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    Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic applies for surprise new job as he spends time at Tottenham

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic has applied for a surprise new job after spending time at three London clubs, including top-four rivals Tottenham and Chelsea.Vidic, 41, is back in England on a Uefa course and spent time with Brentford, Chelsea and Tottenham.
    Nemanja Vidic is eyeing the presidency position in the Football Association of SerbiaCredit: Getty
    The ex-United captain was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium continuing his studies for the Executive Master for International Players run by Uefa.
    Joining him was Germany World Cup winners such as Sami Khedira, Benedikt Howedes and Renate Lingor.
    Emile Heskey, Nigel de Jong, Demba Ba, Hamit Altintop, Sebastian Prodl and Paul Scharner were also present.
    All want to learn skills that would allow them to fit into life in the boardroom, and Vidic is eyeing the presidency position in the Football Association of Serbia, according to The Times.
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    The former Serbia captain has the support of many fans as well as old team-mates such as Nemanja Matic.
    Vidic said: “It is the reason why am I here.
    “I understand the football field. I did a course with the English FA and finished my Pro Licence at St George’s.
    “Why I am here is to learn about commercial, finance, communication and marketing — which I understood because I was playing for United but we go really deep into it now.”
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    The legendary defender continued: “In Serbia, the problem is we are staying too much back.
    “We didn’t go forward in terms of digitalization, professionalisation and transparency. Serbia is late. We have a lot of talents.
    “We have clever people but we just need someone who’s going to point the direction and give a chance to the young generation. This is the world of the young.
    “Me coming back is saying I like to be in Serbia. I love Serbia. I’m in my best age and I want to help, if I can, the Serbian community or Serbian football.
    “This education here helps me to have knowledge and contacts that I can use to help Serbia football in any way.” More

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    Paul Pogba blasted by Juventus legend for ‘skiing while club have problems’ as he STILL awaits second debut

    JUVENTUS legend Marco Tardelli has blasted Paul Pogba for going on a skiing holiday despite STILL waiting for his second debut for the club due to injury.Pogba, 29, returned to Turin in July after leaving Man United on a free transfer.
    Paul Pogba enjoyed a skiing holiday in DecemberCredit: Instagram
    The French star has been injured since rejoining the Italian giantsCredit: Rex
    He has yet to play a minute of competitive action since due to a long-term knee injury sustained in the summer.
    Despite this, Pogba still found time to enjoy himself on the slopes in December as he shared several snaps of himself skiing. 

    And that has left former Juventus defender Tardelli, 68, seething.
    He told 90 Minute on Rai 2: “Pogba hasn’t played since April 2022, when he was still in Manchester.
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    “It’s now a problem for Juve, we don’t know when he’ll return and we don’t know what he wants to do.
    “Pogba goes skiing while his team-mates are struggling with the big problems of Juve.
    “Today Pogba is a big problem that the Bianconeri must solve.
    “This situation also demonstrates that Juve do not have clear enough ideas.
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    “[Massimiliano] Allegri has to take over for me, it’s not possible to have a player like that on the payroll.
    “His behaviour towards his team-mates isn’t fair either, it annoys me.”
    Despite his big wages, Juve have made clear they are sticking by the Frenchman.
    Pogba rejoined United in 2016 after a glorious four year spell with Juventus.
    He had a mixed second spell at Old Trafford, often finding himself the target of criticism from fans and pundits but capable of putting in world-class performances.
    Pogba was at the centre of four Serie A title victories between 2013 and 2016 and also won the Coppa Italia twice.
    The Old Lady look far off that type of success this season after a 15 points deduction for alleged financial irregularities left them languishing in mid-table.
    A poor Champions League group stage has also seen Juventus drop into the Europa League. More

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    Man Utd, Liverpool & Newcastle ‘in straight fight for Ruben Neves transfer as Barcelona pull out of race for Wolves ace’

    MANCHESTER UNITED, Liverpool and Newcastle are reportedly “in a straight fight” to sign Ruben Neves this summer.Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese midfielder, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona over recent months.
    Barcelona have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Ruben NevesCredit: Reuters
    However, a fresh report has now claimed that the LaLiga giants have pulled out of the transfer race.
    And now that has left the Premier League trio of United, Liverpool and Newcastle battling it out for his signature.
    Spanish publication Sport reports that Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes met with Barcelona officials last week.
    But he was allegedly informed during the talks that Xavi’s side are prioritising strengthening in other positions.
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    They want to secure the future of veteran Sergio Busquets, who is out of contract, also.
    And even if they fail to do that, the publication claims that Xavi “prefers the profile of another type of midfielder” rather than Neves.
    The ace arrived at Molineux from Porto back in 2017 and has helped the club to consolidate in the Premier League after winning the Championship in his first season there.
    He now has less than 18 months remaining on his contract, and rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2024, Wolves look set to sell this summer.
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    United boss Erik ten Hag has long-been rumoured to be an admirer of the player, as is Kop manager Jurgen Klopp.
    But high-flying Newcastle are the latest team to join the scramble to sign Neves. More

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    Cody Gakpo admits he snubbed Chelsea and Man Utd transfers for Liverpool and reveals what Van Nistelrooy really thought

    LIVERPOOL winger Cody Gakpo has revealed that he dismissed interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea before swapping Eindhoven for Anfield last month.Gakpo, 23, joined Liverpool in a £37million transfer from PSV at the beginning of the January transfer window.
    Gakpo has revealed that he snubbed Man Utd and Chelsea to join LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    He had originally been linked with a move to Leeds before Man Utd and Chelsea expressed an interest, but the winger recently admitted that the prospect of a move to Liverpool excited him the most.
    He told The Daily Mail: “I nearly went to Leeds in the summer but Louis van Gaal advised me that a change of team before the World Cup might be difficult so I decided not to go.
    “To be honest, the speculation affected me a little bit because it was the first time it had happened to me.
    “I just had to think ‘forget about it, play your best and see what happens later on’.
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    “Then when I heard about interest from Liverpool in the winter, I didn’t think about anything else. There was also Chelsea maybe but I already had my mind made up.
    “This is a good place for me to improve and develop and eventually show who I can be.”
    PSV manager – and former Man Utd star – Ruud van Nistelrooy has since slammed Gakpo for ignoring his transfer advice.
    But the young star has since insisted that he is happy in Liverpool.
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    He added: “It was just his wish I went to a big club and I think I achieved that.
    “We have a good relationship and still speak some times on the phone. He tries to help me.”
    Gakpo has made six appearances for Liverpool so far, but he is yet to score any goals or claim any assists. More

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    Man Utd player ratings: Rashford steps up to save the day once again while Maguire continues to struggle

    MANCHESTER UNITED bounced back from a disappointing draw with Leeds earlier this week to earn a 2-0 win over the Whites thanks to Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.The scoreline did not directly reflect the game itself, with Leeds causing numerous problems for Erik ten Hag’s men, but United did enough to steal all three points on the day.
    Rashford led United to a 2-0 winCredit: Getty
    Rashford opened the scoring late in the game with a header following Luke Shaw’s superb cross before Garnacho sealed the win just a few minutes later.
    Here’s how SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rated the performance.
    David De Gea – 6
    When called upon throughout the game, De Gea made some good saves to keep the score level.
    But, a huge error in the early stages of the second half almost led to a Leeds opener when he passed the ball straight to Crysencio Summerville, who could not make the most of the opportunity.
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    Diogo Dalot – 6
    After a shaky first half, Dalot grew in confidence after the break which helped to strengthen United’s defence.
    He even came close to breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute when his long-range strike rattled the crossbar.
    Harry Maguire – 4
    It was another disappointing day at the office for the England defender.
    Maguire was sloppy in possession of the ball and almost cost his team a goal on two separate occasions – giving the ball away once before escaping penalty appeals.
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    Luke Shaw – 7
    The most composed player in United’s defence, Shaw did well to break down some potentially dangerous Leeds attacks.
    His ability to play out from the back also enabled Rashford and Sancho to push forward.
    Tyrell Malacia – 6
    The right-back struggled to contain the threat of Summerville on the wing, which led to a few mistakes.
    But as the Red Devils looked to attack, he was quick to offer support to Rashford.
    Marcel Sabitzer – 7
    Sabitzer was dragged out of position on a number of occasions, leaving a gap in midfield as a result.
    But he did well to make some strong challenges in a bid to break down play.
    Fred – 6
    The midfielder made some strong challenges in midfield, but he sometimes drifted too far forward, leaving Sabitzer on his own to deal with any counter attacks.
    Jadon Sancho – 7
    Sancho is slowly but surely beginning to find his form again after a long spell out of action.
    He provided an energetic outlet on the right, forcing fouls from Junior Firpo.
    Bruno Fernandes – 6
    He struggled to make the most of his chances, especially during the first half.
    Marcus Rashford – 8
    Just as Man Utd looked as though they were beginning to settle for a draw, Rashford popped up – as he has done so many times already this season – to score a crucial goal.
    He has posed a problem to every team he has come up against this year, and today was no different.
    Wout Weghorst – 5
    He struggled to make an impact in attack with a lack of involvement throughout the game.
    When he was in possession, the small window of opportunity for a potential goal frequently slammed shut due to a sloppy pass or a lack of pace and intensity.
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    Substitutes
    Alejandro Garnacho (for Sancho, 61) – 8
    The young star made his presence known as soon as he stepped onto the pitch and earned a goal as a result.
    Lisandro Martinez (for Malacia, 61) –
    Like Garnacho, Martinez changed the game as soon as he came on to replace Malacia. More

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    ‘We lack quality’ – Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag reveals summer transfer plans as he admits squad lacks depth for title run

    ERIK TEN HAG appears to have dismissed Manchester United’s chances of winning the title this season after admitting the squad “lack quality.”Man Utd were left to call up reinforcements for their 2-2 draw against Leeds.
    Erik ten Hag admitted Manchester United currently “lack quality”Credit: Getty
    That game saw United without both first-choice centre-mids, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, and right-winger Antony.
    This saw Fred and Marcel Sabitzer partner up in midfield, with the Brazilian putting in a less-than-stellar display.
    Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, who SunSport revealed has set up a security firm, was shifted out to the right wing to accommodate Alejandro Garnacho at left wing.
    Despite a solid performance from Garnacho, United did not start truly kicking into gear until Rashford was moved away from the right wing as he replaced Wout Weghorst up front.
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    Speaking ahead of the match today, Ten Hag revealed his vision to have two top class players in every position in order to allow United to compete on all fronts.
    He said: “If we want to restore Manchester United, we need top players but also double in each position because we want to act in so many competitions.
    “You saw it in the last game how we have, in certain positions, a lack of quality. That can’t be if you want to compete for the highest [trophies].
    “I’m here to manage the team, get the best out of them, and of course I have a job in bringing the right players in.
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    “There is a lot of communication about that with the board and management of the club but I am here to achieve the sporting aims and goals, not the finance.”
    After a January which saw Ten Hag only loan in players, his summer war chest could be significantly larger with the club set to be sold to new owners.
    Middle Eastern consortiums and Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe are among the interested parties, with the latter said to be “determined” to get a deal done.
    Ten Hag added: “I am calm about the situation (takeover). I am planning. I always go for the highest, so we go for the best, the best we can get, but also we have plan B.
    “What you see in the Premier League is other clubs investing but also having quality in managers, players and getting good players in.
    “The competition is really tough. For a long time it was a two-horse race but now I think it is a six, seven, eight-horse race.’
    “I still can refer to my first press conference here: I said ‘Things can change.'”
    A breakdown of the Glazer ownership of United More

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    Rio Ferdinand was forced to close bar on police advice after making controversial Man Utd transfer from Leeds

    RIO FERDINAND has revealed he was forced to close a bar he owned after leaving Leeds for Manchester United.The former England international, 44, joined the Red Devils from rivals Leeds for £30million in 2002.
    Rio Ferdinand moved from Leeds to Man Utd for a British record fee in 2002Credit: Getty
    Ferdinand went on to win five Premier League titles with Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The transfer led to Ferdinand receiving a great deal of abuse from fans of the Yorkshire outfit.
    And one night he was forced to shut down his establishment after the police contacted him about Leeds supporters heading to his bar to cause trouble.
    Speaking to William Hill, he said: “I had a bar that was only just opened in Leeds and when I signed for Man Utd, the head of the police rang me.
    “I don’t know how he got my number, but he rang me and said ‘just to let you know, I’d advise you don’t open your bar. If you open your bar there will be people coming down to mash it up, we’ve got intel that they’re looking to destroy your place.’
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    “So that place got put to sleep straight away, never opened again, dormant, gone. And then I started understanding the rivalry. 
    “When we went back to Leeds with Man Utd for the first time, we actually got beat 1-0, I think.
    “I had to have a police escort to get into the ground because where the bus used to park to get into the ground you have to walk a little bit and, yeah it was madness, crazy.”
    Ferdinand went on to win six Premier League titles with Man Utd, as well as the Champions League in 2008.
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    Meanwhile, Man Utd drew 2-2 with Leeds on Sunday as Erik ten Hag’s men fought back from two goals down to claim a point at Old Trafford.
    Now, just four days later, the two sides are set to meet again – this time at Elland Road.
    Managerless Leeds are seeking a first Premier League win since November following the sacking of Jesse Marsch.
    But a victory for Man Utd would see them leapfrog rivals Manchester City ahead of the champions’ home game against Aston Villa on Sunday evening. More

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    Man Utd in Denzel Dumfries transfer boost as Inter Milan line up replacement for wingback

    MANCHESTER UNITED have received a boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan wingback Denzel Dumfries.The Red Devils are keen to add to the right side of their defence in the summer transfer window as Erik ten Hag switches between Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
    Denzel Dumfries has been linked with a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Man Utd reportedly made contact with Inter over a possible deal for the Dutchman in January, but ultimately decided to invest funds into striker Wout Weghorst instead.
    Now Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting the Serie A giants have lined up a replacement as they prepare to sell Dumfries, 26, for around £44million.
    Inter are understood to be keen on Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui, 25.
    Joao Cancelo’s arrival in Germany has pushed the Morroccan further down the pecking order as he struggles for game time.
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    And if Bayern make Cancelo’s loan move a permanent one then they could be open to allowing Mazraoui to leave.
    That would have a knock-on effect in opening the door to Dumfries as United eye him up.
    Chelsea are also monitoring the Netherlands international.
    However, they have been linked with a part-exchange deal involving Trevoh Chalobah.
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    That is something Inter are not believed to be interested in as they search for a cash offer.
    Dumfries, whose contract does not expire until 2025, has made 70 appearances for the Italian side since joining from PSV in 2021.
    He has contributed seven goals and 10 assists.
    And the wingback is also a regular for his country having already received 42 caps. More