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    Man Utd’s £70m signing Casemiro gives brilliant response when asked about not playing in Champions League this season

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S Casemiro provided a brilliant response when he was asked about not playing in this season’s Champions League.The new man at Old Trafford will have to face Europa League football until at least next year after the Red Devils failed to make it to Europe’s premier competition.
    Casemiro, 30, is a serial Champions League winnerCredit: Reuters
    In contrast, the team Casemiro left in Real Madrid won last season’s Champions League and have been victorious in Europe in five of the last nine seasons.
    But the 30-year-old has no qualms about being left out of the historic competition this year.
    When asked about missing out on the Champions League in his first season at United, he told ESPN Brasil: “Well.. I already have five, don’t I?”
    The witty response caught the attention of United fans who were fans of the cheekiness.
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    One wrote on Twitter: “Nah that’s the most legendary response I’ve ever seen.”
    Another said: “Ownnnn, yes case!”
    One United fan quipped: “Next thing for him is to win the Europa league 5 times.”
    Casemiro was an important part to all of Madrid’s European wins, although he did miss the 2014 final.
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    He started all the other finals alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, and even scored one against Juventus in 2017’s 4-1 trouncing.
    Casemiro was paraded around Old Trafford before the Red Devils stunned Liverpool.
    Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford did the damage as Erik ten Hag got his first win as United boss – and arrested the club’s worrying early-season form.
    The Dutch manager will be hoping Casemiro can help beef up a midfield that was found wanting in losses against Brighton and Brentford.
    He may not be the last man into Old Trafford either with moves for Antony and Cody Gakpo believed to be in the making. More

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    Casemiro becomes the ninth Brazilian to play for Man Utd.. but how successful have the other eight been?

    CASEMIRO will become the ninth Brazilian to play for Manchester United if he makes his debut against Southampton on Saturday.The Brazil star, 30, left Real Madrid for Old Trafford in a £70million deal worth £350,000-a-week.
    Casemiro joined United in a £70m transferCredit: Getty
    The midfielder, with old Real Madrid pal Cristiano Ronaldo, in trainingCredit: Getty
    He was presented to the United fans on Monday, a night which saw Erik ten Hag’s men record their first win of the season – and it happened to be against rivals Liverpool.
    On his move to Old Trafford, Casemiro said: “The opportunity to start a new challenge at Manchester United and in the Premier League is extremely exciting.
    “I have worked with many great managers in my career and, having met with Erik and heard his ideas, I can’t wait to work closely with him, his staff and my new team-mates in the coming years.
    “I’m ending one beautiful journey in Madrid whilst starting another in Manchester as determined as ever to win football matches, win trophies and make our fans proud by bringing success to this great club.
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    “Everybody knows the history of Manchester United, the significance of the club around the world and what it means to its supporters.
    “To represent United is an honour and I am ready to give everything to help the team achieve our ambitions.”
    Casemiro is set to become the ninth Brazilian to wear United’s famous colours.
    SunSport runs through how the other eight fared during their time at Old Trafford…
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    Rafael
    Rafael was a bigger success story than his twin brother Fabio.
    The Brazil ace, 32, nailed down the right-back slot after club legend Gary Neville’s retirement.
    He helped United win three Premier League titles.
    After iconic boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Rafael lost his place under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.
    Rafael was sold to Lyon in 2015.
    Rafael played a vital part at United following Neville’s retirementCredit: PA:Press Association
    Anderson
    Anderson was an instant hit in his debut season at Old Trafford.
    The midfielder became a cult hero after he scored a penalty in the 2008 Champions League final shoot-out victory over Chelsea.
    However, his progression started to slip following injury problems.
    The 34-year-old collected four Prem medals and a Champions League during eight years at United.
    Anderson scored in the 2008 Champions League final penalty shootoutCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Fred
    Fred joined United in 2018 from Ukraine side Shakhtar Donetsk for £53m.
    The 29-year-old has been hit and miss, but remains at Old Trafford today.
    Brazil international Fred has the right attitude, according to club legend Michael Carrick, who worked closely with the player as a coach and interim manager.
    Carrick said on Fred: “He’s stuck at it, he’s learnt and he’s been willing to put the work in and try to improve.
    “He’s been fantastic for quite some time now and I’m sure there’s more to come because he’s that kind of boy.
    “He wants to keep improving, he wants to keep learning and getting better and there’s plenty more to improve, like any player, so we’ll keep working at it.”
    Fred is still playing for Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Fabio
    Fabio is the twin of Rafael.
    He joined United from Fluminense in 2008 but was unable to follow in his twin’s footsteps and nail down a first-team spot.
    Despite being regarded as the brighter prospect, he was unable to oust first-team regular Patrice Evra at left-back.
    He still made over 50 appearances for the club, including the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona, but was sold to Cardiff City in 2014.
    Fabio was sold in 2014 and was unable to cement a starting spotCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Andreas Pereira
    Andreas Pereira joined United from PSV’s academy in 2012.
    However, the Belgium-born Brazilian was unable to force his way into any manager’s long-term plans.
    Pereira won the FA Cup with United, but was sold to Fulham this summer following a string of loan spells.
    He has impressed at Craven Cottage so far.
    Pereira had numerous loan spells and is now at FulhamCredit: Getty
    Alex Telles
    Alex Telles had a lot of hype surrounding him when he joined from Porto.
    However, he failed to live up to expectations – struggling to beat long-time servant Luke Shaw to a starting spot.
    Telles has now joined Sevilla on loan without an option to buy.
    Telles has joined Sevilla on loanCredit: Rex
    Kleberson
    World Cup winner Kleberson arrived at United from Atletico Paranaense.
    However, an injury in his second outing for United derailed his move.
    Kleberson went on to make another 28 appearances in two seasons before being offloaded to Besiktas.
    On his United career, he said: “At Man Utd I had tough moments a lot of the time, I got a lot of injuries and struggled a lot.
    “It was a difficult time, and when you see a lot of evaluation from your performance at top teams the criticism can be very high, particularly at Man Utd.”
    Kleberson got injured in his second outing for UnitedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Rodrigo Possebon
    Rodrigo Possebon was a highly-rated prospect when he joined United in 2008.
    But he was on the receiving end of a shocking Emmanuel Pogatetz tackle in a League Cup game – and never fully recovered.
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    He made just eight senior appearances during his two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford.
    Possebon then returned to his native Brazil with Santos in 2010.
    He is now retired aged 33.
    Possebon was injured in a tackle with PogatetzCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Man Utd face showdown with City legend David Silva as Red Devils get Real Sociedad, Sheriff and Omonia in Europa League

    MANCHESTER UNITED will face old enemy David Silva after they landed Real Sociedad in the Europa League group stage.Erik ten Hag’s side will also take on Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonoia in Group E – meaning huge amounts of travel.
    United face Real Sociedad, Sheriff and Omonoia in Group E of the Europa League
    Ten Hag’s stars will be hoping to put poor Premier League form behind them in EuropeCredit: Alamy
    The full draw shows Arsenal and other giants in the competition
    A trip to the Basque Country region of Spain to battle Sociedad and their ex-City magician Silva is the highlight of the group.
    Cypriot team Omonoia are managed by ex-Leicester midfielder Neil Lennon and may prove a test.

    That will also involve a 4,200 mile round trip.
    Moldovan outfit Sheriff – who famously beat Real Madrid last season – round out the group and will see United travel 3,600 miles.
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    Manchester United will be desperate to find their best form before long – and some European wins could bring much-needed confidence.
    Due to the World Cup in November, the six matches are crammed into three blocks of back-to-back gameweeks.
    Those will be played on September 8 and 15, October 6 and 13 then October 27 and November 3.
    The Puskas Arena in Hungary will play host to next year’s final on May 31.
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    After finishing sixth in the Prem, the giants find themselves back on a gruelling Thursday-Sunday schedule as they look to fight their way through Europe’s secondary competition again.
    A run to the final in 2021 saw a heartbreaking final loss to Villarreal.
    David de Gea missed the decisive penalty to hand the LaLiga side the trophy.
    On the very same date United partied in 1999 when they won the Champions League and the Treble, it all fell flat in 22 years later.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men only had themselves to blame for not finishing the game off during the second half.
    Last term saw the Red Devils temporarily back in the Champions League.
    Their dreams were left in tatters when they were stunned at Old Trafford as Atletico Madrid edged through the last-16.
    United have signed four players so far this summer – Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.
    They started the campaign in woeful fashion, losing 2-1 to Brighton before being humiliated in a 4-0 loss to Brentford.
    But they showed signs of life on Monday night in a 2-1 win over Liverpool, a result that will give them confidence heading to St Mary’s this weekend where they take on Southampton. More

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    Man Utd wonderkid Elanga could leave on loan if £84m transfer for Ajax star Antony goes through with Everton interested

    MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Anthony Elanga could be allowed to leave on loan if Ajax star Antony arrives, according to reports. The Red Devils are edging closer to landing the winger with the transfer window less than a week away from closing.
    United’s transfer business could have a knock-on effect on young Anthony Elanga, who impressed against LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    Antony will be hoping to wow Old Trafford if his move is finally completed in this windowCredit: Getty
    And Antony’s transfer could trigger wider changes in the squad if his £84million deal is sealed.
    Elanga has interest from Everton who are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.
    And the young Swedish talent could be set for a loan move to away based on the Antony deal, according to the Daily Mail.
    This is despite the fact that he started Man United’s surprise win against Liverpool, and could have even opened the scoring when he hit the post at 0-0.
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    Elanga also came off the bench to replace Jadon Sancho in United’s previous games against Brighton and Brentford.
    The Sun revealed earlier this week just how close United are to closing the deal for Antony.
    The Brazilian winger is set to be signed in an eye-catching £84m deal as the Red Devils look to seal their long-term target.
    Securing Antony was one of the main summer aims for new boss Erik ten Hag, who managed the 22-year-old while they were both at Ajax.
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    Reports suggests United may not be done with their spending either, with speculation growing they could make a late move for PSV striker Cody Gakpro.
    If Elanga were to leave on loan after Antony’s arrival, he would be hoping to impress in his year away to stake a regular first team place at Old Trafford.
    Elanga currently appears to be behind Marcus Rashford and Sancho in the United pecking order.
    He started against Liverpool, but was replaced with Anthony Martial at half-time.
    A move to Everton could suit the Swede, with the club needing a replacement for Richarlison and possibly Anthony Gordon. More

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    ‘Antonthree’ – Man Utd fans buzzing about prospect of Ajax star Antony joining new-look frontline

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are buzzing about the potential arrival of Ajax star Antony – and have already come up with an ingenious name for their new-look frontline.The Red Devils are closing in on an £84million deal for the 22-year-old Brazilian – who they have been targeting all summer.
    Antony looks set to seal a move to Man Utd in the coming daysCredit: Getty
    And if he does arrive at Old Trafford then he could start alongside Anthony Martial and Anthony Elanga.
    This has led to a superb post on social media about the potential of the trio playing together.
    It read: “If we sign Antony we can start Anthony Elanga, Anthony Martial and Antony and call it Antonthree.”
    In response, one fan called for them to come up against Arsenal’s trio of Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.

    They said: “The battle against the Gabriels will be lit.”
    Another supporter brilliantly labelled United’s refreshed forward line the “A-Team”.
    While one composed some commentary which could take place if he was to play alongside Elanga and Martial.
    They said: “Antony passes to Antony who takes the shot and it is blocked by the keeper but Antony is there to tap in the rebound.”
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    Antony would become United’s fifth signing of the window – with Erik ten Hag having already brought in Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Casemiro.
    He would bolster the club’s attacking options, boasting a record of 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax.
    If United miss out on Antony, they have been linked with three alternative options.
    Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, PSV star Cody Gakpo and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram are all being monitored by Ten Hag’s men. More

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    Europa League draw simulated as Arsenal meet Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven while Man Utd face hostile trip to Fenerbahce

    PREMIER LEAGUE sides Arsenal and Manchester United could be set to face some tough sides in the Europa League draw this afternoon. The two giants will soon embark on a gruelling Thursday-Sunday schedule as they look to fight their way through Europe’s secondary competition.
    Mikel Arteta will be looking to replicate Arsenal’s domestic form in EuropeCredit: PA
    Erik ten Hag took Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019Credit: Getty
    Mikel Arteta and Erik ten Hag’s teams missed out on being in yesterday’s Champions League draw after failing to get into the top 4 last season.
    But they will be hoping to make progress in this season’s Europa League which will feature big European names such as PSV, Lazio, Monaco, Roma and Olympiakos.
    32 clubs will be divided into eight groups, with the top two in each group going through to the knock-out stages.
    Arsenal and United are both in pot 1, meaning they will avoid facing the toughest sides.
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    But a draw simulation conducted by SunSport showed just how tricky the competition could still be, with Arteta’s side paired with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.
    The Eridivisie club are among the biggest in the competition and could give the Gunners issues if they were to face off over two games.
    Elsewhere in the group, the simulation also drew Arsenal against Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia, currently being led by ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon.
    And they were also simulated to face FK Bodø/Glimt from Norway.
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    Manchester United could also find themselves facing some difficult European trips if the simulation is close to the truth.
    The hypothetical draw sees them face Fenerbahce with the Turkish side known to be tricky European customers.
    United would also play Austrian side Sturm Graz and Qarabag FK, who have previously played Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal in Europe.
    The Europa League group stage kicks off on Thursday September 8 with Arsenal and United looking to go all the way.
    Arsenal came close in 2019 before losing in the final to rivals Chelsea, while United lifted the trophy in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
    The pair have had contrasting starts to the season with impressive Arsenal top of the table with three wins from three.
    The Red Devils had an appalling start before stunning Liverpool at Old Trafford and getting their first win of the season.
    SunSport’s simulated Europa League draw
    Group A Omonia Nicosia Bodø/Glimt Arsenal PSV Eindhoven
    Group B Dinamo Kiev Freiburg Royale Union SG Ludogorets
    Group C Feyenoord Roma Union Berlin AEK Larnaca
    Group D Lazio Ferencvaros Real Sociedad Zürich
    Group E Qarabag FK Manchester United Fenerbahçe Sturm Graz
    Group F Midtjylland Malmö FF Nantes Sporting Braga
    Group G Olympiakos Monaco Trabzonspor Sheriff Tiraspol
    Group H HJK Helsinki Real Betis Stade Rennais Red Star Belgrade More

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    Man Utd have three-man shortlist in case £84m transfer deal for Ajax ace Antony collapses including Chelsea star Pulisic

    MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on an £84million deal for Ajax winger Antony – but have a back-up plan if things go wrong.The Red Devils are hopeful they can finalise the transfer and bring the 22-year-old to Old Trafford in what would be their fifth signing of the summer.
    Man Utd are confident they can finalise a deal for Ajax star AntonyCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Pulisic if the Antony deal falls throughCredit: Getty
    However, with moves for the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Adrien Rabiot having already collapsed in recent weeks, it remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag’s side will be left empty-handed once more.
    If a deal for Antony does fall through, Man Utd reportedly have three players on a shortlist of alternatives to the Brazilian.
    According to ESPN, one of the players they are monitoring is Chelsea star Christian Pulisic.
    Earlier this month, United were linked with a loan move for the American, 23, as he searches for more game time away from Stamford Bridge.
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    However, they put the brakes on that pursuit after it was reported that he wanted Champions League football – something United cannot currently offer.
    But with less than one week left of the transfer window, Pulisic may end up having to settle for a move to a team outside of Europe’s elite competition.
    Another player on United’s list is PSV forward Cody Gakpo, 23, who missed out on qualifying for the Champions League group stages earlier this week when the Dutch side were beaten by Rangers.
    So far, Ten Hag’s men have not been willing to match the £42m asking price, but that could change if they miss out on Antony and become desperate.
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    And the final man on the three-man list is Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram.
    The German outfit are thought to be willing to let him go for a bargain price of between £10-15m as his contract expires next summer.
    Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with moves for the 24-year-old Frenchman.
    United have already signed four players this summer – Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.
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    They started the campaign in woeful fashion, losing 2-1 to Brighton before being humiliated in a 4-0 loss to Brentford.
    But they showed signs of life on Monday night in a 2-1 win over Liverpool, a result that will give them confidence heading to St Mary’s this weekend where they take on Southampton. More

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    Man Utd ace Cristiano Ronaldo ‘in talks with Napoli’ with agent Mendes ‘doing everything he can’ to get striker transfer

    NAPOLI are reportedly in talks with agent Jorge Mendes to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.The Italian side were linked with a move for the 37-year-old earlier this summer.
    Jorge Mendes is trying to secure a transfer to Napoli for Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty
    Napoli remain keen on CR7 having been linked to the superstar earlier this summer
    But a bid was never made and Ronaldo was forced to look elsewhere to fulfil his goal of playing Champions League football.
    However, Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has reignited a deal and is in talks with Napoli over a transfer, report Tuttosport.
    Those talks are also reported by transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio, who adds Mendes is also looking for a club to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in order to facilitate the move for CR7.
    United is reportedly a possibility for the Nigerian, who could command a transfer fee of £86million.
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    Ronaldo is running out of transfer options as the summer window draws to a close.
    Rangers fans are hopeful of luring the Portuguese to Ibrox after qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 12 years.
    Marseille have also been linked with a move for the superstar, but such rumours have upset club president Pablo Longoria – who insists signing players like CR7 is not within the project.
    The striker could be forced to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place in the side despite Erik ten Hag being sick of the Ronaldo circus that threatens to undermine his rebuilding job.
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    He was particularly angry last week after the Portuguese superstar promised he would soon deliver a tell-all interview.
    Now Ten Hag just wants the forward out, while a number of players feel Ronaldo’s attitude and mood is affecting spirit in the camp. More