Utd against BrentfordStats show Man Utd ace Zirkzee played deep against Brentford More