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    Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe rules OUT buying Liverpool or Man Utd… and reveals club he’s piling cash into

    BRITAIN’s richest man has ruled out bids for Premier League powerhouses Liverpool and Manchester United.The Merseysiders were recently put up for sale by their American owners Fenway Sports Group after 12 years of ownership.
    John W Henry has put Liverpool up for saleCredit: GETTY
    Speculation is also rife that the Glazers will soon put Manchester United up for saleCredit: PA
    But Britain’s richest man has ruled out buying either clubCredit: PA
    And speculation is rife that the Glazer family are finally willing to sell up shop after years of protest from angry United fans.
    But Sir Jim Ratcliffe won’t be putting himself in the running to take ownership of either north west club and will continue to focus his efforts on getting French outfit Nice to the summit of Ligue 1.
    A spokesperson for Ratcliffe told The Telegraph: “Our position has developed since the summer and we are now focusing our efforts in Nice and raising our ambitions for the club to make them into a top-tier club in France to compete with PSG.
    “This would represent much better value for our investment than buying one of the top-tier Premier League clubs.”
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    It was assumed Ratcliffe would be interested in purchasing Liverpool or United following his failed efforts to acquire Chelsea.
    Ratcliffe failed in a £4.25billion bid to take charge of the west Londoners, who are now under the ownership of an American consortium led by Todd Boehly.
    The 70-year-old’s decision to rule himself out of buying the Red Devils comes three months after he expressed an interest in buying out the Glazers.
    The billionaire, who is a Manchester United fan, can now focus his time and resources on turning Nice into a force capable of dethroning Paris Saint-Germain’s grip on Ligue 1.
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    Ratcliffe’s Ineos company bought the French outfit – who are currently in ninth place in the French division – for £91million in 2019.
    FSG’s decision to put Liverpool up for sale has perplexed many, although not former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.
    During an episode of The Overlap, he said: “It absolutely makes sense.
    “They haven’t got the money really, FSG, to compete with the other teams in the league.
    “They’ve developed the stadium, they’ve got Jurgen Klopp at a point whereby, how long is he going to be around for? Is it two years, is it three years?
    “If that Chelsea valuation, which at this moment in time sets the standard for valuations, they’re thinking now is the time potentially for us to get out because if we dip down the league.
    “If people think ‘hang on a minute, Boehly’s overpaid at Chelsea’, and it becomes a bit more of a struggle in the next couple of years, they’re probably thinking now is the right time.”
    Neville reckons it won’t be long before the Glazers follow suit and think put United up for sale, saying: “And I think the Glazer family will be in a similar situation. I suspect both of them will be looking for ‘outs’ or ‘part-outs’.”
    He added: “The Glazer family, I think there’s a couple of them that want to stay in, but with FSG, they I think put a £3-4bn valuation on Liverpool when they raised some money coming out of Covid. That’s where they put the valuation at.
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    “They could probably get that at this moment in time, they might not be able to get that in two or three years.
    “And they certainly can’t compete financially with some of the other clubs in the league. So I think it’s not as big a surprise when you look at some of the evidence surrounding it.”
    Manchester United legend Gary Neville reckons the Glazers could soon sell upCredit: AP More

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    Jack Wilshere lauds ‘unplayable’ Ethan Nwaneri, 15, after watching Arsenal wonderkid net twice against Man Utd

    JACK WILSHERE has heaped praise on Arsenal’s rising star Ethan Nwaneri.The 15-year-old was watched by Wilshere during an under-18s game against Manchester United.
    Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest Premier League player of all time when he played against BrentfordCredit: Getty
    The former England midfielder is the current coach of the side and he was left impressed with Nwaneri as he netted twice in the 3-3 draw.
    The young midfielder has already made his Premier League debut, coming off the bench in the Gunners’ 3-0 win at Brentford.
    That made him the the youngest Premier League player of all time, aged only 15 years and 181 days.
    But he has not let the appearance go to his head and is continuing to play well and starred in the game against the young Red Devils.
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    Wilshere said: “In the first half, he tried to find the spaces, playing in people’s backs and creating space for himself, and we couldn’t find him a little bit.
    “In the second half, he was very good. He was unplayable at times. He had a few good moments.
    “In the second half a lot of players stepped up a level, we found some more space.
    “We spoke to them a little bit at half-time about a few tactical things which allowed Ethan to get free.
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    “We had a really good balance in the team and Ethan was good in the second half.”
    Nwaneri has been playing throughout the age groups at Arsenal and has appeared in the Premier League 2, EFL Cup and the Under 18s.
    His abilities have also attracted interest from England as he has turned out for the under-17 side six times, scoring three goals. More

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    Facundo Pellistri ‘will look to QUIT Man Utd in January transfer window after failing to play single game under Ten Hag’

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Facundo Pellistri is hoping to leave in January, according to reports.The winger has not played a single minute under Erik ten Hag and he is still waiting for his senior debut for the Red Devils.
    Facundo Pellistri reportedly wants to leave Man UtdCredit: PA
    He missed out on a loan move away in the summer due to injury and now he’s recovered he finds himself as something of a forgotten man.
    Pellistri joined the club in 2020 for a fee of around £9million from Uruguayan side Penarol.
    He was dubbed a wonderkid when he signed and was recommended to the club by ex-striker Diego Forlan before they beat Lyon to his signature.
    Pellistri was loaned out to LaLiga outfit Deportivo Alaves for 18 months, playing 35 times but failing to register a goal or assist.
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    His contract expires in 2025 and there is a chance he could leave Old Trafford temporarily to rediscover his form but reports from outlet AS suggest he would prefer a permanent switch.
    United are reportedly hoping he will have a good World Cup for Uruguay so they can sell him for more.
    The emergence of fellow youngster Alejandro Garnacho means Pellistri’s days are numbered and opportunities are blocked.
    The 20-year-old could be one of a number of outcasts allowed to leave by Ten Hag as he looks to overhaul the squad.
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    The likes of Brandon Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could depart this winter.
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain amid claims the club want to bring in Bayern Munich ace Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting as a replacement.
    Ronaldo has been linked with moves to Al-Hilal and Sporting Lisbon. More

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    Conte can lead Tottenham title charge like Arteta at Arsenal, says Chimbonda who tips Kane to end career at Spurs

    ANTONIO CONTE is “definitely the man” to end Tottenham’s 14-year trophy drought and turn them into Premier League title contenders, just like Mikel Arteta did at Arsenal.That is according to ex-Spurs ace Pascal Chimbonda who insists Conte can lead the club to its first piece of silverware since 2008, when the Frenchman was still playing and won the League Cup.
    Antonio Conte can end Tottenham’s trophy drought, according to Pascal ChimbondaCredit: AFP
    Pascal Chimbonda was still playing for Tottenham when they last won a trophyCredit: PA:Press Association
    The Italian tactician has had a major impact ever since joining the North Londoners last year as he led them to a top-four finish and received substantial backing in the summer transfer window.
    Chimbonda is confident the ex-Chelsea boss is bound to win a trophy with Tottenham and could even challenge for the Prem “within the next couple of seasons” like Arteta did with their local rivals.
    The Spaniard joined Arsenal during a turbulent time in 2019 and needed three years to turn the tide and transform his team into serious title contenders as they are currently top of the table.
    Speaking to Lord PIng, Chimbonda said: “Conte is definitely the man to help the club end its trophy drought, and I think he will want to win something within the next couple of seasons.
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    “He has had a massive impact on the squad since joining Tottenham and has improved the performances of so many players, who believe in what he is doing.
    “I think he can absolutely win a trophy with the club. Spurs can challenge for the title in the next couple of seasons. Look at what Arsenal are doing this season, there is no reason why Spurs can’t challenge.
    “I don’t think that anyone expected Arsenal to be up there after Arteta joined them, but he has turned them into challengers and I would expect Conte to do the same in a similar amount of time.
    “For Tottenham to really challenge, they need to add more quality players to their squad.
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    “Our squad is not that large at the moment – we have suffered with injuries to Richarlison, Son [Heung-min] and Kulu [Dejan Kulusevski] has only just returned – we really missed these players.”
    Chimbonda expects Conte to have his star striker Harry Kane for a long time as he is confident he could end his career at Tottenham.
    Kane came close to an exit last year in the summer when he almost joined Manchester City but ultimately stayed put.
    The ex-full-back, who made 103 appearances for Spurs, feels like it may be too late for a big move as the England captain is now 29 years old.
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    Pascal Chimbonda is confident Harry Kane will end his career at TottenhamCredit: Reuters
    The ex-France international claims former suitors Manchester United will want a different player whereas Bayern Munich are not on the lookout.
    Chimbonda added: “For me, I feel that if Harry was going to leave, he should have left last season. He is 29 now and time is running out for Harry.
    “We have to also think about the impact of Conte coming to the club and the influence that would have had on Kane – I’m sure he would have been excited by the appointment and would want to work with a proven winner.
    “I think that the business the club did over the summer and playing in the Champions League could have convinced Harry to stay. I can see him finishing his career at Tottenham, but in football you never really know.
    Pascal Chimbonda believes it is too late for Harry Kane to make a big moveCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    “I don’t think that he will join Manchester United – they will go for a different type of player – Bayern is a club that are reportedly interested, but I can’t see him playing there and [Eric Maxim] Choupo-Moting is playing well for them at the moment.
    “I can see Kane retiring at Spurs, hopefully with a few trophies under his arm and a lot more goals.” More

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    Nine stars who played for Man Utd and Barcelona, from four-time Champions League winner to winger who flopped at BOTH

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Barcelona will be no strangers when they take each other on in the Europa League.The Reds Devils will play the La Liga giants in February next year in the tournament’s preliminary round.
    FC Barcelona attacker Memphis Depay is one of nine stars that also played for Manchester UnitedCredit: EPA
    The two clubs have locked horns on 13 occasions, with United only winning three of them.
    The pair have enjoyed having some of the best players to ever grace the game, and at times, these players have played for both.
    Nine players have played for both clubs with varying levels of success.
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic
    The Swedish striker played for Barcelona between 2009 and 2011 but struggled to hit his best form and returned to Serie A.
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    He later joined United in 2016 following his exit from PSG and enjoyed a successful spell at Old Trafford as he won the Europa League and EFL Cup.
    Gerard Pique
    The recently retired long-standing Barcelona defender spent four years at Old Trafford between 2004 and 2008 in which he made 12 appearances in the Premier League.
    Pique returned to Barcelona and would go on to win pretty much everything possible in his career at the domestic and international levels.
    Alexis Sanchez
    The Chilean was a star in Catalonia during his three-year stint between 2011 and 2014 and got even better when he moved to the Premier League.
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    However for United fans this was to Arsenal and when he did eventually move to their club, he was a tremendous failure for two years.
    Memphis Depay
    Another winger that failed to cut the cloth at United, the dutchman was signed as one of the most promising youngsters in Europe from PSV but failed to consistently perform.
    Depay would rebuild his reputation in France with Lyon before moving to Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021.
    He has done well at the Nou Camp but has not become a regular starter under manager Xavi.
    Laurent Blanc
    The former France defender spent a single season at Barcelona in 1996 and would later move to Manchester United in the final years of his career.
    Blanc spent two seasons with the Red Devils between 2001 and 2003 before retiring from playing.
    Victor Valdes
    The Spanish shot-stopper is a legendary figure at the Nou Camp as he won everything possible as well as appearing over 500 times for the club.
    He joined United in 2015 after his contract expired, but failed to dislodge David De Gea in goal and only played twice in the Premier League before leaving the club in 2016.
    Henrik Larsson
    Another Swedish striker, Larsson had a mixed spell at Barcelona as he only scored 13 La Liga goals in 40 appearances and would leave the club to rejoin Swedish side Helsingborg.
    He would then move to the Red Devils on loan in January 2007, a spell in which he would score three times in 13 appearances in all competitions.
    Jordi Cruyff
    The former attacking midfielder is the son of iconic player Johan Cruyff and spent two years with Barcelona between 1994 and 1996.
    He then left the club for Old Trafford where he would spend the next three years of his career before a loan spell to Celta Vigo in 1999.
    Mark Hughes
    The current Bradford City manager spent two years away from Manchester United between 1986 and 1988, the first was at Barcelona and then the second was a loan spell at Bayern Munich.
    He returned to United in 1988 and would go on to play there for seven more years before leaving for Chelsea. More

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    Roy Keane visits old pal Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at new coaching role after Man Utd sacking

    MANCHESTER United legend Roy Keane has paid a visit to ex-teammate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in Norway.It’s approaching 12 months since the 49-year-old was sacked by the Red Devils.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been coaching his son’s Under-14s team since his Man United sacking
    Roy Keane visited his ex-Manchester United teammate in NorwayCredit: Tidens Krav
    Solskjaer was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford following United’s poor start to the season.
    United sat seventh in the Premier League and were six points off the Champions League spots when Solskjaer was given the boot, with the 4-1 loss at Watford the final straw, ending his three-year reign at the club.
    Since leaving his post, he’s taken time out of the game.
    But the former United striker has been back in the dugout… managing his son’s Under-14s side in his hometown Kristiansund.
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    And according to Nettavisen Sport, Solskjaer recently received a visit from Keane.
    The report claims Keane watched a training session from the sidelines.
    The Sky Sports pundit was even happy to pose for photos and sign autographs for fans.
    One supporter was clearly delighted to meet the ex-United skipper.
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    He said: “He was very nice. It is clear that it was fun to meet him.
    ” Roy Keane and Eric Cantona. They were the biggest heroes when I was young.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘is expected to LEAVE Man Utd in January with emotional transfer return to Sporting Lisbon an option’

    MANCHESTER UNITED expect Cristiano Ronaldo to leave when the January transfer window opens, according to reports.Ronaldo has started each of United’s last four games but it appears Erik ten Hag is happy to let him leave at the beginning of next year.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to leave Manchester United in JanuaryCredit: PA
    Much was made about the striker’s future over the summer and he is expected to leave with his contract up at the end of the season.
    But Red Devils chiefs expect his departure will happen sooner, according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenburg.
    The journalist adds that a return to Sporting Lisbon could be an option for Ronaldo.
    Sporting expressed an interest in signing CR7 in the summer but United refused to sell.
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    Sporting were also concerned about Ronaldo’s wage demands, which was another reason why the move failed to materialise.
    However, the Portuguese giants are now preparing a new offer to put to the Red Devils in January.
    The Lions will request that United hand the five-time Ballon d’Or winner a pay-off on a chunk of the £500,000-a-week wages he secured when he returned to Manchester in 2021.
    Ronaldo was said to be open to a switch to Napoli but the Serie A leaders have rejected the 37-year-old again, having also said no in the summer.
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    Marseille have also ruled out a move for the striker after being linked and that leaves Ronaldo short of options once more.
    Despite that United are preparing for Ronaldo’s exit by targeting Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting.
    The club has reportedly inquired about the 33-year-old’s availability with his contract expiring next summer. More

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    Man Utd drop huge hint Cristiano Ronaldo WON’T be sold in January despite bust-up with Erik ten Hag

    MANCHESTER UNITED have dropped their strongest hint yet that Cristiano Ronaldo WON’T be sold this winter.The club legend wanted to leave Old Trafford in the summer to play Champions League football but was blocked by defiant Red Devils’ boss Erik ten Hag.
    Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to leave Manchester United earlier this yearCredit: REUTERS
    Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag refused to sell the Portuguese wingerCredit: PA
    And judging from United’s latest club poster, the Portuguese won’t be going anywhere in JanuaryCredit: GETTY
    Ronaldo’s future looks set to stay at Old TraffordCredit: GETTY
    A January departure has been mooted, although the latest mural adorning the Theatre of Dreams suggests he won’t be sold.
    The Portugal international was included in the club’s iconic No.7 poster – which included players of yesteryear who had worn the legendary shirt.
    The poster also included images of David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Ella Toone.
    Ronaldo recently returned to the starting XI following a stint on the bench, in which he refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham.
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    The Portuguese apologised for his actions, which haven’t changed Ten Hag’s stance on retaining his services.
    The Dutchman said: “I count on Cristiano.”
    When asked if he thinks Ronaldo will stay or if he wants him to be here for the remainder of the season, he replied: “Both.”
    Ronaldo and his United team-mates suffered an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday night.
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    Ten Hag said: “We lose the game at the start of the first half and second half, that is unacceptable.
    “They looked fresher, more ready. The result is clear, it never lies. In football, you always get your own earnings. Today we were not good enough.
    “After a long time this has happened, I said it was up to us.
    “We didn’t keep the ball, we didn’t get the right organisation, didn’t follow the rules and lost battles. Our players have experience.
    “You have to read the game, get the right organisation and not concede two goals.
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    “That was totally unnecessary. We need to be sharper.
    “You have to be compact and stand on the ball. Everyone has to win their own battles, we didn’t, that is disappointing.” More