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      Antony’s Man Utd nightmare could come to end as Ajax ‘hold talks over re-signing flop’ but fear for his ‘mindset’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony has been linked with a return to Ajax but the Dutch giants are worried about the player’s mindset, reports suggest.United signed the winger for a staggering £85.5million in 2022 after a stunning two-year stint in Amsterdam where he amassed 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances.Manchester United flop Antony has been linked with a return to AjaxCredit: GettyAjax have doubts over a move as they worry about Antony’s mentality after his Man Utd strugglesCredit: GettyHowever, the Brazil international failed to replicate his Ajax success at Old Trafford as he has only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 86 appearances.Antony’s struggles continue this season as he has made only four appearances across all competitions, in which he scored once.The Red Devils lost the likes of Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Omari Forson in the summer and the wideman is still fourth pick behind Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.United are considering ways to let the Brazilian go out on loan in January so that they can sell him in the summer.Read More on ArsenalThat has led to speculation suggesting Antony could return to Ajax in the January transfer window.According to De Telegraaf, the Dutch club have discussed a potential move for the attacker.However, the same source claims Ajax have doubts about the state of Antony’s mindset after his struggles in Manchester.United are reportedly looking to sell for a cut price of around £40m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, even that sum might prove to be impossible after a series of disappointing performances on the pitch.United boss Erik ten Hag, who brought Antony to Old Trafford after working with him at Ajax, addressed his situation and insisted he needs to do more to get more gametime.Watch as Antony ‘is used as a CONE’ in Man Utd training as fans lose their minds over awkward footageTen Hag said: “He’s impatient, he wants to play. But in top football there are laws.”You pick the team that has most chance to win the game, the one with the best dynamic, the best chemistry. Players have to fight for their positions.”The other players are doing so well – they’re contributing. He has to get over them. He has to earn the right in training.”Man Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say no

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      AARON RAMSEY has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson phoned him to try to convince him to join Manchester United.Cardiff star Ramsey, 33, appeared as a guest on Sky Sport’s Monday Night Football show to analyse Nottingham Forest’s game against Crystal Palace – which was won 1-0 by the hosts.Aaron Ramsey revealed how his career could have been very differentCredit: GettyRamsey revealed how he was on the phone to Sir Alex Ferguson but did not like the club’s plan for himCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut the midfielder admitted he ‘felt wanted’ by Arsene WengerCredit: Arsenal FC – GettyBut during his appearance Ramsey was asked to clear up a rumour about a run-in with Sky pundit Gary Neville near the start of his career.The midfielder then went on to explain how interest had been shown in him by both Man Utd and Liverpool, along with phone calls to Ferguson and Rafael Benitez.Ramsey said: “No it wasn’t Gary [that showed me around Man Utd’s training ground], I think he was busy that day. It was the assistant manager at the time.”Presenter David Jones joked that Jamie Carragher was hoping to blame Neville for the reason he ended up not joining the Red Devils, before Ramsey explained his decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe continued: “No it wasn’t main man (Ferguson). He was away but we spoke on the phone a few times with him trying to convince me to go there. “But the initial thought was for them to loan me back [to Cardiff] but I wanted to go on [fully] then.”What about Liverpool? Yeah there were some discussions with Rafa but at the time they couldn’t really get to that fee. “I think they could do something around the million or two mark but then I think it went above that toward the five.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRamsey went on to join Arsenal in 2008, where he would stay until 2019, having made 369 appearances and winning three FA Cups.The Welshman explained how “he felt wanted” by the North London club after grabbing lunch with Arsene Wenger.Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Player RatingsHe added: “I felt like he really wanted me. He was doing the European Championships at the time so they flew me over there and I met him when he had a few hours off and had lunch with him.”Everything about him and his vision and plans for me. “I can’t remember the ins and outs but he had a really detailed plan obviously with the amount of young players that he brought through and had given great opportunities to go on and be successful.”That was really appealing to me as well. For example like what he did with [Cesc] Fabregas, brought him in at a very young age and giving him that opportunity really young as well.”So I felt really wanted by Arsenal.”Despite his vast talent, Ramsey’s Arsenal career would be stunted early on by a horrific double leg break that kept him out of action for nine months.And after that he would continue to be dogged by injuries.After leaving Arsenal, Ramsey joined Juventus, winning Serie A and Italian Cup before he returned to Britain with Rangers on loan, adding the Scottish Cup to his trophy haul.READ MORE SUN STORIESRamsey then joined Nice in 2022 before rejoining boyhood club Cardiff in 2023.He played 13 games in the Championship for them last season and scored three goals, but suffered a major knee injury that kept him out for months. More

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      Man Utd have not lost this season when Hojlund has started as stats show how striker could save Ten Hag’s job

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are unbeaten in every game that Rasmus Hojlund has started this season.And the stats suggest if United keep superb Hojlund fit, Erik ten Hag might have more chance of seeing out the season at the helm.Manchester United are undefeated when Rasmus Hojlund has started this seasonHojlund has been better at leading the line this term, stats have revealedUnited have avoided defeat in all of the three games that Hojlund has started since he returned from a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season.The Dane scored the winner with an ice-cool dink in United’s 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Alejandro Garnacho drawing his side level after half-time.He has already scored TWO in the three consecutive games he’s started in all competitions – and is yet to play a full 90 this season.It took the 21-year-old just 20 minutes to poke home in his first start of the season, United’s 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWith Hojlund in the team, United’s average shots have boosted up to 20.6 per game. This is a stark difference to the 15.5 shots per game the team mustered up in the opening eight games in all competitions before Hojlund started.Hojlund has 0.73 goals per 90 in all competitions this season – the highest of all United’s forwards.He has already matched Marcus Rashford, Zirkzee and Amad Diallo’s Prem goal tally this term, despite playing 50 per cent less.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Red Devils must keep Hojlund out of the medical room if they have any chance of winning the pressing game too.The Prem giants are a far better pressing unit when Hojlund leads the line, with his hold up and link-up play stronger than other centre forward Zirkzee’s.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings United have conceded an average of 11 shots over the last three games he’s started, compared to 12.5 shots faced in the games without the Dane.Ten Hag’s men have seven goals from 112 shots this season, meaning their xG is just 13.02.Hojlund’s conversion rate of 24 per cent was better than Manchester City star Erling Haaland (23 per cent) in the Prem last season.And Alan Shearer was impressed by Hojlund’s Brentford showing, believing his off the ball work has had an effective impact on the team.Shearer said on Match of the Day: “The positives today were without a doubt the front three in Garnacho, Rashford and Hojlund.”I thought they more than played their part and were a constant threat for large parts of the game. “They linked up well, getting their shots away at goal. I thought Hojlund was really impressive.”A lot of times having to do the dirty work and holding defenders off. It allowed the other two to play a more forward role.On Hojlund’s potential, Ten Hag said: “He will always score. What is important is he is keeping fit. “He picked up so many injuries in the first season and when he stays fit, he will score goals because that is proved in his stats.”Another number signifies Hojlund’s significance. His shirt number has been switched this season, from 11 to 9. The Denmark international faced big criticism for a scratchy first few months at Old Trafford last season following his £72m move in the summer of 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he found his shooting boots after his first Prem goal against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, and finished the campaign with 16 in all competitions. This ensured the striker finished his debut season as United’s top scorer.Hojlund bagged his first Prem goal of the season against Brentford More

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      Fans puzzled as former Man Utd star from David Moyes era links up with football royalty for legends game

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      FOUR Ballon d’Or winners, countless World Cup League heroes, and Marouane Fellaini teamed up in a star-studded legends super-side.But fans have been left puzzled after spotting former Manchester United star Fellaini playing in a clash of the titans exhibition tie in South Korea.Football legends from around the world gathered for a game in South KoreaBut a group of harsh fans have questioned why Marouane Fellaini was involved after spotting him pictured next to Brazilian Ballon d’Or winner KakaThe game saw a unique game of teams made up of attackers vs defenders, including Clarence Seedorf and Thierry HenryRetired football royalty from around the world assembled in South Korea for a spectacular attack-vs-defence showdown on Saturday.The aptly named FC Spear was made up of some of the best former forwards the game has ever seen.While Shield United featured some of the most prominent defenders and holding midfielders to have ever played the beautiful game.But it was the latter defensive outfit who emerged victorious, after thumping the attacking team 4-1.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe winning outfit was made up of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic Yaya Toure, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Carles Puyol and former Man Utd keeper Edwin van der Sar.While 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, Eden Hazard, Carlos Tevez, Michael Owen made up their ‘attacking’ competition captained by Didier Drogba and managed by Thierry Henry. But the biggest shock for many fans was the presence of ex-United and Everton midfielder Fellaini for the glittering attacking side.Football lovers were quick to call out Fellaini’s shock inclusion after spotting Alessandro Del Piero’s Instagram post.Most read in FootballEdwin van der Sar played in goal for the winning side FC SpearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne user wrote: “Why on earth is Fellaini there?🤣”A second said: “Wow, all those legends…and Fellaini😶.”Rio Ferdinand and Man Utd legends dress up in traditional South Korean robes While another added: “I’m sorry but how was Fellaini asked? He was good but not on their level.😂”Fellaini starred for the Red Devils between 2013 and 2019, making 177 appearances having travelled with former boss David Moyes from Everton.Before that he made the exact same appearances for the Toffees, scoring 33 goals during five years in the Merseyside, where he was a crucial leader in the team.Former United star Berbatov also appeared for FC Spear in front of 64,000 excited fans in Seoul.The winning goals came from Toure, Seedorf, Park Joo-ho and Javier Mascherano.While the only consolation FC Spear came from United legend Park Ji-Sung’s penalty.Three former Korean internationals filled in the gaps where necessary, including goalkeeper Kim Byung-ji.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe legends also participated in preliminary events that pitted players to see who is better at shooting and one-on-one situations.The game has been described as an exhibition and was organised by South Korean game company Nexon.The legends match occurred in Seoul, South Korea in front of some 64,000 fansRio Ferdinand, Carles Puyol and Ricardo Carvalho played for the defensive side Shield United More

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      ‘That’s a matter of time’ – Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney still lined up for stunning boxing fight after shock talks

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      WAYNE ROONEY is still being tipped for a sensational debut fight in boxing – and it is only “a matter of time” before he enters the ring.The Manchester United legend – who boxed growing up on Merseyside – was linked with a shock boxing switch this year. Wayne Rooney is still lined up for a sensational boxing switchCredit: FACEBOOK.COM/WAYNEROONEYRooney’s infamous boxing celebrationCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunRooney is now in charge at PlymouthCredit: GettyHe held talks with Misfits Boxing, the home of celebrity-style crossover bouts headed up by KSI and his manager Mams Taylor. Rooney admitted the talks were ongoing but instead decided to focus on football management – soon after taking the Plymouth job. But music mogul and Misfits head honcho Taylor believes Rooney stepping into the ring is a case of “when” not “if”.He told SunSport: “We know that there’s been conversations with Wayne Rooney. READ MORE IN BOXING”He’s expressed interest. I think that’s a matter of time and it’s on his timeline, not on mine.”When he’s ready to do it, then then we’ll get there. There’s also been a couple of others who I’d really like.”Rooney was once knocked out in a famous drunken sparring session by Phil Bardsley. And their ex-United team-mate Danny Simpson became the first footballer to cross over to the Misfits ring. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSimpson – who won the Premier League title with Leicester in 2016 – drew over four rounds with YouTuber Danny Simpson. And now the retired defender has inspired others to lace up the gloves with Taylor expecting more Prem players to fight. Joey Essex postpones boxing debut as fight with KSI’s brother collapses but TV ‘villain’ still in talks with Misfits He said: “I’m not going to give you any names because I’ll ruin the surprise. “But definitely there’s some really big names and some very credible footballers, ex-footballers who have expressed interest.”So I think that’s gonna unfold in its own time.”Not only are footballers speaking with Taylor to make the move to boxing but several other famous sports stars. He said: “I’m not too pushy. I know how it goes with first-timers boxing. If you push too much, you scare them away, you know? “So you want to make sure that they’re mentally in the right place and actually take that chance of getting in the ring.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And if you haven’t been brought up as a fighter, it’s a very different experience and everyone who does it, though, after they do it like Danny Simpson says, ‘That was the best experience I’ve ever had in my life.'”There’s nothing like it. So I expect more athletes from across the board for next year.”Danny Simpson crossed over from football to boxing to fight YouTuber Danny AaronsCredit: Sportsfile More

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      Man Utd 2 Brentford 1: Hojlund and Garnacho stage comeback to ease Ten Hag pressure after controversial Pinnock goal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED turned fury over Brentford’s opener into a storming comeback win.Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund fired excellent goals after Ethan Pinnock headed the Bees in front amid first-half stoppage time.Rasmus Hojlund leads celebrations after his Man Utd comeback winnerCredit: ReutersHojlund lifted United’s second classy goal of the second periodCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho angled the Red Devils levelCredit: AFPPinnock struck after ref Samuel Barrott forced United defender Matthijs de Ligt off the pitch when defending a corner due to a bleeding head injury.But the Red Devils used their rage to good effect after the break.Garnacho soon slotted a brilliant equaliser.And Hojlund deftly clipped the home side in front midway through the second period.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat underlined the way United had transformed the contest after the break, with Garnacho influential.Ethan Pinnock nodded a controversial opener for BrentfordCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSErik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ More

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      Man Utd touchline MELTDOWN as De Ligt boots ball and Van Nistelrooy screams at official after Brentford controversy

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s bench went into total meltdown after Brentford’s controversial first-half opener.The Bees opened the scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time through Ethan Pinnock after a corner-kick that saw United defending while a man down at Old Trafford.Man Utd’s bench exploded after Brentford’s controversial openerCredit: XMatthijs de Ligt kicked a ball away in anger at Old TraffordMan Utd assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy lashed out at the fourth officialCredit: XThat is because a bloodied Matthijs de Ligt was ordered to leave the pitch by referee Samuel Barrott as his head was busted open after a collision earlier in the match.De Ligt, 25, had first gone off for medical attention due to a gash to his head on the brink of first-half stoppage time.It appeared the Red Devils tried to patch the centre-back up three times.But the Netherlands international still appeared to be bleeding when he returned four minutes later.Read More on Man UtdAnd the ex-Bayern Munich star was promptly told to leave the pitch for more treatment.That was when Brentford scored, leading to an explosive reaction on the United bench.An enraged De Ligt kicked a ball away as he vented his frustrations at the late goal.And United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy lashed out at the fourth official presumably for allowing the set-piece to go ahead while one of his defenders was receiving treatment for a head injury.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited manager Erik ten Hag was also shown a yellow card for his protests.However, the hosts fought back just two minutes into the second half as they equalised with Alejandro Garnacho.Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ And Rasmus Hojlund turned the game on it head on 62 minutes to restore confidence at the Theatre of Dreams.Man Utd ace De Ligt was ordered to leave the pitch after he was busted openCredit: EPAMan Utd conceded a late goal by Brentford while defending with 10 menMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag was booked for protestingCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund slammed as ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ by Ben Foster for injuring team-mate in training

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Rasmus Hojlund was dubbed “rubbish” and “poor” by ex-England goalkeeper Ben Foster after breaking a team-mate’s tooth during training.The incident took place last summer before Euro 2024 when Hojlund, 21, linked up with Denmark to prepare for the tournament in Germany.Man Utd ace Rasmus Hojlund knocked a team-mate’s tooth out during trainingCredit: GettyLeicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was injured by Hojlund during training with DenmarkCredit: RexEx-Man Utd keeper Ben Foster branded Hojlund ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ after the incidentCredit: AlamyThe Danish national team organised an “optional” set-piece training that would see them working on corner-kicks with Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, 24, between the sticks.A cross was whipped in from the corner and Hermansen was set to pick the ball up in the air.However, Hojlund got a little overzealous as he went for the ball with full force and accidentally elbowed the keeper in the mouth.That led to the Leicester ace losing a tooth just before the European Championship.Read More on Man UtdHermansen discussed the incident in Foster’s Fozcast podcast: “You know as a goalkeeper sometimes when you have set-piece practice. It’s like, ‘Are we going 100 per cent? Are we just a bit easy?'”So we were with the national team just before the Euros, it was optional training, you could come in and train if you want. “So let’s do some corners. I go: ‘Keepers!’ And he just comes in with everything, elbow straight to my tooth.”Foster, 41, was not at all impressed with Hojlund after hearing the story and didn’t hold back on his assessment as he insisted the striker should have “taken it easy” considering it was just a training session.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-United goalkeeper responded: “Cheers Rasmus, appreciate that. That’s rubbish that. I’m not having that, it’s poor.”When you’re doing it in a bit of practice set-piece thing, you’ve got to take it easy. You can’t go full blooded like that.”Rasmus Hojlund hailed for opening up on acne issue as Man Utd striker shows before and after pics after laser treatmentHowever, Hermansen defended Hojlund and insisted he is a real “professional”.The Danish shot stopper replied: “He is that kind of guy and I love that about him.”He’s giving everything, always. He’s just got an exceptional way of being a professional.” More