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    Injury prone Phil Jones KICKED OUT of Man Utd’s training ground dressing room to make space for Erik ten Hag’s signings

    INJURY PRONE Phil Jones has been kicked out of Manchester United’s training ground dressing room – to make space for Erik ten Hag’s new signings.The first team changing room at United’s AON training Centre at Carrington is only meant for a maximum 24 players and is bursting to capacity after Ten Hag’s summer spending spree.
    Phil Jones has suffered a fresh blow in his bizarre Man Utd careerCredit: Getty
    And that’s left stars like Jones and third choice left back Brandon Williams, on loan at Norwich last season, being shunted down the corridor to the Under-23 changing room.
    Joining them are believed to be defenders Teden Mengi and Alex Tuanzebe as well as promising midfielder Shola Shoretire.
    The arrival of Real Madrid’s Brazilian midfielder Casemireo, Ajax winger Antony, Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez, left back Tyrell Malacia and back-up keeper Martin Dubravka has squeezed space at Carrington.
    It’s the latest blow for hapless Jones and another twist in his bizarre United career that had hit the buffers even before he signed a four-year £110,000-week contract in February 2019.
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    The 30-year-old former England defender has played only 13 games in four seasons and his last appearance came in January in a 1-0 defeat by Wolves – his first match in two years.
    United fans are astonished the former Blackburn defender is even still at Old Trafford after the transfer window closed on Thursday.
    But it’s believed Jones, in the final year of his contract, is nursing another injury and was unable to be sold in the latest window.
    United have given up on recovering a fee for the defender who was once described by Sir Bobby Charlton as reminding him of the great Duncan Edwards.
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    Former England boss Fabio Capello also lauded Jones, comparing him to legendary Italian defender Franco Baresi.
    And Sir Alex Ferguson once predicted he could become United;s best-ever player.
    Injuries prevented Jones fulfilling his promise and he’s now marking time with United hoping they can off-load him in January. More

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    Liverpool’s transfer swoop for Spanish starlet Stefan Bajcetic was smart business and left Man Utd and Chelsea red-faced

    LIVERPOOL’S new Spanish starlet Stefan Bajcetic is looking like a smart capture – and leaving Manchester United and Chelsea with red faces.The Kop babe has been on Jurgen Klopp’s bench already.
    Manchester United and Chelsea were both admirers of Stefan Bajcetic, who was snapped up by LiverpoolCredit: Alamy
    But the reason he joined the club a year ago is down to their willingness to take a chance on landing him as a kid.
    Bajcetic joined Liverpool just before the new post Brexit rules came in and it could be one of the most well-timed transfers ever.
    Both United and Chelsea had been tracking the top talent for months.
    Although both sides decided against pursuing a move because of fears he would not be allowed into the country.
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    Bajcetic was given a 21 minute runout by Klopp in Liverpool’s 9-0 rout against Bournemouth.
    The 17-year-old has also played twice for the U21s this season.
    Meanwhile, Liverpool left back James Norris is wanted by Huddersfield Town – after they failed in a deadline deal.
    The Kop kid has impressed in the U21s.
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    He even trained with the first team last week.
    That led to the Terriers were told to wait.
    The 19-year-old has played six times for the U21s this season. More

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    Ajax star Timber blasts rumours Van Gaal warned him off Man Utd transfer after signing new deal with Dutch giants

    JURRIEN TIMBER has dismissed all rumours suggesting that he was advised to reject a move to Manchester United.The Ajax star, 21, was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the early stages of the summer transfer window.
    Timber insists Van Gaal did not put him off joining Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Reports suggested the Dutch boss would drop him from the national team if he made the switchCredit: EPA
    However, he decided to stay in Amsterdam which led the Red Devils to sign Lisandro Martinez instead.
    In the wake of the transfer saga, reports suggested that Timber had been deterred from joining Man Utd by Holland boss Louis Van Gaal.
    The former United manager had been vocal on the defender’s situation before the deal had been ruled out, hinting that it would not be the best move for him.
    In June, he said: “I think a player with his qualities can play in the Prem. That’s not a problem.
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    “But if he has to make this big step now – that’s the question.
    “Then he’s not so wise (if he were to join United) I think. He has to play.”
    Some sources from the Netherlands even suggested that Van Gaal was prepared to DROP Timber from the Dutch national team if he decided to make the switch.
    However, Timber has now insisted that Van Gaal would have been supportive if he did join the Red Devils.
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    When speaking to AD, he said: “When people say that it was Louis van Gaal who told me not to go to Manchester United. He actually said I would make minutes there.”
    The defender has since signed a new one-year contract extension with Ajax.
    Timber’s former teammate Martinez has flourished at Old Trafford since joining United in a £55million transfer in July.
    The Argentina international has replaced Harry Maguire in Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up in recent weeks.
    He even earned Man Utd’s player of the month award for August following a successful run of performances.
    His old pal Antony is set to make his debut against Arsenal tomorrow. More

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    Man Utd star Antony’s squad number ‘revealed’ as winger prepares to make debut in Arsenal clash after £85m Ajax transfer

    ANTONY could become the tenth Brazilian to wear Manchester United’s famous colours when they take on Arsenal on Sunday.The two Premier League rivals will meet in a 4.30pm kick-off at Old Trafford.
    It has been claimed Antony will wear the No21Credit: Getty
    Both teams are on a rich run of form, with the visitors currently sat top of the Prem having won all five of their games played so far.
    And Erik ten Hag is starting to get a tune out of his Man Utd squad.
    The Red Devils have won their last three games in a row, firing themselves from rock bottom to fifth.
    In a boost to Ten Hag, he’ll have ex-Ajax ace Antony at his disposal this weekend.
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    The Brazil star, 22, joined for £85.5million on deadline day.
    Antony could become the tenth Brazilian to play for United following compatriot Casemiro’s debut against Southampton last week.
    It has been claimed by a Relevo journalist, Antony will wear the No21 shirt for his new team.
    Edinson Cavani wore the number last season after vacating the No7 shirt following the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
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    Ex United and Uruguay star Diego Forlan also wore the number for the Old Trafford club.
    Rafael da Silva and Ander Herrera also did battle in the shirt, and were adored by the fans.
    Other available numbers included 13, 15, 24, 26 and many others after 30. More

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    ‘I couldn’t eat’ – New Man Utd star Antony’s teenage diary reveals brave 4-month journey from outcast to hero in Brazil

    ANTONY has completed an incredible journey from Sao Paulo to Manchester — via Amsterdam.The Brazilian winger, 22, is now preparing for his Manchester United debut after arriving from Ajax in a stunning £85.5million deal.
    Brazilian winger Antony came through the ranks at Sao Paulo before joining AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Antony scored six goals in 52 games in all competitions for Sao PauloCredit: Getty
    While still a teenager, he wrote a book detailing his struggles in the Sao Paulo youth system while living in the city district of Osasco.
    Charlie Wyett leafs through his diary, From Overcoming A Real Dream, where he describes when he broke into the first team.

    How can four months change a person’s life? I went from distrust to glory in four months.
    I went from being unknown to one of the greatest prospects of Brazilian football. I left Osasco for the world. All this in four months.
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    In these four months I’ve needed to have a lot of strength, faith and the ability to overcome in order to reach my great objective: to be a pro footballer with Sao Paulo.
    I hope this diary serves as an inspiration for how life can change quickly when you believe in your target. It’s the beginning of a story that won’t stop for anything or anybody.
    2019 started in a sad way for me. I expected to play for Brazil’s Under-20s and for Sao Paulo in the Florida Cup. I didn’t get called up. I didn’t understand, I wanted a chance.
    I played in the Sao Paulo Cup, with my head up, and the rest is history.I grew in the competition, became more confident and my growth started there.
    Antony linked up with Manchester United on deadline day in an £85.5million dealCredit: Instagram @antony00
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    I had to be patient, I tried to listen and learn from the oldest players. When my chance came, I was going to grab it.
    I came on as a sub, we won, and I started to feel pleasure in what was to come in my career.
    I was sad I didn’t get picked for the next game. They changed coach. What would become of me, still trying to get my space?
    The new coach, Vagner Mancini, spoke to me a lot.
    From then on, the players began to receive me in a different way and to help me a lot. My confidence grew as I played more minutes.
    All that was missing was a goal and I scored a nice goal on March 20 against Sao Caetano.
    I didn’t know how to celebrate, I just wanted to take it all in. I will remember my first goal all my life, especially as it was so important as it meant us qualifying.
    We beat the favourites, Palmeiras, on penalties in the semi-final of the Brazilian league championship. It was the happiest time of my career.
    Antony could make his Red Devils debut against Arsenal at Old Trafford on SundayCredit: Instagram @antony00
    Former Ajax forward Antony won two Eredivisie titles with the Dutch clubCredit: Instagram @antony00
    I was so excited about the final against Corinthians. I was so anxious that I didn’t eat on the day of the game and I wasn’t well. I wasn’t the Antony of other games.
    I scored in the second leg. I started to think of the path I’d taken, remembering I’d been on the club’s discard list three times.
    And, suddenly, I was there in a final, scoring a goal.
    Unfortunately, we lost. I couldn’t contain my tears. After the game, I was able to take it in and feel satisfaction with the path to get there.
    After four months, I’m no longer the same Antony. How much I’ve developed.
    Now I will work double and learn double so that the path to success becomes a reality and a constant in my career. I lost a cup, I won a cup.
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    I learnt to lose and take good things even in defeat.
    I feel confident. When I enter the pitch, I do everything with heart and soul. I’m ready for the next challenges.
    Antony has been reunited with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag and team-mate Lisandro Martinez at the Theatre of DreamsCredit: Instagram @antony00
    Antony scored 12 goals from 33 outings for Ajax during the 2022-23 campaignCredit: Instagram @antony00 More

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    Six players Rangnick told Man Utd to buy and where they are now, including two City stars and Chelsea transfer target

    RALF RANGNICK advised Manchester United to sign two players currently at rivals City, as well as a Chelsea transfer target. The German left Old Trafford at the end of last season following his interim spell and was replaced by Erik ten Hag in the summer.
    Former interim manager Ralf RangnickCredit: Getty
    According to Manchester Evening News, Rangnick advised the club bring in TEN news player, although only six were eventually signed.
    Among the pick of the bunch who did not make it were a pair of City stars, who joined the other half of Manchester.
    And here, SunSport runs down those believed to have been eyed by Rangnick but ultimately overlooked.
    Erling Haaland
    United were joined by almost every big player in Europe when tracking Haaland’s development at Borussia Dortmund.
    And Rangnick is said to have urged the club to make a push for the 22-year-old.
    But United did not want to deal with his then-agent Mino Raiola, leaving City to swoop in and win the race.
    Erling Haaland was a long-time target of Man UtdCredit: AFP
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    Julian Alvarez
    The Argentine, 22, was signed by City for £14million in the winter window, before being loaned back to River Plate.
    During the month the Premier League champions signed Alvarez, it is claimed Rangnick mentioned him as an attacking alternative.
    The forward joined City this summer and has two league goals in his four matches.
    Julian Alvarez linked with with Man City this summerCredit: EPA
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    Christopher Nkunku
    The forward has emerged as one of the hottest talents in Europe, scoring 35 goals last season and already managing four in four this season.
    Rangnick had interest in a few RB Leipzig players and suggested approaching the Bundesliga side about Nkunku, 24, too.
    The Frenchman has remained at Leipzig, despite interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.
    Christopher Nkunku has been linked with a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: AP
    Josko Gvardiol 
    Rangnick deemed centre-back Gvardiol as a must-buy to help bolster United’s defence.
    But they instead signed Lisandro Martinez, 24, while Gvardiol, 20, came close to joining Chelsea.
    The Croatian saw his proposed £77m move to Chelsea collapse on deadline day and he instead signed a new five-year contract.
    Josko Gvardiol was close to a move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Konrad Laimer
    United spent much of the summer linked with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, 25, but instead settled with Casimiro, 30, from Real Madrid.
    Although Rangnick wanted the club to sign two midfielders and wanted Laimer, 25, from Leipzig.
    The Austrian made 43 appearances last season, mainly in a defensive role.
    Konrad Laimer was linked with a move to Man UtdCredit: AP
    Aurelien Tchouameni 
    Tchouameni, 22, has been one of the most highly-touted prospects in the world in recent years and went on to sign for Real Madrid.
    But at the start of the year, United had discussions on whether to make a move, but ultimately chose against it.
    It is claimed the club had uncertainty on whether new manager Ten Hag would want the French international.
    Aurelien Tchouameni signed for Real Madrid this summerCredit: Getty More

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    How Arsenal could line up against Man Utd with Ramsdale, Odegaard and Zinchenko all at risk of missing out

    MIKEL ARTETA has a major injury headache ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.The Gunners have two key players doubtful for their clash with the in-form Manchester United, who are set to provide them with their toughest test of the season so far.
    Aaron Ramsdale is a doubt for Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United on SundayCredit: GETTY
    Skipper Martin Odegaard is also doubtfulCredit: REX
    How Arsenal could line up against Manchester United this weekend
    Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and midfielder Martin Odegaard are both doubts for the visit to Old Trafford.
    And they could very well join new signing Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny in the treatment room.
    Arteta said: “[Aaron] Ramsdale and [Martin] Odegaard have been assessed and we will see more tomorrow.
    “Hopefully, they’ll be available to train with the team. Alex [Zinchenko] missed two games and has not been able to train with the team yet.
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    “For Mo [Elneny], we are talking months. With Thomas [Partey], we are hopefully talking weeks and even shorter than that.
    “We have tried to manage him. A lot has happened since he’s joined.
    “We are trying the possible way to find reasons for that.
    “Unfortunately his body and mind are too difficult to put a finger on to identify one factor. Attitude is there. He’s really disappointed and wants to get back.”
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    The potential absences of Ramsdale and Odegaard will likely see Arteta throw Matt Turner and Albert Lokonga into the Old Trafford fire.
    Alternatively, Arteta could opt to anchor his midfield with Ben White – who has experience playing in the middle of the park.
    White being deployed in central midfield could see Takehiro Tomiyasu play at right back.
    Cedric Soares, meanwhile, could be deployed at left-back if Arteta opts to give the injury-prone Kieran Tierney a rest.
    An alternative Arsenal starting XI to face Manchester United on Sunday
    Arteta is confident his squad is capable of handling the rigorous demands of the season, saying: “We had a lot of things still to do with squad.
    “Look at the departures compared to what we’ve recruited. The club has done a phenomenal job to bring players with the profiles we wanted.
    “Unfortunately Tomo [Tomiyasu] got injured in the same place last time and Eleny has a long-term injury. We had to react.
    “We tried but have to bring in the right player for the team and for the club but didn’t manage to do that.
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    “It’s the team we have. For me, it’s the best squad and team I have available. There is nothing else we can do.
    “We have an academy as well that we have to use and we will try to do that the best possible way.”
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    Man Utd legend Park Ji-sung lands top job as transfer chief for K-League champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Park Ji-Sung has steered his career in a new direction – by becoming technical director of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.The South Korea midfielder spent seven seasons at Old Trafford.
    Manchester United legend Park Ji-Sung has landed a new top jobCredit: EPA
    During that period the fan favourite helped United to win the Champions League and four Premier League titles.
    Park made 205 United appearances and scored 27 goals for the club.
    He then left for a two-year spell with Queens Park Rangers, with a loan spell at PSV inbetween, before hanging up his boots in 2014.
    The 100-cap international, now 41, has recently worked as a QPR youth coach.
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    And he has also acted as an advisor to Jeonbuk back in his homeland.
    Now the K-League champions have appointed Park to oversee transfers and run their youth set-up.
    Park said: “My responsibilities have increased.
    “I want to make changes at the club.
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    “I want to put European culture into Korean football.
    “I want the players to become more professional.
    “As I live in Europe, if I have a player to sign in Europe it can be done easily.”
    Jeonju-based Jeonbuk said in a statement: “With this transition, Park’s managerial capacity will be greatly expanded.” More