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      ‘Most purchases have been average’ – Ten Hag tears into Man Utd’s recent signings in scathing attack on transfer policy

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      ERIK TEN HAG tore into Manchester United for wasting nearly £1billion on “average” signings as the new boss tries to take the club back to the top.The Dutchman took over in the summer and immediately got to work trying to shake up the culture of the sleeping giant.
      Erik ten Hag was not impressed by Manchester United’s recent signings before arriving at the clubCredit: Reuters
      The Dutchman spent £220m in the summer window after taking overCredit: Getty
      He spent £220million in the transfer window with most players already a big hit and showed his authority by disciplining Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford.
      But he knows he has a big task to get United back to the level of success they enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson.
      A large part of that is down to the poor return on £1bn worth of signings since the Scottish legend retired in 2013.
      Ten Hag does not mention specific names but some of the standout big-money flops at United in recent years include Angel Di Maria, Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba.
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      And he knows arresting that wretched record in the transfer market is fundamental to turning the club’s fortunes around.
      The Old Trafford boss said: “The club has bought an unimaginable number of players in recent years who have not been good enough.
      “Most purchases have been average – and at United average is not good enough.
      “United’s shirt weighs heavily. Only real personalities, who can perform under great pressure, can play here.
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      “We needed personalities. That’s why the acquisition of Casemiro was so important. Along with Raphael Varane, we now have a second player who has experience of winning titles.
      “Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony are all fighters, while Christian Eriksen is a technical winner and a great personality.
      “We want the best of the best. Any players we bring to Manchester United must meet the highest standard.”
      Ten Hag suffered a nightmare start with the humiliating defeats to Brighton, Brentford and Manchester City.
      But he is making his mark on the club, rising into the top four and level on points with Newcastle.
      Last night’s victory over Everton was United’s seventh in a row and an eighth would secure their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
      And he is using the example of the club’s most successful manager to shape his own blueprint for the Red Devils.
      ‘NO SPIRIT, NO TEAM DYNAMIC’
      Ten Hag added to VI Magazine: “Manchester United didn’t exactly have the fear factor last season.
      “There was no spirit. I saw no team dynamic in the squad. The mental resilience was very low.
      “I saw that as an outsider – and also noticed it in my first weeks at the club. I looked at the culture of the club. I asked, ‘How did Manchester United become great?’
      “And for me, it was about Sir Alex Ferguson. His teams excelled in togetherness, collectivity, spirit. You just couldn’t beat them.
      “United always had top strikers like Cantona, Cole, Sheringham, Yorke, Van Nistelrooy, Van Persie. And top goalkeepers like Schmeichel, Van der Sar, De Gea.
      “In the centre, there were big personalities like Jaap Stam, Vidic, Rio Ferdinand. And always a strategist in midfield.
      “Roy Keane, the boss. Paul Scholes, a magnificent footballer and personality. And think of players like Ryan Giggs or David Beckham.
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      “That’s the culture of Manchester United. I looked at that very carefully and then saw that last season’s team looked fragile and vulnerable.
      “When we get players, you look at their quality and technical skills. But you also look at their mental quality, that mental resilience – and we had to bring that back.”
      Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane provided success with strong leadership on and off the pitchCredit: Manchester United – Getty
      Paul Pogba’s return to Old Trafford did not work out as plannedCredit: AP
      Christian Eriksen and Casemiro arrived last summer and injected plenty of qualityCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd to be investigated after fans aim homophobic chant at Frank Lampard during win over Everton in FA Cup

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will be subject to an FA investigation after homophobic chanting in their win over Everton.A minority of fans aimed a homophobic chant at Toffees manager Frank Lampard during Friday’s FA Cup third-round clash at Old Trafford.
      Frank Lampard was the subject of a homophobic chant in Everton’s loss at Manchester United on FridayCredit: GETTY
      The FA are set to investigate the chant from a minority of Red Devils fansCredit: GETTY
      In the second half, some Red Devils supporters chanted “Chelsea r**t **y” at the former Blues midfielder.
      And the FA will launch an investigation into the incident – which could potentially lead to a sanction.
      In a statement to The Athletic, they said: “We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, as well as the UK Football Policing Unit, in relation to the use of this term.
      “Part of our work in this area has been to provide the relevant authorities with impact statements from LGBTQ+ supporters, detailing how chants of this nature affects their experience and feeling of inclusion at football matches, so that a clearer stance and understanding on the chant can be established.
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      “We stand firmly against all forms of discrimination and we are striving to ensure our game is a safe environment for all, which truly embraces diversity and challenges hateful conduct both on and off the pitch.”
      United were quick to condemn the chant, which was also sung by a minority of Nottingham Forest supporters last week
      A club statement read: “Homophobia, like all forms of discrimination, has no place in football.
      “Manchester United is proud of our diverse fan base and the work we have done to reduce instances like we sadly heard today.
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      “We will continue to campaign for inclusivity and to tackle discriminatory abuse whether inside stadiums or online.
      “This includes working with fan groups to educate fans on the offence which discriminatory language causes.”
      United booked passage to the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a 3-1 win over the Merseysiders.
      Strikes from Antony and Marcus Rashford either side of an own goal from Conor Coady sealed victory for Erik ten Hag’s troops.
      United will be back in action on Tuesday night, welcoming Charlton Athletic to Old Trafford for their Carabao Cup fourth-round tie.
      Ten Hag said: “We don’t have time in this moment to train, we do this weekend.
      “But it’s all about freshness, we take care for that. Many games are following up and they (our international players) had a heavy programme with many in the World Cup.
      “So it’s about freshness.
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      “Also we have to give players time to relax, to recover, so that they can go again and that is also for Tuesday.
      “Recover, and go again.”
      Manchester United ran out 3-1 winners over EvertonCredit: GETTY More

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      Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid transfer hits snag after boss Carlo Ancelotti goes public with view on signing him

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      REAL MADRID’S pursuit of Jude Bellingham is in doubt as manager Carlo Ancelotti claims he is happy with his current midfield.The Borussia Dortmund star, 19, has been heavily linked with joining the Spanish champions in the summer.
      Jude Bellingham is one of the most sought-after stars in European footballCredit: PA
      Recent reports have suggested Real Madrid are the frontrunners to sign the England international ahead of Premier League giants Man City, Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea.
      However, Ancelotti has insisted he is more than content with his existing midfield options.
      Los Blancos boast a plethora of talent in the middle of the park including Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Fede Valverde.
      Toni Kroos is also still a part of the squad, although he will retire at the end of the season.
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      But the strength in depth in Ancelotti’s side has led to him dismissing a move for Bellingham.
      Speaking ahead of Real’s game with Villarreal on Saturday, he said: “Bellingham has shown at the World Cup that he is a great midfielder, but so have others.
      “Enzo Fernandez has played very well. Gavi and Pedri as well.
      “Bellingham is one of those very good midfielders, but I’ll stick with the ones we have.”
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      Ancelotti’s comments will be a boost to the host of English clubs chasing Bellingham’s signature.
      The latest reports are that Liverpool are becoming concerned by his price tag given Chelsea are attempting to sign Enzo Fernandez for more than £100million.
      Should the Blues complete a deal for the Argentine, 21, it would almost certainly inflate the Dortmund teenager’s value.
      Bellingham has contributed 19 goals and 21 assists in 112 appearances since arriving in the Bundesliga in 2020.
      He also shone for England at the World Cup, continuing to state his case as one of the best midfielders in the world.
      Dortmund currently sit sixth in the German top flight, nine points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.
      They have qualified for the last-16 of the Champions League – where they will face Chelsea. More

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      Memphis Depay ‘wants Man Utd transfer’ but Barcelona will demand a fee despite striker’s contract ending in summer

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      MEMPHIS DEPAY reportedly wants to make a stunning return to Manchester United on a free transfer this month.But current club Barcelona will allegedly demand a fee despite his contract expiring in the summer.
      Depay would like to return to Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The Dutchman spent two years of his career at Old Trafford, joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2015.
      But after scoring just seven times in 56 appearances, Depay was sold to French outfit Lyon.
      That’s where the versatile attacker would go on to make a name for himself in one of Europe’s top-five leagues, scoring 76 and assisting 55 in 178 games.
      Such form then earned him a free transfer move to Barca in the summer of 2021 on a two-year deal.
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      But in a season and a half, the 28-year-old has scored 14 in 42, and could be heading for the exit door at Nou Camp.
      According to Sport, old club Man Utd is where Depay would like to go this month.
      However, Barca would like to collect a fee for the player DESPITE his contract expiring in the summer.
      Man Utd are also only keen on exploring the loan market, or players with minimal fees attached.
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      The Old Trafford club are in the market for an attacker following the spectacular departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The two clubs will also meet in the Europa League round of 32 next month.
      And Barca are reluctant to strength a rival team. More

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      Man Utd verdict: Antony is already stuttering with some embarrassing, frustrating, frayed-temper moments included

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      IT was the stop-start cameo which in many ways perfectly summed up Antony’s first four months at Manchester United.Ten minutes into the second half he slipped a bog standard pass to Diogo Dalot, on United’s right flank, 25 yards from the opposition goal.
      Antony poked home Manchester United’s openerCredit: Getty
      But the rest of his performance yielded a frustrating gameCredit: Getty
      Dalot rolled the perfect ball back beyond the Everton defence, where he thought Antony was running…only to see it drift harmlessly out for a goal kick.
      Instead of going for the return, Antony was rooted to the spot. Not so much stop-start, as start then stop.
      Which is how life at Old Trafford has been for the Brazilian since his £82 million arrival from Ajax last summer.
      An eye-watering fee, but one Erik ten Hag felt worth paying for a young man with a reputation as one of Europe’s best wingers.
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      And when Antony marked his debut against Arsenal with the opener in a 3-1 win, the Stretford End did indeed appear to have a new hero.
      Yet in reality that was probably as good as it got for the South American before he headed off to the World Cup.
      Yes, there were another couple of goals – one of the compensation strikes in an Etihad derby hiding – and the first in the league win at Everton.
      But there were also horrible moments. Embarrassing moments. Frustrating, frayed-temper moments.
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      None worse than the showboating spin against FC Sheriff in the Europa League, followed by a pass straight into touch.
      That was the last we saw of Antony until domestic action resumed after Qatar, although Ten Hag insisted he hadn’t featured because of injury.
      Whether it had been enough to keep him out for the five games it did is questionable, and the manager was fuming enough to say he “would correct him” after that spin.
      Ironically it was one of the things which had the Old Trafford crowd on its feet…and he’d done precious little for too long before that. It was the same again here against Everton.
      Three minutes on the clock he was sliding United’s opener into an empty net with a superbly timed far post arrival to meet Marcus Rashford’s cross.
      But if the fans thought that would be the injection of confidence he needed, how wrong they were.
      Instead it was a cut inside or, worse still, a cut back. Rarely even an attempt to take on his full back, aside of one flash of magic near the end, before he was eventually hooked.
      Ultimately it didn’t stop United’s progress into the fourth round. Yet even that, rather like Antony’s Old Trafford career, was more stuttering than full steam ahead. More

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      Man Utd ratings vs Everton: Marcus Rashford on fire again but Antony struggles after David De Gea shocker

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      DAVID DE GEA has Marcus Rashford to thank after he inspired Manchester United past Everton in the FA Cup. The Spaniard produced a massive error in the first half which allowed a low-on confidence Everton side to net an equaliser and cause United a big FA Cup headache.
      Man Utd progressed past Everton in the FA CupCredit: Getty
      Marcus Rashford inspired the team into the next roundCredit: EPA
      David De Gea has Rashford to thank after his huge blunderCredit: ITV
      However, two dangerous Rashford runs from the left flank which saw low crosses zipped across the area resulted in two goals which gave the Red Devils enough to go progress.
      The first saw Rashford skip past Ben Godfrey to fire a ball to the far post for Antony to poke in the opener after four minutes.
      The second saw Christian Eriksen ping the ball cross field before Rashford take on and beat Seamus Coleman before whipping a cross into the six-yard area where Conor Coady turned the ball into his own net.
      Regardless, Erik ten Hag’s side are through, and in the cup that is all that matters.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils.
      David De Gea – 4
      Just what was he doing? A grievous error in the first half gave United all sorts of problems against a previously low-on confidence Everton side.
      He will have done himself no favours on his side in terms of sealing a new contract at Old Trafford, on the day Jack Butland has just arrived too.
      Diogo Dalot – 6
      Returned to the team for the first time since the International break and looked like he lacked some match sharpness.
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      Not his usual best but gave United security on the ball down the right flank.
      Raphael Varane – 7
      Did all he could in intercepting a pass right before De Gea’s gaffe made all his work mean nought.
      Good on the ball and assured in possession throughout.
      Luke Shaw – 6
      Returned to left centre back and while he once again proved solid there, a game on the knife edge needs Shaw’s ability on at left wing-back.
      Too slow to get back in and mark Dominic Calvert-Lewin when he netted a second Toffee’s equaliser – though it was ruled offside.
      Tyrell Malacia – 6
      Clear to see why he is such a reliable star for Ten Hag, but also why when is whole team is fit he is second choice to Luke Shaw at left-back.
      Produced a crunching tackle on Alex Iwobi on the second half, and flew into a number of other challenges throughout, which saw the Everton man to be forced off through injury.
      Tyrell Malacia flew into tackles throughout the clashCredit: Getty
      Casemiro – 6
      A below par game for the Brazilian, particularly poor on the ball a number of times but still broke up attacks generally well.
      Too easily shoved aside by Amadou Onana prior to Conor Coady’s equaliser in the first half.
      Christian Eriksen – 7
      Another quiet game for the Dane but distributed the ball well from his deeper playmaking role throughout.
      Pinged a beautiful pass to Rashford before he zipped in a low cross which caused Coady’s own goal.
      Bruno Fernandes – 6
      A similarly quiet game from him but in this new system he is no longer the only player relied upon to spark a United goal.
      Harried and harassed the Everton backline and midfield well.
      Antony – 5
      Poked home the opener inside four minutes but his game quickly unravelled with the exception of a few bright spots.
      His seeming complete unwillingness to use his right foot greatly hinders what he can offer this United side and often makes him more of a liability than a threat.
      Marcus Rashford – 9
      The best player on the pitch by far. Excellent burst of pace to set up to set up Antony’s opener.
      Remained bright throughout the first half and created United’s second goal with a dangerous run and zipped ball into the danger area to be turned into his own net by Coady.
      Well-deserved goal from the penalty spot at the end.
      Marcus Rashford created two goals and added one himselfCredit: Getty
      Anthony Martial – 6
      Linked play with team-mates well and showed why he is a good fit for the United system with some decent hold up play.
      However, squandered a one-on-one he should have scored vs Jordan Pickford which proves why Ten Hag is desperate for another striker.
      Subs
      Fred (on for Casemiro, 71 mins) 6
      Broke up play and launched counter-attacks much like his compatriot Casemiro, but added energy came at cost of midfield control.
      Alejandro Garnacho (on for Martial, 71 mins) 6
      Another bright cameo off the bench for him. Lacked real impetus but did won a penalty at the end.
      Must be wondering what more he can do to earn a start over Antony.
      Lisandro Martinez (on for Shaw, 77 mins) 6
      Dealt with the physical battle from Everton’s forward’s well. Welcome minutes in the tank while getting clattered by Onana late on.
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      Harry Maguire (on for Eriksen, 83 mins) 6
      Came on to help United deal with an aerial bombardment led by Calvert-Lewin.
      Scott McTominay (on for Antony, 83 mins) 6
      Like Maguire came on to help steady the ship in the latter stages. More

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      Man Utd women’s team bus in drama after road COLLAPSES beneath it while on way to friendly match in Malta

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      A BUS taking the Manchester United women’s team to a game in Malta became stranded after the road COLLAPSED beneath it. United were due to take on Maltese side Birkirkara in a friendly when the road caved in.
      Man Utd women are in Malta for a training campCredit: Getty
      But they suffered some difficulties on their way to a match in MaltaCredit: Getty
      Marc Skinner has guided the team to third in the WSLCredit: Getty
      The Malta Independent reported that one of the wheels at the back of the bus was broken by a large pothole, leaving the bus stranded.
      The clash against Birkirkara in Paola was scheduled to kick off at 5pm GMT.
      Fortunately the game still started on time, with United winning 10-0.
      A pair of braces from Alessia Russo and Vilde Boe Risa were added to by Lucia Garcia and Grace Clinton to give Marc Skinner’s side a six goal lead before the break.
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      After 11 changes at the interval, United added four more thanks to Jade Moore, Nikita Parris, Rachel Williams and Martha Thomas.
      The Women’s Super League is currently having a winter break.
      And the Red Devils took the opportunity to enjoy a warm-weather training camp.
      United’s most recent fixture in the division saw them draw 1-1 with neighbours Manchester City.
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      Their next game on January 15 will also see them take on a huge rival in the form of Liverpool.
      With a win they can move within two points of league leaders Chelsea, provided they drop points against title rivals Arsenal. More

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      Man Utd make ‘loan offer for Cameroon World Cup star Vincent Aboubakar but face competition from Fenerbahce’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have made a loan offer to sign Al-Nassr striker Vincent Aboubakar, according to reports.Erik ten Hag’s side have won every game without conceding since the season resumed following the World Cup.
      Manchester United are interested in signing striker Vincent AboubakarCredit: Getty
      The Prem wins over Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Bournemouth have seen the Red Devils climb above Tottenham and into the top four.
      But Ten Hag is still desperately hoping to sign a striker this month.
      That’s because Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are his only options and the latter has generally performed better on the left.
      This comes after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure following his row with the club.
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      And United are now looking at one of the Portugal superstar’s new team-mates in Aboubakar.
      Ronaldo’s arrival could pave the way for him to return to Europe with Al-Nassr looking to offload players to make room to register the 37-year-old.
      According to Saudi Arabia paper Okaz, the Old Trafford club have launched an offer to sign him on loan for the rest of the season.
      United are in pole position to sign the 30-year-old, but reports from the Middle East believe they face competition from Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.
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      The Cameroon international offers a wealth of experience having scored more than 100 goals throughout spells with Lorient, Porto and Besiktas.
      Aboubakar has also won 95 caps for his country and scored twice at the World Cup, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Brazil. More