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      Man Utd star Luke shaw was so desperate to feature against Burnley he offered to play out of position, says Ten Hag

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      ERIK TEN HAG has revealed that Luke Shaw was so keen to play in Manchester United’s Carabao Cup tie with Burnley that he offered to play out of position.The left-back has just returned to his club following England’s heartbreak in Qatar, getting knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals to France.
      Luke Shaw has featured 16 times in all competitions this season under boss Erik Ten Hag.
      Shaw featured in all five of the Three Lions’ games at the World Cup, playing in his preferred position of left-back, but his club manager, Ten Hag, has revealed he was happy to slot into a different position to play for Manchester United.
      The Red Devils boss spoke to Man United’s official website before their clash with Burnley to explain why Casemiro would be playing at centre-back instead of their usual starters, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
      He said: “It’s an issue as Raphael (Varane) and Lisandro (Martinez) were in the World Cup final.
      “We have picked Casemiro as he has played more often there, also Luke (Shaw) reported himself that he could play at centre-half, which is really good.
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      “They are all committed and they want to play, they are hungry and I like that.”
      United were also without England’s Harry Maguire who missed the game due to illness.
      Casemiro played the full 90 minutes at Old Trafford and ensured his side kept a clean sheet despite their notable absences.
      They won the game 2-0 with goals from Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford securing their place in the quarter-finals.
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      Ten Hag’s side restart their Premier League campaign on December 27 with a clash against relegation battlers Nottingham Forest.
      It is not yet known whether United will still be without their first choice centre-backs or not for their game against Steve Cooper’s side.
      Martinez and Varane are still on an extended break due to their World Cup final involvement.
      Manchester United currently sit in fifth place in the table after a mixed start to the season, but will be hoping they can reinvigorate their campaign to push for a place in the top four. More

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      Man Utd and Liverpool must SMASH transfer record to land Enzo Fernandez as Benfica name their price for World Cup star

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      BENFICA have reportedly slapped a whopping £105million price tag on Enzo Fernandez.The midfielder was one of Argentina’s standout performers in their triumphant World Cup campaign, catching the eye of many with a string of solid performances.
      Enzo Fernandez was one of Argentina’s star performers at the World CupCredit: GETTY
      But Benfica reportedly won’t let him go for anything less than his £105million release clauseCredit: GETTY
      Premier League big boys Liverpool were understood to be admirers of Fernandez before his stellar Qatar 2022 displays, which have reportedly piqued the interest of Manchester United.
      But it’s claimed the duo will have to shatter the Prem’s record transfer fee to acquire his services as Benfica have no intention of selling him for a penny less than his mammoth £105m release clause.
      If Liverpool were to push through for a deal to sign Fernandez, it would shatter the club record £85m fee they paid Benfica for Darwin Nunez last summer.
      United, meanwhile, would top their former world-record £89million fee for the recently-departed Paul Pogba.
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      The reported interest in Fernandez, who scooped the World Cup’s Young Player of the Tournament award, hasn’t shocked his international skippe Lionel Messi.

      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner said of 21-year-old: “I’m not surprised by Enzo.
      “I know him and I see him train every day.
      “He deserves it because he’s a spectacular player.”
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      Newcastle United are also said to hold an interest in signing Fernandez, although manager Eddie Hearn recently suggested a swoop for the Argentine might be too pricey.
      He said: “I apologise to Alan [Shearer], I think I was on the other channel. I’m aware of and I know him, but I think the transfer fee might be quite lumpy.
      “From a recruitment perspective, I don’t think you ever just analyse the World Cup and sign a player off the back of those performances.
      “There’s a huge body of work that goes into signing a player, so it’s never off four weeks.
      “There will be a period of work that goes into that.
      Enzo Fernandez scooped the Young Player of the Tournament award in QatarCredit: Rex
      “That’s not to say we won’t use the World Cup as a recruitment tool to look at those players, but just solely on those games? No, we wouldn’t do that.”
      Fernandez joined Benfica from River Plate in the summer for £9million plus add-ons, although he could’ve found himself playing for Manchester City.
      City Football Group director Joan Patsy told: Què T’hi Jugues: “Manchester City could’ve signed Enzo Fernandez.
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      “But what do we do if we have Gundogan, Bernardo and Rodri in the squad?
      “He would’ve cost us less than he did Benfica. But we didn’t have a place and we knew he wouldn’t play.” More

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      Man Utd in defensive injury crisis ahead of Premier League return with just ONE fit first-team centre-back

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      ERIK TEN HAG is set for a selection headache as Manchester United are in the middle of a defensive injury crisis.Victor Lindelof is the club’s only fit centre-back as he played alongside midfielder Casemiro in the Carabao Cup win over Burnley.
      Harry Maguire missed the game against Burnley due to illnessCredit: Getty
      Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are still on break from making the World Cup finalCredit: Reuters
      Victor Lindelof is Man United’s only fit senior centre-backCredit: Getty
      Harry Maguire was not in the squad and defenders Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are still on a break after making it to the World Cup final.
      Martinez has been back in his homeland of Argentina celebrating his World Cup win alongside his national team-mates.
      Varane went down in the final in Qatar, but it has been put down to fatigue rather than a more serious injury.
      The Red Devils boss confirmed that Maguire missed out on the match against the Clarets due to illness.
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      Before the game, he said: “Harry is sick. I don’t know how that develops”.
      This leaves Lindelof as the only fit centre-back at the club, although he has been used sparingly Ten Hag this season.
      The Swede has only played five times in the Premier League, as Martinez and Varane have been his preferred options.
      Another option Ten Hag has is to give Axel Tuanzebe a chance as he has been back in training.
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      The defender spent last season on loan with Aston Villa and Napoli.
      But this campaign the 25-year-old had been injured but his return to fitness during the break for the World Cup could had Ten Hag a timely boost.
      The Dutchman will also be hoping that Maguire is able to overcome his illness in time for their return to Premier League action.
      The Red Devils take on Nottingham Forest on December 27 at Old Trafford. More

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      Man Utd write blunt 81-word goodbye to Cristiano Ronaldo in matchday programme for Carabao Cup clash vs Burnley

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have written a blunt goodbye to Cristiano Ronaldo in their programme for the EFL Cup match against Burnley.The matchday programme mentioned the Portuguese forward’s high-profile exit from the club but was cut short to only 81 words.
      Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United before the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo was considered a legend at Old Trafford when he rejoined the club in 2021, but his reputation took a big hit after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
      Ahead of their first competitive game since he left the club once his contract had been mutually terminated, the Red Devils acknowledged him in a short message.
      It read: “Cristiano Ronaldo left the club by mutual agreement last month.
      “The Portuguese superstar scored 145 goals across two spells and 436 appearances and helped us win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
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      “Ronaldo was also crowned Ballon d’Or winner in 2008.
      “In a statement on November 22, the club put on record its gratitude for Cristiano’s immense contribution and wished him and his family well for the future.”
      The Portuguese star had been at the World Cup in Qatar for the last month, but suffered heartbreak after being knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-final by Morocco.
      He is now a free agent on the lookout for his next club.
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      Manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that he has put the saga behind him during the club’s tour of Spain.
      He said “He’s gone and it’s the past. We are not lowing forward and we’re looking to the future.”
      Ronaldo has reportedly got an offer from Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr who have confirmed their huge bid to Ronaldo’s camp, including a deal until June 2025.
      However, the 37-year-old still has hopes of signing for a Champions League club. More

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      Erik ten Hag reveals phone call with Lisandro Martinez which persuaded him to seal Man Utd transfer over Arsenal

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      ERIK TEN HAG has opened up on the phone call that saw Lisandro Martinez join Manchester United instead of Arsenal.Following Ten Hag’s Ajax exit, Martinez was always destined to leave the Dutch side last summer.
      Lisandro Martinez signed for Manchester United last summerCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta’s Gunners wanted to bring him to North London, making him a priority transfer target.
      Martinez, 24, had been all set to sign for Arsenal, but even as the deal edged closer he pined for a move to United.
      Prior to completing a mooted Gunners switch, he phoned his old mentor Ten Hag.
      Revealing all about the conversation, the 52-year-old told  Voetbal International: “Whether I found it difficult to get Martinez away from Ajax?
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      “I had such a good time there, how we experienced the process together.
      “From scratch we brought Ajax back to the European top. That project has been so dear to me.
      “But Martinez himself wanted to leave Ajax anyway. If we hadn’t taken him, he would have gone to Arsenal.
      “They wanted him anyway, he was top priority there. Licha (Martinez) called me at one point: ‘Coach, listen, I’m leaving Ajax anyway. I can sign with Arsenal, but if you want me, I’m going to Manchester United.’
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      Martinez worked with Erik ten Hag at AjaxCredit: Getty
      “Then I thought: ‘I shouldn’t shoot myself and United in the foot either’. He really wasn’t staying in Amsterdam, that was out of the question. Then we struck and it all worked out.”
      Argentina World Cup hero Martinez subsequently completed a £55million switch to United, swiftly becoming a fan favourite at Old Trafford prior to his success in Qatar.
      Arsenal, meanwhile, elected not to sign a new defender – instead giving forgotten man William Saliba a chance.
      The Frenchman has been a revelation for the Gunners, playing a huge role in seeing them enter the World Cup break top of the Premier League.
      In addition to Martinez, United also reunited Ten Hag with Ajax winger Antony.
      After a protracted transfer saga, the winger joined the Red Devils in an eye-watering £85.5m deal.
      Antony eventually completed a huge summer transfer to Man United to reunite with Ten HagCredit: Getty More

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      Erik ten Hag slams state of Man Utd squad he inherited in summer and details four key factors on why they were shambles

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      ERIK TEN HAG has given a damning assessment of the Manchester United squad he inherited in the summer and revealed what he needed to change. Coming off the back of the club’s worst ever Premier League season under Ralf Rangnick, Ten Hag was appointed to try to return the club to its former glory.
      Erik ten Hag slammed the state of the squad he inheritedCredit: Getty
      United were coming off the back off their worst ever Premier League seasonCredit: Getty
      And while it has not been all smooth sailing since his arrival, there is certainly evidence that the team and club are moving in the right direction.
      But the Dutchman has now detailed just how big the task of getting the squad up to scratch was.
      Speaking to Voetbal International, Ten Hag revealed FOUR reasons why United were in such a shambolic state last season.
      He said: “There was no spirit in it (the dressing room), I didn’t see any team dynamics in the team.
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      “The mental toughness was very low. The fighting spirit, for each other, prioritising the team, that wasn’t really in this squad.
      “Changing the culture was the most important thing for me.”
      He also revealed the one player who has made all the difference in helping to reset the culture.
      Ten Hag continued: “To get that (change of culture) in the dressing room, you need personalities.
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      “That’s why the purchase of Casemiro was so important. He can speed up the process, because he knows what you have to do to win titles.”
      The Brazilian won five Champions League crowns with Real Madrid and was an active part of Brazil’s squad in Qatar, scoring a goal in the group stage but was unable to help Brazil past a gritty Croatia.

      United are returning to action for the first time since the World Cup finished against Burnley on Wednesday night, though a number of first team stars will be missing.
      And with the tournament in Qatar disrupting the season at a point where United were just settling into the way Ten Hag wants to play, he fears they could be negatively impacted by the break.
      Speaking ahead of the Burnley clash, Ten Hag said: “You saw in this World Cup many nations played passively, waiting and playing on the reaction.
      “We have seen against Manchester City, that was our big problem in that game.
      “We want to be dominant and proactive, but we played in a different way.
      “We are moving in a good direction, but still there is a lot of room for improvement.
      “It means keeping high standards. I always say, satisfaction makes you lazy.
      “If you are too satisfied with yourself and the team, you will not maintain those standards.”
      Following a huge spending spree in the summer, United are set to make a move for Dutch World Cup ace Cody Gakpo.
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      The 23-year-old has been tipped for a £50million move to Old Trafford with PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy admitting “there comes a time when you can’t say no.”
      United have accelerated plans to land Gakpo after the departure of legend Cristiano Ronaldo – who was named in the World Cup’s worst team. More

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      Mauro Icardi lined up by Newell’s Old Boys as Lionel Messi’s boyhood club look to seal marquee transfer

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      MAURO ICARDI could make a shock move to Argentine Primera Division club Newell’s Old Boys when the January transfer window opens, according to reports.The striker, 29, joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain in September.
      Icardi could join Newell’s Old BoysCredit: Getty
      He had fallen out of favour at the Parc des Princes due to the attacking threat of superstar trio Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
      And as things stand, he might not be welcomed back into the squad when his loan spell ends.
      According to football journalist Hernan Cabrera, Icardi could make a return to Argentina.
      Newell’s Old Boys are understood to be interested in signing him from PSG.
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      Galatasaray are currently looking to sign former Manchester City star Edin Dzeko, so if a deal goes through it could allow Icardi to move on.
      Newell’s Old Boys is an Argentine Primera Division club based in Rosario, Santa Fe.
      It is also the boyhood club of Argentina icon Lionel Messi.
      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Newell’s Old Boys at the age of six and spent six years at the club.
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      During that time he scored almost 500 goals for the almost-unbeatable youth side.
      Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino also played for Newell’s Old Boys as a teenager, as did ex-Liverpool star Maxi Rodriguez. More

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      Man Utd receive Cody Gakpo transfer boost as PSV boss Van Nistelrooy says ‘there comes a time when you can’t say no’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Cody Gakpo by their former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.The Red Devils legend is now Gakpo’s manager at PSV and suggested the club would struggle to keep the World Cup star.
      Cody Gakpo is set to move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted it would be difficult to keep GakpoCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Gakpo scored three times for Holland at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Gakpo, 23, has been a transfer target of United’s since the summer.
      And following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, the club have accelerated plans to sign a new forward – setting their sights on Gakpo.
      The striker starred for Louis van Gaal’s Holland at the World Cup, scoring three goals, while also enjoying a strong season at club level.
      And this has prompted reports of a January move for him – tipped to see a fee in the region of £50million.
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      PSV boss and Man Utd legend Van Nisterlrooy revealed he is determined to try and keep Gakpo until at least the summer, but admitted it would be difficult.
      He said: “If I have the choice, I prefer the summer, but it can also be now, you know there comes a time when you can’t say no.
      “It is wonderful how he has showcased himself.
      “I enjoyed watching him (at the World Cup), he deserves this because of how he has behaved, how he has continued to work and perform.
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      “I was able to help him from very close by and that makes me proud. I’ll give him his path when it comes.”
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      Despite boss Erik ten Hag pushing for a move last summer the Red Devils were unable to land the forward.
      Van Nistelrooy added: “There were rumours over the whole period and I admire that a lot in him.
      “He’s working on his development on a daily basis, playing in games and reaching his level.
      “He’s not distracted, he’s focused on games he has to play and focused on his next games. For a young guy like him, it’s really special to see that attitude.”
      Gakpo himself has admitted he would consider an offer from United following the failed summer move.
      Utd are back in action following the World Cup against Burnley in the Carabao Cup. More