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    Cody Gakpo hints at Man Utd transfer as he regrets failed summer move and reveals he snubbed two Premier League clubs

    PSV star Cody Gakpo has thrown the door back open to a Manchester United transfer after revealing he held talks with them this summer.The 23-year-old Dutch international was the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs late on in the window.
    Cody Gakpo has thrown the door back open to a potential switch to Man UtdCredit: Getty
    United explored the possibility of signing him when a deal for Ajax attacker Antony proved difficult, although they eventually got it over the line.
    Southampton were also keen on the ace and rumours had suggested they agreed a £34million fee with the Dutch club.
    Leeds chief Victor Orta then travelled to Holland to try to negotiate the transfer but Gakpo turned them down after he allegedly refused to board a plane to England to finalise the transfer to Elland Road.
    Now the winger has revealed that he was “close” to a switch to Old Trafford after transfer talks with United boss Erik ten Hag.
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    He told The Times: “I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United.
    “In the end the deal didn’t go through, which was a shame, for me and my development, and because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also for PSV, because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club.
    “It ended about a week before the end of the transfer window and in that week I had to decide if I would go to Leeds or Southampton.
    “In the end I stayed, but it was a stressful period.”
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    Gakpo has not let his disappointment at failing to sign for United get him down as he has fired 14 goals in 20 appearances so far this term for club and country.
    He looks nailed on to be part of Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands squad at the World Cup next month – and the ace still has eyes on a switch to the Premier League.
    He said: “I always said if I stay here, it’s my childhood club. It’s not a punishment.
    “I like being here, I want to win trophies here and do my best for the club.
    “But if I got the chance to go to the Premier League or something, of course I would have to consider that option. At that time it was hectic for me but I recovered pretty quickly.” More

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    Middlesbrough confident of appointing Man Utd legend Michael Carrick as new boss before weekend clash with Huddersfield

    MIDDLESBROUGH are confident of appointing Michael Carrick as manager before the weekend.Carrick has been in advanced talks with the Teessiders all week and is set to replace Chris Wilder.
    Middlesbrough hope to name Michael Carrick as boss by the weekendCredit: PA
    Negotiations stalled last week over the make-up of the ex-Manchester United star’s backroom team, which could include Steve Bruce’s son Alex.
    But those issues have been resolved with the 41-year-old agreeing to take the Riverside reins and land his first manager’s job.
    It is unclear yet whether he will be in the dugout for Saturday’s crunch home clash with fellow Championship bottom three side Huddersfield or watch from the stands.
    Middlesbrough have only won three of their 14 games and travel to Wigan on Wednesday.
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    Leo Percovich, a coach at the club under Aitor Karanka, Jonathan Woodgate, Neil Warnock and then Wilder, was placed in temporary charge following Wilder’s dismissal.
    He guided Boro to a 1-0 win over Birmingham but defeats to Millwall and Blackburn have left them deep in the mire.
    Former England international Carrick won the Premier League five times and the Champions League during his Old Trafford playing career.
    He initially joined United’s coaching staff under Jose Mourinho.
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    He was then part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom team before then getting a brief taste of management himself after the Norwegian was axed in November 2021.
    Newcastle-born Carrick had a three-game stint as caretaker.
    He led United to two wins and then a draw against Chelsea but left after Ralf Rangnick’s arrival. More

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    Man Utd players at World Cup 2022: 21 stars set for Qatar with 10 to stay at home

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Harry Maguire hope their troubled domestic seasons don’t dent their World Cup hopes as TWENTY-ONE Manchester United players bid for places in Qatar.All-time great Ronaldo, 37, is still a Portugal fixture, despite first-ever question marks over his hero status at international level.
    Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo and England centre-back Harry Maguire are important players at international level despite problems with Man UtdCredit: Rex
    Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez, Brazil anchorman Casemiro and France star Raphael Varane are confident of World Cup placesCredit: Reuters
    And centre-back Maguire has been backed all the way by England chief Gareth Southgate despite losing his regular starting spot at Old Trafford.
    Luke Shaw and even Marcus Rashford might also be slightly nervous over their squad places for this winter’s tournament.
    But of United’s five Lions, it’s back-up keeper Dean Henderson and attacker Jadon Sancho who are under most danger of missing out.
    Four Brazilian Red Devils – Alex Telles, Fred, Casemiro, Antony – should all make the cut.
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    But while Tyrell Malacia’s Old Trafford emergence makes him a likely traveller, fellow Dutchman Donny van de Beek appears sure to stay at home as his United nightmare continues.
    Here’s our breakdown of the probables, possibles and extreme long-shots of United players targeting the 2022 World Cup – with at least 10 men set to stay at home.
    ENGLAND
    Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are relying on Gareth Southgate’s loyalty to make the squad.
    Marcus Rashford is strongly backed for a recall after returning to both form and fitness.
    But Dean Henderson might be England’s stay-at-home, standby keeper – behind Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsey and Nick Pope.
    And Jadon Sancho is tipped by many to miss out after his in-and-out season at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.
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    PORTUGAL
    Record scorer Cristiano Ronaldo and goal-getting midfielder Bruno Fernandes are certs.
    And right-back Diogo Dalot is likely to go amid his best campaign at Old Trafford so far.
    BRAZIL
    Midfielders Fred and Casemiro should remain in the Brazil squad this winter.
    Fringe left-back Alex Telles could squeeze onto the plane.
    And over the past few months ex-Ajax attacker Antony has played his way into a probable World Cup place/
    FRANCE
    Raphael Varane appears sure to be one of the French squad’s awesome array of centre-backs.
    But frontman Anthony Martial’s dodgy fitness record means he’s an uncertain traveller.
    ARGENTINA
    Having overcome a testing start to his Old Trafford career, former Ajax central defender Lisandro Martinez is strongly fancied to make this winter’s tournament.
    SPAIN
    Incredibly, United’s long-time No1 David de Gea is expected to remain Spain’s FOURTH-CHOICE stopper – and miss the World Cup.
    International boss Luis Enrique prefers ball-playing keepers – and has stuck with Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez and David Raya.
    HOLLAND
    Tyrell Malacia’s breakthrough campaign at left-back should earn him a place in Qatar.
    But midfielder Donny van de Beek will surely sit out the tournament after scarcely playing for Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag.
    Donny van de Beek is unlikely to make the World Cup but Tyrell Malacia shouldCredit: Reuters
    DENMARK
    Impressing in his first season at Old Trafford, midfield stylist Christian Eriksen is poised for an astonishing comeback on the biggest international stage, two years after a near-fatal heart attack at Euro 2022.
    TUNISIA
    France-born playmaker Hannibal Mejbri, 19, is already a key man for the Tunisians.
    And his loan spell with Birmingham has bolstered his match sharpness, ensuring his place in the national squad this winter.
    URUGUAY
    Winger Facundo Pellistri, 20, should travel to Qatar, despite failing to earn game-time for United.
    STAYING AT HOME
    A host of talented Old Trafford fringe players will miss out.
    Uncapped English full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams seem set to stay at home, along with centre-backs Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones.
    Also not going are keepers Martin Dubravka and Tom Heaton, plus Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay and Swedish starlet Anthony Elanga. More

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    ‘Man Utd failed Paul Pogba’ – Juventus star’s agent lashes out at club.. but admits midfielder also let Red Devils down

    PAUL POGBA’s agent has blasted Manchester United and admitted the reunion may not have been the best choice for either party.The 29-year-old returned to Serie A giants Juventus on a free transfer this summer.
    Pogba’s agent has admitted that Manchester United and the Frenchman may have both ‘failed each other’Credit: Getty
    And the midfield star’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, told The Telegraph that the “transitional” phase at Old Trafford stopped Pogba from thriving.
    He said: “What happened to Paul? I would say what happened, not only to Paul?
    “Did Paul fail Manchester United or did Manchester United fail Paul? Or did they fail each other? These are good questions.
    “When Paul went there he won the Europa League [in 2017]. Paul was playing all the time for Manchester United when he was not injured.
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    “When he was injured, that was something else. He did not choose to be injured. But he played when he was not injured.
    “Now I think Manchester United is going through a transitional phase.
    “It’s not easy for a club who comes with the history that they come with Ferguson. Of course, this history outshines any achievement that comes after.
    “And this transition phase, because there was such an important presence in the club before, that was built around him, when you miss that figure then a club needs time to restructure itself.
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    “So Manchester United is going through a restructuring phase and I think Paul was part of that phase.
    “They are still going through it and they will make it, I have no doubt but Paul was in the middle of it.
    “It’s then about how far you can go when you perform. You don’t play alone. We look back – was it a good choice?”
    There was no desire from either Pogba or United to renew his contract once it expired last summer.
    He signed for the Turin club in a deal which will see him contracted until 2026.
    But Pogba’s return to Juve has been ruined after a knee injury sidelined the star.
    And it could see him fail to make Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the Qatar World Cup this summer.
    Meanwhile, Man Utd have begun to turn things around somewhat under new boss Erik ten Hag.
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    The fifth-placed Prem team have beaten Liverpool and Arsenal already this season.
    But they were thumped 6-3 by rivals City and have been charged by the FA for failing to control their players in the goalless draw with Newcastle on Sunday. More

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    Diogo Dalot emerges as Barcelona’s top transfer priority as ‘Man Utd defender keeps door open for exit’

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Diogo Dalot is among Barcelona’s transfer priorities with the defender open for a move, reports suggest.Dalot, 23, has been established as a starter under United manager Erik ten Hag as he has overtaken out-of-favour Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order.
    Manchester United ace Diogo Dalot has been linked with a move to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    The right-back’s contract runs out in June but the Red Devils have the option to extend for another year.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca continue to keep tabs on the Portugal international as Xavi’s top priority is to reinforce his defence.
    But United could be open to letting the full-back leave in January as that would help them avoid losing him for free in the summer.
    Dalot is open to staying at Old Trafford for another year but is also keen on a move to Catalonia.
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    And if the Portuguese ace signs a new deal then that could see him leaving for a reasonable price in the summer.
    It has been previously reported that Barcelona have sent scouts to watch the player in action and already contacted his agent ahead of the January market.
    But the Blaugrana are not the only ones keeping tabs on the ex-Porto star.
    Juventus are also watching his progress with “great attention” as Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro’s deals run out in June.
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    Roma boss Jose Mourinho is also keen on a reunion after brining the Barcelona target over to United in 2018.
    The Giallorossi have also held talks with Dalot’s representative ahead of the January transfer window. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Man Utd training followed by twin brother bodyguards as stars prepare for Tottenham clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Cristiano Ronaldo arrived for training heavily guarded by twins as he prepares for Wednesday’s clash with Tottenham.The 37-year-old is enduring a torrid start to the season, netting just two goals in 12 games.
    Ronaldo arriving for Man Utd training guarded by twinsCredit: Zenpix
    The 37-year-old is having a torrid season, netting just two goals in 12Credit: Zenpix
    Security guards Sergio and Jorge Ramalheiro – pictured here with Ronaldo – are looking after the Portuguese superstarCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Ronaldo had hoped of sealing a move away from Old Trafford in the summer after United failed to qualify for the Champions League with a sixth-placed finish last term.
    However, a lack of suitors saw CR7 stay put and he is largely watching on from the bench with new boss Erik ten Hag preferring Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
    Ronaldo arrived for training in a bulky £150,000 Cadillac with twin brother bodyguards Sergio and Jorge Ramalheiro close behind in a Range Rover.
    His team-mates also arrived in style, with Fred rocking pink-tinted glasses.
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    United are looking to get back to bounce back from Sunday’s boring 0-0 draw at home with Newcastle.
    Ten Hag’s men are welcoming third place Tottenham.
    Spurs have lost just one game this season and have netted 22 goals.
    Antonio Conte’s men brushed aside Everton on Saturday with a 2-0 win.
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    A win at United would lift Spurs above Manchester City and into second, and place them one point behind table toppers Arsenal.
    Three points for United, meanwhile, would see the Red Devils draw level on points with Chelsea.
    However, they would need to net eight goals and not concede to leapfrog the West Londoners.
    Whether Ten Hag sticks with Ronaldo or twists with Rashford is yet to be seen.
    Alternatively, the Dutchman could drop Jadon Sancho in order to play both stars.
    Fred rocked pink-tinted glassesCredit: Zenpix
    Martinez opted for slimmer shades compared to the BrazilianCredit: Zenpix
    Rashford could return to the starting line-up against TottenhamCredit: Zenpix More

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    Newcastle ace Nick Pope explains Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick row after Man Utd star was left fuming over disallowed goal

    NEWCASTLE goalkeeper Nick Pope has explained the mix-up at Old Trafford which left Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo fuming after seeing a goal disallowed. The visiting Magpies were awarded a free-kick for offside.
    Ronaldo nicked the ball off Pope and scoredCredit: Rex
    However, the referee pulled the free-kick backCredit: Rex
    Ronaldo was booked for his protestsCredit: Rex
    Defender Fabian Schar appeared to knock the ball back to Pope, who remained static.
    Ronaldo then closed the keeper down believing the ball had been played by Schar and fired into the back of the net.
    United players immediately swarmed the referee and Ronaldo was booked for his furious protest.
    One crowd video shows Schar playing the ball a moment after the referee’s whistle could be heard.
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    Nonetheless, Newcastle keeper Pope says the decision to not award United the goal was the right one as the free-kick wasn’t in the right place.
    The England international told Chronicle Live: “The free-kick was slightly in the wrong place and obviously Fabby’s (Schar) rolled it back to me and walked off.
    “I think you know by everyone’s body language that you know he’s not meaning to take a free-kick.
    “I think the referee sorted it out quickly and fair play to him for making the right decision and squashed it straight away.”
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    The disallowed goals summed up Ronaldo’s performance.
    He was largely anonymous in the 0-0 draw and was hauled off with 20 minutes to go for Marcus Rashford.
    The highlight of the 37-year-old’s afternoon would’ve been his trophy presentation alongside Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of kick-off to celebrate reaching 700 club goals. More

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    Man Utd boost in Joao Felix chase as Atletico Madrid star’s agent ‘explores options’ for January transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED have received a boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to reports.The 22-year-old Portuguese star was linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer, but a deal never materialised.
    Felix is being linked with a move away from Atletico in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    However, he has started just seven of the Spanish side’s 14 matches in all competitions this season.
    It is causing friction between Felix and his relationship with Atletico and manager Diego Simeone.
    And according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the player’s agent Jorge Mendes is now searching for a route out of the club in 2023.
    But Atletico are keen to stand firm, refusing to accept anything less than his release clause – which is worth £304million.
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    Speaking on his “Here We Go” podcast, he revealed: “The situation is tense between Joao Felix and Atletico Madrid, especially between Joao Felix and Diego Simeone, of course, because he’s not a starter, he’s not playing a lot.
    “The reality is that on Atletico Madrid’s side they insist Joao Felix is not for sale and a key player for Atletico Madrid.
    “They want the release clause in his contract which is 350 million euros (£304m). They have no intention to negotiate.
    “But the reality is that on the player’s side – with agent Jorge Mendes – they are trying and exploring the market to find some potential solutions for 2023.”
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    Felix arrived at Atletico from Benfica in 2019 for a whopping £113m.
    He has not yet lived up to the enormous price tag the Spanish giants paid, contributing 29 goals and 18 assists in 123 appearances.
    And Atletico may be willing to cut their losses, although it is thought a transfer in the summer is more likely than in January.
    It was reported earlier this week that Felix has “lost his patience” with Atletico boss Simeone.
    He has played less than 30 minutes across their last four matches. More