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    Man Utd star David De Gea will be forced to take £100k-a-week pay cut if he wants to sign extension as deal runs down

    MANCHESTER UNITED star David de Gea will have to accept a significant pay cut if he wishes to stay at Old Trafford, reports suggest.De Gea’s £375,000–a-week contract runs out in June and United are keen to exercise their option of extending their goalkeeper’s stay by another year.
    David de Gea’s astronomical Manchester United contract runs out in JuneCredit: Getty
    De Gea will have to take a major pay cut to stayCredit: PA
    According to the Daily Star, however, the board are not willing to keep the Spaniard with his present salary, which makes him the Red Devils’ second highest earner behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
    The 32-year-old will thus have to agree to slash his astronomical wages by at least £100,000 per week.
    That would save United an annual fee of around £5million heading to next season.
    De Gea appears keen to extend his 11-year stint at Old Trafford but there have been no talks between the club and his representatives regarding his future.
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    The popular keeper appeared likely to leave once his deal runs out following a turbulent start to the season.
    De Gea produced a shocking display in United’s 4-0 thrashing at Brentford back in August and critics argued he didn’t fit manager Erik ten Hag’s passing game.
    However, the ex-Atletico Madrid star turned things around with some sensational performances between the sticks.
    The successful shot-stopper was pivotal in United’s 1-0 victory over West Ham two weeks ago with three stunning saves in the final minutes.
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    De Gea proved that he remains a world class goalie despite no longer being called up by Spain manager Luis Enrique.
    The Spaniard has amassed a total of 174 clean sheets in 506 appearances since his arrival in 2011.
    United are said to be tracking Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez, who has replaced De Gea in the Spain squad. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea interested in Robert Sanchez transfer from Brighton after he is called up to Spain’s World Cup squad

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on Brighton star Robert Sanchez.The goalkeeper is going to the World Cup with Spain this month.
    De Gea’s future at Man Utd is uncertainCredit: Reuters
    Man Utd and Chelsea like the look of Brighton goalie Robert SanchezCredit: Getty
    That’s at the expense of United’s David De Gea and Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.
    And the Mirror claims both Premier League giants are interested in signing Sanchez next summer.
    The 24-year-old burst on to the scene two seasons ago under now-Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
    Sanchez has since played 79 times for Brighton.
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    And he is now a regular in Spain’s international set-up, winning his first cap last year.
    Old pal Potter remains a huge fan of Sanchez and believes he is ideally suited to his style of possession football.
    As for United, they are in more urgent need of a new stopper as doubts remain over De Gea’s future.
    The veteran is out of contract next summer, although United have the option to extend his deal for a further year.
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    But the Red Devils do not want to continue forking out De Gea’s reported £350,000-a-week salary until 2024.
    The Premier League and Europa League winner has reportedly expressed an interest in taking a salary cut.
    However, Erik ten Hag could yet opt for a clean break, and Sanchez is seen as a suitable replacement.
    He is tied down to Brighton until 2027, and Roberto De Zerbi sees him as a key player.
    But it’s understood Sanchez has a £57million release clause, making him a viable option should clubs decide they really want him. More

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    Jude Bellingham to hold showdown talks with Borussia Dortmund over his future amid Man Utd transfer interest

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is set for showdown talks with Borussia Dortmund to discuss his next move.The midfielder is one of the most sought-after properties in Europe after his fantastic performances for the Bundesliga side.
    Jude Bellingham is wanted by Europe’s top clubs.Credit: Getty
    Premier League giants Manchester United are one of the clubs that are tipped to be interested in signing the 19-year-old, as well as Manchester City, Liverpool and even Real Madrid.
    However, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said that he would like to see Bellingham stay, while also admitting that big money offers will be hard to turn down.
    He told BILD: “I think as soon as Qatar is over, we’re going to have a basic conversation about what he actually wants.
    “With him, with his parents, with whom we have a very close relationship and of course with his advisor. 
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    “And then he should just tell us whether he wants to stay or whether he wants to go. Either way, we’ll discuss it pleasantly and reasonably.
    “But we don’t have to pretend that the topic isn’t on the table. When the really big ones are there, we can’t afford to fight financially either.
    “Jude is a wonderful boy who also has his fluctuations – we’ve seen that now but he is certainly one of the greatest talents in European football.”
    Despite the interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, Dortmund will be confident of earning a big fee from his sale as he still has three years left to run on his contract.
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    This season, Bellingham has become even more impressive at the Signal Iduna Park as he has scored nine goals and assisted three in 22 games in all competitions.
    The midfielder has even captained Dortmund at times this season.
    This form has seen him earn the call from England manager Gareth Southgate to take part in the World Cup in Qatar.
    Bellingham is expected to be among the starters and could partner West Ham’s Declan Rice in the centre of midfield. More

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    Alejandro Garnacho still hasn’t got place in Man Utd’s first-team dressing room at Carrington despite breaking into team

    MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Alejandro Garnacho still doesn’t have a place in the first-team dressing room at Carrington despite starring for Erik Ten Hag’s side.Garnacho, 18, announced himself when he made his first start for United in last month’s 3-0 victory over Sheriff before scoring the winner against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
    Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho still doesn’t have a place in the Carrington dressing roomCredit: Getty
    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag claims Alejandro Garnacho has to improve his attitudeCredit: Rex
    The winger also stood out against Aston Villa on Thursday’s EFL Cup clash at Old Trafford with two vital assists that helped the Red Devils come from behind with a 4-2 win.
    According to the Daily Mail, however, the Argentina Under-20 international has yet to secure a spot in the training centre’s main dressing room as manager Ten Hag is not yet fully convinced.
    Ten Hag insists that Garnacho’s involvement going forward will be determined by his attitude.
    The Argentine reportedly got into trouble during United’s pre-season tour last summer as he was late for two team meetings in Thailand and Australia.
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    Ten Hag said: “It depends on his approach, his attitude.
    “When he keeps working then, yes, it is possible [for him to play more].
    “He wants to improve every day. He has to do the right things in his lifestyle. He has the capability.”
    But Garnacho appears to be knuckling down as he looks to break into United’s first team for good.
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    That is why the ex-Atletico Madrid ace has developed his English to near-fluent while training hard in the gym with a personalised program by Ten Hag’s fitness staff.
    The exciting prospect also had his parents and brother move to England for moral support. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo poses with mum Dolores after Man Utd star struggles to make Fulham clash with illness

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has been pictured with his mum Maria Dolores after missing Manchester United’s match against Aston Villa due to illness.The Portuguese attacker was absent from the Red Devils’ mid-week Carabao Cup game win over Villa and is a doubt for tomorrow’s clash with Fulham.

    Cristiano Ronaldo has now missed Manchester United’s last two games through illness.Credit: EPA
    Erik ten Hag’s side have played most of the season without the former Real Madrid star, who missed training on Saturday morning, so should be able to cope.
    His mother posted a picture of herself and her son sat on the sofa, accompanied with the message: “Have a nice weekend everyone.”
    Ronaldo is still expected to head to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup with Portugal and fans have been sending their support for him.
    One said: “Admiration for you and pride. A big kiss on your heart.”

    Another commented: “Have a nice weekend.. beautiful picture MOTHER’S LOVE Cheers.”
    A third added: “Give him lots of babies so he can go hard to the World Cup.”
    A fourth said: “Good morning doña Dolores and Christiano Ronaldo may God bless you always a big hug from Asturias, Spain.”
    A fifth replied: “Come over here family, I prepared a rally for Ronaldo to take to Qatar.”
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    Ronaldo’s team-mates will travel to London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage in their last Premier League fixture before the break for the World Cup.
    A win for Ten Hag’s side would help them keep pace on the top four and Champions League spots after losing ground last weekend. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo a major doubt for Man Utd’s crunch clash with Fulham after missing training amid illness worries

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is a major doubt for Manchester United’s away day at Fulham on Sunday with the wantaway star missing training.The 37-year-old was absent for Man Utd’s 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa during the week.
    Ronaldo missed United’s last game against Villa through illnessCredit: PA
    United are preparing for their trip to Fulham on SundayCredit: Getty
    It is the last game United will play before the World CupCredit: Getty
    Malacia was all smiles ahead of the trip to Craven CottageCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo’s international team-mate Dalot limbering upCredit: Getty
    Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag confirmed Ronaldo’s absence was due to illness.
    And as a result, he missed training again, meaning he could be ruled out for United’s final Premier League game before the World Cup.
    Ten Hag’s men will travel to Craven Cottage to play league high flyers Fulham and Anthony Martial could be the man to lead the line.
    Ten Hag told club media: “I can’t guarantee that [Cristiano will be available] now, but today he was ill.
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    “He can recover from that, it’s not really a serious illness that takes days or weeks, so I think it’s possible that he is available for Sunday and he will be in the squad.”
    Ten Hag then added: “In one hour we have training, so we will do normal stuff but we have to see.
    “I think no big issues from yesterday’s game, but we have to see how players recover from illness, like Cristiano, [and] from injury, like Antony.
    “Yesterday, Anthony Martial plays his first minutes from the start after Everton, so we have to see how he recovers.
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    “So we have some issues and some questions [to see] how we line up and what plan we take.”
    Ronaldo sitting out the Red Devils’ final fixture before the winter tournament is a major boost for Portugal as it’ll rule out their star man suffering a potential late injury.
    The Qatar World Cup is expected to be Ronaldo’s last, and it’s the one trophy that has managed to escape him. More

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    Man Utd wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho living with family and learning English to fix attitude after nearly blowing career

    MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho is working hard to make talk of his poor attitude a thing of the past.Team-mate Bruno Fernandes last week revealed that the youngster’s lack of discipline delayed his big break.
    Garnacho has reportedly been displaying a better attitude at Old Trafford and his family is now staying with him in EnglandCredit: Rex
    The Dail Mail claim that Garnacho, 18, is now knuckling down as he looks to break into the Red Devils first team for good.
    It is said that the Argentinian’s parents and brother have moved over to England to support him.
    He has a personalised gym program from the club’s fitness staff to bulk up and increase strength on the ball.
    The exciting prospect has also developed his English to near-fluent to help bond with the squad.
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    Garnacho announced himself at Old Trafford when he made his first start for Manchester United in the Europa League win against Sheriff.
    The U20 international then grabbed his first goal in senior football with the winner at Real Sociedad and shone in midweek against Aston Villa.
    Fernandes heaped praise on his teenage team-mate for turning his mentality around in recent months after issues over the summer.
    Garnacho was supposedly late for two team meetings on the pre-season trip to Bangkok and Australia.
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    The Portuguese playmaker explained: “He was good [against Sociedad] but he knows we expect at lot from him. He’s still really young. He’s doing really well.
    “At the beginning of the season, not at his best, on the pre-season tour he didn’t have the best attitude that he should have and that’s why he didn’t get his chances until now.
    “He didn’t get his chances before because he was not good enough in training and not good enough mentality-wise.
    “Now he’s getting chances because he’s changed that, he’s training better, he’s having a better attitude and he deserves his chances.
    “Everyone is really happy for him and pleased with his goal.”
    Now the Argentine winger is seemingly focussed and earned his first-team opportunity.
    And boss Erik ten Hag was asked if Garnacho will get more opportunities in the star-studded line up.
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    The Dutchman said: “It depends on his approach, his attitude.
    “When he keeps working then, yes, it is possible [for him to play more]. He wants to improve every day. He has to do the right things in his lifestyle. He has the capability.”
    Garcnacho may get another chance to shine as Man Utd face Fulham in Sunday’s Premier League clash. More

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    Man Utd set to sell Harry Maguire in summer for a ‘big loss’ with Erik ten Hag keen to move on from captain

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to sell skipper Harry Maguire in the summer just three years after his world-record move to Old Trafford, according to reports.The centre-back has struggled to replicate the form that prompted the Red Devils to fork out £85million for his services in the summer of 2019.
    Man Utd are looking to sell Harry Maguire in 2023, according to reportsCredit: REX
    United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly opted to cash in on the on the defenderCredit: GETTY
    His displays early in the season prompted manager Erik ten Hag to drop him from the starting XI.
    And the Dutchman is reportedly planning to bring an end to Maguire’s stay at Old Trafford at the end of the season.
    That’s according to The Guardian, who claim Ten Hag is aiming to farm out the England international after being left unimpressed by his performances.
    Former Ajax boss Ten Hag is said to view “Maguire’s sluggish pace as a problem.”
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    Maguire’s shortcomings on the pitch have reportedly made the United gaffer view Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martínez as his first-choice centre-back pairing.
    It’s also claimed that Victor Lindelof is ahead of the former Leicester man in the Old Trafford pecking order.
    Maguire was dropped from the United starting XI following the club’s embarrassing defeats at the hands of Brighton and Brentford.
    But he returned to the fray last month for the visit of West Ham.
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    United are said to be resigned to the fact that they won’t recoup the £85m they paid to sign Maguire.
    They are, however, likely to demand a reasonable fee from potential suitors as Maguire’s contract at the Theatre of Dreams expires in 2025.
    Ten Hag is hoping to get a decent fee in order to sign a new centre-back who will provide “true competition for Varane and Martínez.”
    Despite not being a regular for his club, Maguire was selected in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for this month’s World Cup.
    England boss Gareth Southgate has kept the faith in Harry MaguireCredit: Reuters
    But Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand is adamant he shouldn’t start in the Three Lions’ Group B clash with Iran a week on Monday.
    During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “I think you need to be playing week in, week out.
    “But I think Gareth’s a very loyal man, he knows what Harry Maguire brings him.
    “Listen, Harry Maguire has never ever let him down in an England shirt, let’s be blunt about that.
    “So that will I think carry some weight. But I don’t know, going into the tournament as a player who hasn’t played any football, it’s difficult.
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    “It’s different going in injured, he went into a tournament [Euro 2020] on the back of an injury remember and played well.
    “But going in and not playing and having no rhythm as well, it’s hard work that.” More