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      Rio Ferdinand no longer watches Man Utd through his fingers as he praises turnaround under Erik ten Hag

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      RIO FERDINAND no longer has to watch Manchester United through his fingers fearing “crazy s***.”The Red Devils legend has watched the demise of his former club in recent years in his role as a TV pundit.
      Rio Ferdinand used to watch Manchester United through his handsCredit: Getty
      The club have been on the end of a number of embarrassing resultsCredit: Reuters
      But Ferdinand has praised the work of Erik ten HagCredit: PA
      But the six-time title winner now believes there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel under Erik ten Hag.
      The United boss is on an eight-game winning run going into tomorrow’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
      And Ferdinand said: “I’m going into this derby thinking, ‘We can give them a game’.
      “You can see players gaining in confidence. For far too long we were going into games thinking, ‘Obviously, we are going to get beat here today but I don’t know how many’.
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      “Or we were going to the likes of Brentford and concede one and it could be three or four.
      “When we have been feeling that as Man United fans, it is now nice going to games not feeling like that.
      “I am now going to a game not looking through my fingers, expecting crazy s going on. I am going there now with a bit of, ‘I fancy us today. I fancy us to beat them and dominate the ball’, because you can see something tactically that has been consistently coming out every week now.
      “We have got to play at our best and hope that they drop a little bit off it to win the game — but that is better than how I’ve gone into games in recent seasons.”
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      Ferdinand believes Ten Hag has done a lot more than just get a team up and running again.
      He feels the situation was so bad at the end of last season, with confidence at rock bottom throughout the club, that the Dutchman had to rebuild individuals as people as well as footballers.
      The former United defender added: “There were some really good quotes from him after the game the other day about the team spirit and how the ambience at the place was not right.
      “He would have seen that in half the results and in games and in training, that the mentality at the place was not right.
      “These were a bunch of players that were quite low, they were shot to pieces.
      “He has had to build not only footballers but men back up again because they have been through a lot of negativity.
      “Obviously, part of that is their own fault and the regime before.
      “But he had to build a lot of human beings back up and that takes time.
      Man Utd players have had many reasons to celebrate since Ten Hag took over compared to last seasonCredit: AFP
      “The fact he is now talking about qualifying for the Champions League so positively, and putting markers down, he can sense a confidence coming back into this team.
      “There is a consistency of performance from the team and individuals, that wasn’t there before, that he now believes and fills him with the confidence to speak about.
      “There isn’t that panic there was before or the complete capitulation that we’ve been seeing for a while. There is a much more calm edge around the team.
      “All the signs are very positive. I just feel like there is a jigsaw puzzle that needs putting together at this football club and there are some good pieces being put in place, whether it be the manager, coaching staff, the tactical element he is trying to implement, or recruitment.”
      One of the big pieces of the puzzle that needed putting back in place at United, according to Ferdinand, was the discipline.
      He said: “When people have asked me about Man United and what I want to see, one of them definitely is to have discipline running through the veins of the club.
      “Any team that is successful has an element of discipline. That is a real bedrock of any good football club, that discipline runs through, and the players are very aware of where they are standing in that, so that is pleasing to see. The fanbase will be looking at that and going, ‘I like that’.
      “Players are being made accountable for their actions, whether it is during 90 minutes or off the pitch and at the training ground. I think that is a key part of any success.”
      Fans always try to put together their best-combined team from both sides whenever a derby game approaches. In recent years few, if any, United players would get into City’s side.
      Marcus Rashford has been leading the club’s rise up the tableCredit: AFP
      But Ferdinand claims that is not the case any more — even if he believes Pep Guardiola’s side are still well ahead of United as it stands.
      He said: “On form, Marcus Rashford would have to be in the team.
      “Christian Eriksen would be in with a shout, Bruno Fernandes would be in with a shout. Casemiro or Rodri is a massive one in terms of form, the two best holding midfielders in the league.
      “Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane would have an argument to get in the team as well, so you could put a good case forward.
      “Definitely, the distance is a bit closer but it’s still not anywhere near where we want it to be. There is still work to be done.
      “The fact you can have an argument over four or five players getting into the team, or to have a conversation about it at least, is a step in the right direction.
      “But, let’s not get it twisted. City are way ahead of where Man United are.”
      Way ahead — but no longer over the hill and far away.Ferdinand, like many United fans, can see that bright new dawn on the horizon.
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      And he no longer has to look through his fingers and go searching for it.
      RIO FERDINAND is an ambassador for BT Sport.
      It is set to be a hotly contested derby More

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      Man Utd legend Eric Cantona says club ‘can’t buy the best players’ and should copy Liverpool as Weghorst set to sign

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      ERIC CANTONA says Manchester United need to follow the blueprint of bitter rivals Liverpool to get themselves back to the top of the game.The Red Devils legend reckons the six year trophy drought at Old Trafford means they can no longer expect to attract the biggest names around.
      Eric Cantona wants Manchester United to sign players who have potential like Sadio Mane and Mo Salah didCredit: Getty
      United are closing in on the loan signing of Wout WeghorstCredit: Getty
      But he says Jurgen Klopp has shown down the M62 at Anfield that if you sign good players who are the right fit then success can still follow.
      New United boss Erik ten Hag described the signings made over the last 10 years as ‘average’ when he assessed where United currently are last weekend.
      The imminent arrival of Burnley’s Wout Weghorst on a loan deal to the end of the season is hardly likely to get pulses racing either.
      And the former French international – who was such a talisman for United in the early to mid-90s – says the fans have to get used to it.
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      He said: “During the time of Alex Ferguson if you wanted a player, the best in the world, he would come to Manchester United because they were winning in England and Europe.
      “United were the biggest club in the world and they had the money to buy any type of player.
      “Now it is different, because the best players want to play in a team to win things.
      “And United are not in the position to be able to choose the best ones because the best ones won’t come to United.”
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      Cantona says Liverpool – who have won the Champions League and Premier League in the last four years – have shown it can be done.
      They took educated punts on players such as Sadio Mane and Mo Salah which paid off handsomely for them.
      He added: “You have to be clever. Clever like Liverpool. They took Mane and Salah, not the best players in the world, but with a great team and a great atmosphere, together they won things.
      “And then Mane and Salah became the best players in the world. That’s a great example for United.” More

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      Arsenal told they can sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic THIS MONTH in shock loan deal before £44m transfer for Man Utd target

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      ARSENAL have been told they can sign Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on loan this month, according to reports.The Gunners are hoping to complete a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who’s their No.1 January target.
      Lazio are reportedly willing to sell Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this monthCredit: Rex
      But Mikel Arteta also wants depth in midfield ahead of what could be a testing second half of the season in the Prem, FA Cup and Europa League.
      The Gunners failed in their deadline day attempts to sign Aston Villa man Douglas Luiz, who’s since signed a new deal.
      That appears to suggest Arteta still wants to bring in a centre midfielder.
      And TuttoJuve reckon Milinkovic-Savic could end up being that man.
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      The Lazio ace’s contract expires in the summer of 2024, but he could be allowed to leave the Italian capital this month.
      He’s a long-term admirer of Premier League clubs following his form in Serie A with Arsenal and Manchester United often linked in the past.

      But the report now claims that Lazio are losing patience over his contract situation, which means they might be forced to cash in.
      As a result, the Serie A giants would now be prepared to accept a six-month loan deal with an obligation to buy for £44m in the summer.
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      The 27-year-old is enjoying another fine season having scored five goals and registered seven assists in 22 games.
      His overall record for Lazio now stands at 121 goal contributions in 316 games, an exceptional return for a midfielder. More

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      Man Utd chiefs ‘admit they OVERPAID for Antony transfer’ as fans grow frustrated with £85.5m star’s one-dimensional play

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly admitted they overpaid for Antony in the summer.The Brazilian 22, joined from Ajax for £85.5million following a lengthy transfer saga.
      There are polarising opinions about Antony at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      The deal put him fourth on the list of the Premier League’s most expensive players behind Jack Grealish, Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba.
      He hit the ground running with goals in each of his first three league matches.
      But since then he has managed just two goals and produced performances which have divided Man Utd fans.
      A display which typified that division was the 3-0 win over Charlton on Tuesday.
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      Antony scored the opening goal of the game with a wonderful curling effort into the far corner.
      But he was then on the receiving end of groans from the Old Trafford faithful for the rest of the match.
      His desire to constantly cut in on his left foot frustrated the home supporters as he slowed down United’s attacks on several occasions.
      He was then replaced by Marcus Rashford on the hour mark, before the England international bagged a late brace.
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      According to ESPN, Man Utd are aware they paid over the odds for the South American attacker.
      However, they insist there were legitimate reasons for doing so.
      They included a lack of alternatives, Antony’s stated desire to join, and growing interest from other clubs threatening to increase his price tag.
      Despite his Jekyll and Hyde performances so far this season, Erik ten Hag defended him back in October, saying: “He is a young player we have to develop, but he has to develop himself.
      “We have to expect more from him. He needs challenges. That’s why he came to the Premier League.
      “He will step up. In the first weeks, he’s scored goals, he did good stuff, but also I see a lot of room for improvement in his game.”
      Man Utd are preparing to add to their attacking options by signing Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the season.
      Ten Hag’s men currently sit fourth in the Premier League, two points ahead of Tottenham but nine behind leaders Arsenal ahead of Man City’s visit on Saturday afternoon. More

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      Man Utd will still struggle to seal top striker and midfield transfer targets in summer without HUGE squad overhaul

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will find it tough to seal their top striker and midfield targets in the summer without a huge cull first, according to reports.The club will need to spend big to bring in their preferred players at the end of this season and they could face financial challenges in doing so.
      Erik ten Hag may have to sell players so he can afford to buy his top transfer targetsCredit: AFP
      Many first-team stars could be sold to balance the books and allow for manager Erik ten Hag to continue his re-build of the squad.
      The Telegraph report that even if the Glazer family sell the club it will not lead to a major boost in transfer funds for the summer.
      This is because Man Utd still owe other sides £307million in unpaid transfer instalments and UEFA’s new financial rules could prevent them further.
      The governing body are set to restrict spending to 70 per cent of total revenues by 2025/26 with it dropping ten per cent each time over the next three seasons.
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      United reportedly splash out more than 80 per cent of revenues on transfers, wages and agents fees at the moment.
      As a result, it is more important than ever that United qualify for the Champions League due to the extra money they would gain.
      Another season out the elite competition would lead to a 30 per cent cut in their £75million-a-year deal with sponsors Adidas.
      So that Ten Hag can buy top targets like Tottenham’s Harry Kane, Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, the club could have to sell players.
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      United may decide to cash-in on the likes of Harry Maguire, Fred, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to raise funds.
      Reports suggest Ten Hag could have to choose between a marquee attacker or midfielder.
      With the budget tight, the Red Devils are restricted to just loan signings in January with the club nearing completion of a deal for Wout Weghorst.
      The club are aware of their financial limitations and have cheaper striker alternatives on their list of targets such as, Goncalo Ramos of Benfica and Mohammed Kudus at Ajax. More

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      How Man Utd could line up against Man City with Weghorst set to feature on bench if they can complete transfer in time

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will be looking to stretch their winning run to NINE when they host Manchester City in a crunch derby on Saturday.Erik ten Hag’s side have been in scinscillating form since the season resumed with the Red Devils still in both cup competitions and in the top four.

      Victories over Burnley, Everton and Charlton in the cups mean they’re well on course to end their seven-year wait for a trophy.
      United are in the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they’ll host Reading, while they face Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
      But after two consecutive cup games, it’s back to Prem action for the Red Devils this weekend.
      In terms of injuries, Ten Hag will be sweating over the fitness of Diogo Dalot after the Portugal star was withdrawn after just 34 minutes against Charlton.
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      If he isn’t passed fit, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will make his fourth league start on the bounce.
      Raphael Varane should be recalled and is likely to partner Lisandro Martinez, who finally made his first start since the World Cup in midweek, with Luke Shaw making up the backline.
      In midfield, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro will start in a two, just behind Bruno Fernandes.
      Moving forward, the red-hot Marcus Rashford will be out on the left and Antony should get his chance to shine after scoring against both Everton and Charlton.
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      That leaves Anthony Martial to start up front despite his recent struggles in front of goal.
      But United will be hoping to have Wout Weghorst available and on the bench with the Dutchman set to join on loan for the rest of the season.

      Weghorst has reportedly said his goodbyes at Besiktas before undergoing a medical ahead of his switch to Old Trafford.
      Jadon Sancho, who hasn’t played since October, is likely to miss once again though. More

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      Man Utd star Facundo Pellistri wanted by Watford on loan transfer until end of season with his future plans uncertain

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      MAN UTD youngster Facundo Pellistri is being linked with a loan move to Championship side Watford.The Uruguayan forward, 21, has not started for the Red Devils so far this season and only made his first-team debut on Tuesday night against Charlton.
      Facundo Pellistri has struggled for minutes so far this seasonCredit: AP
      But that was just a six-minute cameo, with his lack of game time leading many to question his future at Old Trafford.
      He joined from Penarol for £9million in 2020 but has been farmed out on loan to Alaves on two separate occasions.
      Pellistri did go to the World Cup with Uruguay and started their goalless draw with South Korea.
      And his agent, Edgardo Lasalvia, claimed before the Qatar tournament that he would depart Man Utd if he impressed in the Middle East.
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      Now The Telegraph are reporting that Slaven Bilic wants to bring Pellistri in to bolster his squad.
      Watford are suffering from a number of injuries and are hoping to bring in reinforcements in the January window to help their chances of promotion.
      The Hornets currently sit fourth in the Championship, 11 points adrift of the top two.
      However, despite interest from Watford, Erik ten Hag was glowing in his praise for the winger after he played a part in Marcus Rashford’s second goal against the League One Addicks.
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      The United boss said: “I see a future in him and he is doing really well and we have to see what is the best.
      “He’s progressing, also against Everton [a behind-closed-doors game] I was really happy with his performance, I was happy with his performance in the World Cup, his progress is really good.

      “He’s come on and had an effect so that’s the next step. I say well done, better, and keep going.”
      Lasalvia has reportedly flown to England to get a handle on his client’s short-term future.
      He still has three years on his current deal at Old Trafford, with the club also holding the option of extending his contract by a further 12 months. More

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      Man Utd set to sign Wout Weghorst on loan transfer as striker has Besiktas deal ripped up and ‘flying to UK’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to sign Wout Weghorst on loan after agreeing a compensation fee with Besiktas.The Dutchman has been on loan in Turkey from Championship Burnley since the start of the season.
      Wout Weghorst is set to join Man UnitedCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils are eager to secure a short-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo after axing the Portuguese veteran in November.
      According to Turkish outlet A Spor, Weghorst is collecting his things and saying goodbyes at Besiktas this morning before flying back to undergo a medical and sign for Man United.
      The Red Devils will pay around £2.65million for his services until the end of the season.
      The Dutchman arrived in English football 12 months ago, signing for Burnley as a replacement for Newcastle-bound Chris Wood.
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      His move didn’t go to plan, however, as he scored just two goals in 20 Premier League appearances as the Clarets were relegated.
      He has since been in fine form after moving to Besiktas, netting nine goals in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Turkish side.
      Weghorst scored against Kasimpasa in his final appearance for Besiktas last Saturday.
      Prior to agreeing a deal, boss Erik ten Hag was warned by Netherlands legend Marco van Basten NOT to sign “too many Dutchmen”.
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      He told Ziggo Sport: ‘It can become dangerous if you have too many Dutch people and things are not going well.
      “You also saw that at Barcelona, when they had five Dutch people. Then it will work against you. Ten Hag has to be careful with that.”

      Wesley Sneijder, meanwhile, thinks that the transfer is a “stunt”.
      The 38-year-old told Veronica Offside: “I think they’ve seen the trick with the free-kick (vs Argentina at the World Cup), so they don’t fall for that in England any more.
      “In terms of a striker, is he really someone United are waiting for? I don’t think so.
      “They still have 300 of those in the Premier League. It must be a stunt. This really can’t be true.”
      Weghorst was claimed to have trained away from his Besiktas team-mates earlier this week after suffering with a small groin injury.
      The Red Devils were previously linked with Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.
      But the Portuguese star joined Chelsea until the end of the season instead. More