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    Premier League Unrecognisables XI: From the aspiring monk who became an agent to the Swedish Master Chef winner

    THE Premier League has had its share of players who have been distinct for their performances on the pitch and their looks off it.But there are some ex-stars from the biggest clubs who fans would struggle to recognise at all today.
    Many Premier League stars look unrecognisable from their playing daysCredit: Getty
    There are those who have traded long, flowing hair for hipster beards, and one who has even ditched his crop for dreadlocks.
    This is our Premier League Unrecognisables XI.
    Goalkeeper: West Brom (2004-07), Man Utd (2007-12)
    This ex-Man Utd goalkeeper looked fit as a fiddle at the Qatar World Cup, but barely recognisable from his playing daysCredit: Getty
    This Polish goalkeeper stood out for his bleached blonde hair during his playing days.
    But at the Qatar World Cup he was rocking a new, and far tidies, brunette look.
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    He joined West Brom from Hertha Berlin in 2004 and enjoyed three solid years in the West Midlands.
    He then signed for Man Utd in 2007 after a successful loan spell.
    Though appearances proved sporadic for him, he did achieve three Premier League titles and a Champions League win in 2008, as well as famously saving a penalty against Arsenal on Debut.
    The goalkeeper left Man Utd in 2011 and would continue a successful career in the Championship with Watford, Brighton, Wolves and Birmingham before retiring in 2019.
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    Since retiring, he says he still supports Man Utd and has a season ticket at Old Trafford.
    Have you guessed who it is yet? The answer is Tomasz Kuszczak.
    Tomasz Kuszczak had bleached blonde hair during his time at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Left-back: Arsenal (2006-11), QPR (2011-16)
    Arsenal fans will do well to work out who this dreadlocked former defender isCredit: Instagram / @armandtraoreofficial
    This left-back spent four years at Arsenal with the likes of Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas but only made 13 Premier League appearances.
    In a remarkable change of look, he is now rocking dreadlocks.
    The Frenchman played more times for Portsmouth during a loan spell in 2008 than he ever did for the Gunners.
    He was also able to enjoy a loan to Italian giants Juventus in 2010.
    It was after leaving Arsenal that he would begin to secure himself first team football, as he played 87 Premier League games for Queens Park Rangers, scoring two goals.
    Championship spells with Nottingham Forest and Cardiff followed before his retirement in 2020.
    You must have had the memory of an elephant if you got this one. The answer is Armand Traore.
    Armand Traore looked very different playing for Arsenal in 2010Credit: Getty
    Right-back: Arsenal (2000-04), Fulham (2004-09)
    This ex-Arsenal defender has worked as an assistant at RB Leipzig and Galatasaray since retiringCredit: Getty
    This German made just one appearance for Arsenal, in a League Cup defeat to Sunderland in 2002.
    But that wouldn’t stop him enjoying a long, fruitful career in the Premier League as he moved to Fulham.
    He would make 125 Premier League appearances at Craven Cottage before moving on in 2009.
    Spells at St Pauli and 1860 Munich would follow before he hung up his boots in 2015.
    However, he would stay in football to become assistant at RB Leipzig and then Galatasaray.
    The answer is Moritz Volz.
    Moritz Volz in his playing days at FulhamCredit: PA:Press Association
    Centre-back: Newcastle (1994-99)
    This Belgian looks nothing like the man who scored one of the greatest Premier League goals against Man UtdCredit: https://twitter.com/AndyKerrtv/status/1602713816613240840?s=20&t=4TTrBEKvWIumGWN7y6KW5Q
    An easy one for any true Geordie.
    A goalscoring Belgian centre-back who joined from Anderlecht in 1994.
    He netted eight times in 96 Premier League appearances for the Toon, with the most famous being an incredible left-footed lob in a 5-0 win over Man Utd.
    He is now working as a pundit for Belgian TV and owns his own fruit and veg company.
    The answer, of course, is Philippe Albert.
    Philippe Albert will always be known on Tyneside for his lob against Fergie’s Red DevilsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Centre-back: Man Utd (1994-2003)
    A steward once stopped this Man Utd legend going on the Old Trafford pitch as he had no idea who he wasCredit: Instagram / @davidmay04
    This boyhood Man City fan would become a stalwart under Fergie as he won two league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League.
    Following a move from Blackburn in 1994, he made 85 Premier League appearances.
    He would leave in 2003 after nine years and move to Burnley.
    In 2006, he retired after two years with non-league Bacup Borough.
    The defender admits that his post-Man Utd days were tough, even telling a United podcast that he went on a 12-day binge and shared a £200 bottle of champagne with a tramp after leaving Old Trafford.
    And despite all his achievements at United, he was briefly blocked from entering the Old Trafford pitch for a half time show as a steward didn’t know who he was.
    We assume Man Utd fans will do better. The answer is David May.
    David May is a former Champions League winner with UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Left-wing: Man Utd (1998-2001), Everton (2001-02), Charlton (2002-03)
    From Champions League winner to Swedish Master Chef. It’s hard to see which is the greater triumphCredit: Sweden’s Master Chef via Instagram / @jesperblomqvistofficial
    Champions League winner, cult hero and… Master Chef.
    This former winger won the Swedish edition of the show earlier this year.
    And with his own pizzeria in Stockholm, he may one day end up better known for his flair in the kitchen than on the wing.
    Back in 1998, he joined from Parma as a backup to Ryan Giggs and scored his only goal for Man Utd in a 4-1 win at Everton.
    Far from just earning a Champions League medal though, this winger actually started in the final and missed a golden chance in the clash with Bayern Munich before being replaced by Teddy Sheringham.
    The rest, as they say, is history.
    The answer is Jesper Blomqvist.
    Jesper Blomqvist posing with Sir Alex Ferguson after signing for Man UtdCredit: PA
    Right-wing: Man Utd (2003-08), Burnley (2008-11), Bolton (2011-14)
    This former Man Utd ace (right) rocks a bearded look today and is well known for dating a Hollyoaks starCredit: Instagram / @chriseagles.33
    An impressive academy prospect who was a member of the Man Utd squad that won the Premier League and Champions League in 2008.
    He made six league appearances for the Red Devils and went on to enjoy a very fruitful top flight career with Burnley and Bolton.
    These days, the former flyer is maybe better known for his relationship with actress Jennifer Metcalfe.
    And he proved to be a very lucky man when the Hollyoaks star took him back after he was banned from driving after being found shoeless having drunk three times over the limit.
    The name you are looking for is Chris Eagles.
    Chris Eagles at Man Utd during his playing daysCredit: PA:Press Association
    Central midfield: Man Utd (1998-2001), Middlesbrough (2001-04), West Brom (2004-10), Fulham (2010-11)
    This ex-Old Trafford star was known for his curly hair during his playing daysCredit: Instagram/@jonogreening29
    This Man Utd star was noticeable for his distinct curly hair when he came through the academy.
    But he would stand out even more today after being seen with a long hipster beard.
    After leaving Man Utd in 2001 with a Champions League winners medal he would go on to enjoy a long and distinct career at the highest level.
    Though never quite making the England squad, he was part of United coach Steve McClaren’s Middlesbrough squad as they won the League Cup in 2004.
    And from there he would go on to enjoy six years as a key man for West Brom.
    Spells at Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley, York City and Tadcaster Albion would follow before he hung up his boots in 2017.
    But he has since got into management with Scarborough Athletic, who he guided to promotion to the National League North last season.
    The man behind the beard is Jonathan Greening.
    Jonathan Greening now manages Scarborough AthleticCredit: Getty
    Central midfield: Blackburn (1998-2003, 2007-15), Birmingham (2003-07)
    This midfielder (right) used to be known as “the New Gazza”. He is pictured here working in construction with former team-mate Garry Flitcroft.Credit: Paul Cousans – The Sun
    This former England international spent the best part of two decades at the highest level.
    Coming through the Blackburn academy in 1998, he enjoyed five years at the club with his form so impressive that he played for England against Portugal in 2002.
    Once dubbed “the New Gazza”, he would make a move to Birmingham in 2003 where he struggled with injuries.
    In 2007, he would return to Blackburn, where he would thrive for a further eight years, before moving to Oldham and retiring in 2016.
    He has had a variety of different professions since hanging up his boots.
    Coaching appears to have been his first passion as he managed Oldham Athletic and Barrow, while also taking roles at Blackpool and back at Blackburn.
    However, at one point he also became part of former Rovers star Garry Flitcroft’s eco-construction company, Flitcraft.
    He might not be quite as well known as Gazza, but Blackburn fans are sure to get this one right. It’s David Dunn.
    David Dunn made one appearance for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
    Striker: Sheffield Wednesday (1996-99), Aston Villa (1999-2000), Bradford (2000-02)
    Once Paolo Di Canio’s partner in crime, this sharp-looking assistant manager used to have a more rebellious lookCredit: Alamy
    In 1996, this Inter Milan striker, famous for his flowing long hair, made the bizarre move to Sheffield Wednesday.
    In his three years with the Owls, he would be upstaged at times by fellow Italian Paolo di Canio, but he was no less effective as he won the Fans’ Player of the Year award after finishing top scorer in 1999.
    A move to Aston Villa would follow after a contract struggle at Hillsborough.
    A season later he moved to Bradford City where he would become a club legend on and off the pitch.
    Despite Carbone’s memorable goals, the Bantams were relegated in 2001 and fell into financial trouble.
    Then in 2002 he endeared himself to the Valley Parade faithful when he forfeited £3.2m after being told the club would fold if they continued to pay him £40,000 a week.
    He said in 2013: “I hadn’t earned anything like the amounts on offer in the Premier League today and I had a young family.
    “But when I thought about it, there was only one choice I could make. I couldn’t be the person who put Bradford City out of business.”
    Now, however, he looks every bit management material as he rocks a stylish beard and short grey hair in his role as Azerbaijan assistant.
    The man you are looking for is Benito Carbone.
    Benito Carbone saved Bradford City from going out of business by forfeiting £3.2m in wagesCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Striker: Chelsea (2004-05)
    He might look more like a fisherman now, but he was once one of Europe’s hottest attacking talentsCredit: Social media
    Before he rocked the fisherman look, this Serbian striker arrived to huge fanfare at Stamford Bridge after firing 35 goals to win PSV the title and guiding Guus Hiddink’s side to the Champions League semi-final.
    Such was the faith Jose Mourinho had in him that he was handed the Chelsea number nine shirt.
    However, he would go on a grim run of just four goals in 24 appearances.
    Moves to the likes of Atletico Madrid, Fenerbahce, PSG and Zenit St Petersburg would follow his departure from West London in 2005.
    But only his spell at Fenerbahce, where he scored a goal every other game, could truly be described as a success.
    Covered in religious tattoos, the devout Orthodox Christian once said he harboured dreams of becoming a monk.
    However, fate would give him a different, and less sanctified, role for him.
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    He would become one of the Balkans’ most influential football agents, representing, among others, perennial Man Utd and Arsenal transfer target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
    Mateja Kezman is the man the Lazio midfielder will be looking to to get him a top move.
    Mateja Kezman considered becoming a monk, but is now an influential football agentCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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    American hedge fund bidding for Man Utd ready to pay £2bn to rebuild Old Trafford even if they don’t take over club

    AN AMERICAN hedge “are willing to provide funding for Old Trafford’s redevelopment” worth around £2 billion even if they DON’T buy a majority stake in the club.Elliott Management, who used to own AC Milan, lodged a proposal to United’s bankers Raine Group last Friday to buy the Red Devils from the Glazer family.
    Old Trafford’s redevelopment will be a top priority for whoever gets Man UtdCredit: Getty
    However, now the Daily Mail claims that they “would also consider funding a stadium overhaul” even if the Americans decide to sell to another bidder or opt to retain control.
    Elliott’s offer is one of three along with Qatar bank chairman Sheik Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s.
    Whoever takes over will make upgrading the Theatre of Dreams one of their top priorities.
    And United have already been presented with a number of options on a new-look ground by Populous.
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    Those designs range from a £1bn redevelopment to completely rebuilding their home for £2bn.
    Sheikh Jassim is up against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group to take control of the club after the Glazer’s put it up for sale for around £6bn.
    In a statement last week Sheikh Jassim made his intentions clear to buy the club out right and make it number one again.
    His statement said: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football club once more.
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    “The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports.
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    “The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.”
    Ratcliffe, who also owns French side Nice, is a boyhood Man Utd fan and made his money via chemical company INEOS.
    However, bidders for United have allegedly been issued a warning to stop their public campaigns potentially damaging the Glazer family.
    Any deal that happens will be overseen by US bank Raine, who took control of the £2.5billion sale of Chelsea to Todd Boehly last May. More

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    Spurs line up transfer for Man Utd outcast Dean Henderson with Forest loan star having one big attraction for Conte

    TOTTENHAM have reportedly shortlisted Dean Henderson as a summer transfer target.It is believed he is viewed as a long-term replacement for club captain Hugo Lloris.
    Tottenham are reportedly interested in Dean HendersonCredit: PA
    The French stopper is approaching the end of his career at 36 years old, so Henderson being 11 years younger would future-proof the position.
    Lloris retired from international football following France’s run to the World Cup final in Qatar.
    The Man United goalkeeper is currently out on loan at Nottingham Forest.
    He has impressed at the City Ground and had become a vital member of the Forest’s progress before he picked up a muscular injury.
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    Henderson’s performances caught the eye of Spurs, who are now interested in a summer swoop, according to football.london.
    The 26-year-old would also count as a ‘Homegrown’ player for the club.
    Although, he may not arrive at the North London club immediately as first choice, he would offer more quality as backup than Spurs stoppers Fraser Forster and Alfie Whiteman.
    The goalkeeper is expected to make a permanent move away from Old Trafford at the end of the season.
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    Forest are expected to rival Tottenham for his signature, as they will also be in the market for a goalkeeper this summer.
    The club did sign Keylor Navas from PSG in January but only on a short-term loan deal.
    The Red Devils are also willing to listen to offers for Alex Telles, Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire in a summer clearout, according to MEN.
    To replace Martial, Tipsbladet have said that United have been linked with a move for Atalanta’s impressive young striker Rasmus Hojlund.
    The Danish striker have been in good form for the Serie A side this season, scoring six goals in 19 league games. More

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    Man Utd broke incredible 37-match Barcelona streak as impressive stats from win laid bare

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s Europa League victory over Barcelona has been backed up by some impressive stats.The Red Devils beat the LaLiga side at Old Trafford last night thanks to goals from Fred and Antony cancelling out Robert Lewandowski’s opener.
    Manchester United registered some incredible stats by beating BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
    Including ending Barcelona’s unbeaten streak when leading at half timeCredit: Getty
    The result meant that United ran out as 4-3 victors on aggregate.
    The comeback from United meant that they broke Barcelona’s 37-match unbeaten steak when they were ahead at half time.
    The win for United was their 28th in all competitions this season, no other club in Europe’s major leagues has more.
    It is also the club’s 14th win out of 18 games since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club for Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr, they are also unbeaten in 18 games at Old Trafford.
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    Ronaldo left the club by mutual consent following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
    Also, United managed to score four goals across the two legs against the Catalonians.
    This is the same as 57 per cent of the goals they have conceded in 22 LaLiga games this season.
    One of the goals came from Antony, the 19th scored by a substitute for the club this term.
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    Which is also more than any other big five European league side this campaign.
    Fellow goalscorer Fred was also impressive as he registered 47 touches across the pitch as he was involved throughout the entire game.
    The performance has seen manager Erik ten Hag gain a lot of praise from former United stars for improving the club.
    United will now switch their attention back to the Carabao Cup as they face Newcastle in the final on Sunday. More

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    ‘Like vintage Sir Alex Ferguson’ – Erik Ten Hag lauded by Man Utd legend after Red Devils beat Barcelona

    PETER SCHMEICHEL believes that Manchester United have found their next Sir Alex Ferguson in Erik ten Hag.The Dutch manager masterminded the club’s Europa League victory over Barcelona last night at Old Trafford.
    Peter Schmeichel has heaped praise on Erik ten HagCredit: Getty
    He believes the Dutchman is the ‘right man’ for the clubCredit: Getty
    Schmeichel compared ten Hag to iconic manager Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty
    Ferguson and Ten Hag had dinner ahead of United’s clash with BarcelonaCredit: Red Issue
    United came from behind on the night after Robert Lewandowski’s opener to win the game 2-1, and 4-3 on aggregate.
    The Europa League is not the only competition that the Red Devils are doing well in.
    The club are in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, are third in the Premier League and are still in the FA Cup.
    It is ten years since Ferguson retired having led the club to 38 trophies in 26 years as manager.
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    Ten Hag met with Ferguson ahead of the clash with Barcelona at a restaurant in Wilmslow to discuss the match.
    Schmeichel now believes that Ten Hag has proved he is the “right man” for the club, and compared him to the legendary Scot.
    He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It has taken 10 years to get to this point,’ for me this season anything can really happen.
    “Manchester United can win everything or nothing but we have seen the progress.
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    “Every situation has been dealt with properly by Erik ten Hag, like a good manager should.
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    “Like vintage Sir Alex Ferguson… I am sitting here thinking ‘wow, we have got the right man’.”
    Schmeichel was not the only former United player to laud the former Ajax boss as Owen Hargreaves insisted that he has “transformed” the club.
    He told BT Sport: “It feels like everything has changed.
    “The atmosphere, the performance on the pitch, the manager.
    “It feels so much more positive and gives confidence. It feels a different place.
    “Ten Hag has transformed this football club. The energy is different. It has been a breath of fresh air.
    “It feels like the feel-good factor is coming back. Sunday [Carabao Cup final] could be another big step.
    “[It’s] amazing. Everyone is smiling. The manager’s changes affected this game and the crowd, this is what they have been dreaming of.
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    “They have a huge game on Sunday but this was a big match in Manchester United’s season.”
    United will now face Real Betis in the next round of the Europa League. More

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    ‘Stretford strangler had a day off’ – Man Utd fans all say the same thing about Casemiro after he avoids Barcelona brawl

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans all said the same thing after Casemiro avoided a 12-man scrap against Barcelona.Tempers flared after Aaron Wan-Bissaka fouled Frenkie de Jong and Bruno Fernandes smashed the ball into the Barca midfielder’s stomach.
    Casemiro avoided the brawl between Man United and Barcelona playersCredit: reddit.com/r/reddevils/comments/11ajlb1/casemiro_must_have_thought_not_today/
    Players from both sides swarmed to each other, but Casemiro managed to restrain himself and instead walked away from the brawl.
    The Brazilian has clearly learned his lesson following his red card for putting his hands on the neck of Will Hughes during the game against Crystal Palace.
    And fans were full of praise for him on social media.
    One commented: “The video was better. Casemiro literally turned around and walked away after initially approaching the scuffle haha.”
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    A second wrote: “He learned his lesson. Don’t even look at another player during a scrum.”
    A third said: “Casemiro must have thought ‘not today’.”
    A fourth joked: “Stretford strangler had a day off.”
    While a fifth chimed in with: “Yes, I like him better since he didn’t interfere about that.”
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    A sixth wrote: “Bruh was like ‘not me again, I’m outta here’.”
    It is good he did not get involved as was booked later in the game for dragging down Robert Lewandowski in the 86th minute.
    Man United went on to win the Europa League round of 32 tie 4-3 on aggregate following their 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
    They will face more Spanish opposition in the form of Real Betis in the last-16.
    The former Real Madrid star makes his domestic return from suspension on Sunday for the Carabao Cup final tie with Newcastle. More

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    Chelsea on brink of beating Man Utd to 15-year-old wonderkid – but fans won’t see him for a long time

    CHELSEA are closing in on the signing of wonderkid Kendry Paez, according to reports.The 15-year-old is regarded as one of the best young players in South America.
    Chelsea are close to completing the signing of Kendry PaezCredit: Getty
    But if he signs he would not be able to play for the Blues until his 18th birthday in 2025.
    Chelsea are close to reaching a verbal agreement with Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle to sign the youngster, according to Fabrizio Romano.
    Reports earlier this month suggested Chelsea had made a formal approach with a £15million bid and talks underway – although that initial offer was rejected.
    The central midfielder shone at the 2022 Next Generation Trophy in Austria.
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    That alerted Borussia Dortmund to his exciting talent, too – with the Germans and United both reportedly having bids turned down last year.
    Bayer Leverkusen were also rumoured to be interested in Paez, but it appears Chelsea have won the battle to sign him.
    Paez, born in 2007, is making waves in his homeland with Independiente del Valle.
    The rising star has recently been promoted to the first team during pre-season for the 2023 campaign.
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    And he has even been dubbed “better than Endrick”, the Brazilian teenager who has signed for Real Madrid for a crazy £60MILLION despite interest from England.
    Like Endrick, Paez would need to wait until he is 18 in May 2025 before moving to Europe. More

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    Ten Hag reveals motivational dressing room talk that inspired Man Utd to beat Barcelona with five key tactical tweaks

    ERIK TEN HAG has revealed the five tactical changes he made that helped Man United beat Barcelona.The Red Devils dumped the LaLiga giants out of the Europa League with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford last night.
    Erik ten Hag made five changes during half time against BarcelonaCredit: PA
    He wanted the team to press more and use Casemiro moreCredit: Getty
    He also brought on match-winner AntonyCredit: Getty
    Fred and Antony fired back for United after Robert Lewandowski has initially given Barcelona the lead from the spot.
    But it was not until the second half that the hosts started to really play well.
    Manager ten Hag after the game revealed to the press that there were five tweaks that needed to happen.
    The Dutchman wanted his players to have more “belief” and to use midfielder Casemiro more.
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    He also wanted Aaron Wan-Bissaka to get more of the ball and for the team to be braver in the press as well as bringing on match-winner Antony.
    He said: “I emphasised the belief. It was too flat first half.
    “We had our spare man, Casemiro we didn’t use enough. 
    “Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a lot of space on the right side, we didn’t use enough.
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    “I think in the pressing we could be more brave.
    “So that is what we emphasised.
    “The second was to make the sub with Antony, who brought more speed in the play and who brings belief on the pitch.”
    United midfielder and goalscorer Fred praised the team-talk after the game.
    He told BT Sport: “He said in the first half that we didn’t play like how we [normally] play.
    “But in the second half we were much better, we started very well and scored early.
    “We had a good talk in half-time with the coach, we changed our minds at half-time and the second half went very well.”
    United will find out their round of 16 opponents today with he draw starting at 11am. More