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    Man Utd ‘can’t attract the best players any more’, says club legend Dwight Yorke as De Jong continues to snub them

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S lack of success has ensured they can no longer attract the world’s top players, according to Dwight Yorke.The former Red Devils striker, 50, has launched into a withering assault on his old club.
    Dwight Yorke has claimed Man Utd can longer attract the best players in the world due to their appalling form in recent seasonsCredit: Getty
    Frenkie de Jong is refusing to join Man Utd and Yorke reckons it’s because they’re no longer desirable for top players due to their lack of Champions League footballCredit: Getty
    United finished sixth in the Premier League last season and were closer to the relegation zone than champions Manchester City, in terms of points.
    And Yorke – now manager of A-League side Macarthur FC – reckons a sizeable gap has opened up between United and rivals Liverpool and City.
    Erik ten Hag has been desperately chasing midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer.
    Despite United agreeing to a £71.5million transfer fee with Barcelona, the Dutch midfielder has snubbed the club as he demands to stay at the Nou Camp or move to a more successful club.
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    And Yorke has now told safebettingsites.com: “I had a conversation with Frenkie De Jong at the A-League All Star game in May, and you know before that would’ve been a done deal.
    “He’s playing with a massive club and even though the money is an issue he has the opportunity to play Champions League football there.
    “The players we are chasing are in such powerful positions it’s very difficult to lure them away to come to United.
    “The club have kicked themselves in the teeth and can’t attract the best players any more.
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    “No Champions League football is a serious issue and it’s getting more and more difficult by the year.
    “Players and agents are looking from the outside and thinking ‘that is not the place I want to be right now with all that stuff going on’.
    “So we need to get that turned around and get the club back on track.”
    United are on their worst trophy drought in 50 years, having last tasted success in the 2017 Europa League final.
    And Yorke reckons that hasn’t helped them in the transfer market – with City and Liverpool far more attractive.
    He continued: “United have always been in a position of strength being among the top European teams.
    “So ‘selling’ United to top players has never really been an issue. 
    “But what’s transpired in the last three to five years is that United are failing to do what they have become accustomed to, which was qualifying for the Champions League and winning major trophies.
    “Choosing between the United of old and the current United it’s quite straightforward.
    “Going after players who are hesitant to come into the club… it’s a kind of a no-brainer really.
    “When you’re not qualifying for the Champions League you’re always on the back foot.
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    “There’s no question that the club has got some issues, they’ve just had their worst season since the Premier League started.
    “The situation is carrying on into this season because their best player, Cristiano Ronaldo, is not committing himself even though he’s got another year left on his contract and he’s telling the club he wants to leave.” More

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    Chelsea join Man Utd in transfer race for RB Salzburg star Benjamin Sesko and ‘have already met with player’s agent’

    CHELSEA and Manchester United have both met Benjamin Sesko’s agent as RB Salzburg struggle to keep Europe’s hottest strike starlet.The hunger to sign the the 19-year-old is so intense it’s possible a deal could be completed before this weekend’s Premier League round-up.
    Benjamin Sesko is reportedly interesting Newcastle but the heavyweight attention is coming from Stamford Bridge and Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Newcastle are outsiders for the 13-cap Slovenian, who Salzburg still hope to keep for another season as they hold out for £55million-plus.
    Fabrizio Romano claims Sesko’s agent Elvis Basanovic has held ‘direct’ talks with United at least twice and met Chelsea chiefs last week.
    The main outcome is believed to be that Sesko himself can decide his own future.
    But that could change if one of the clubs launches a huge formal offer for him.
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    Sesko reportedly believes the time is right to move on despite just one season as a Salzburg regular.
    And Romano claims Prem clubs must ‘move fast’ to win the race for him.
    Newcastle remain in the background and can’t offer European football.
    The Magpies CAN provide a regular starting role – but Sesko might also fancy his chances of a quick breakthrough at Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford.
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    Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel is ready to offload Timo Werner but appears to have doubts about likely starter Kai Havertz.
    And United boss Erik ten Hag wants a long-term successor to Cristiano Ronaldo – whether or not the legend gets his wish to leave.
    Ten Hag’s expected front three at home to Brighton this Saturday – Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – lacks an out-and-out hitman.
    Sesko appears to be just that type of player, amid claims he could be as good as Manchester City new boy Erling Haaland. More

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    Man Utd ‘need to work fast’ to seal £55m Benjamin Sesko transfer from RB Salzburg as rival clubs join battle

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been warned to act “fast” to seal the signing of £55million striker Benjamin Sesko as Chelsea and Newcastle hover.RB Salzburg’s main man, 19, will reportedly decide his future “soon” after Old Trafford chiefs met his agent.
    Man Utd are the frontrunners for RB Salzburg wonderkid Benjamin Sesko , 19Credit: Getty
    But Fabrizio Romano reckons pressure is building on United.
    Slovenia star Sesko has reportedly told the Austrian club he wants to leave.
    And Romano posted: “Key days for Benjamin Sesko’s future with contacts ongoing.
    “Manchester United know they have to be fast on this deal, after meeting with agent days ago.
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    “There are 2 more clubs in the race. Sesko will make a decision soon with his agent and family.”
    The 6ft 4in poacher has been compared to Manchester City newcomer Erling Haaland.
    Sesko notched 11 goals and six assists in 12 matches last term.
    And Salzburg would love to keep him – as shown by a quirky recent tweet.
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    Upon hearing of United’s interest, they posted a deal could go through… if the Red Devils handed over £300m and midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
    They then jokingly demanded a BILLION and popular mascot Fred the Red after he scored against Liverpool.
    Sesko’s agent Elvis Basanovic reckons the teenager is BETTER than Haaland – at least as a team player and for technique.
    Basanovic told Zurnal 24: “Many compare him to Haaland, but I think they are different types of players.
    “They are similar in physical construction and speed, but they are different players. Benjamin is more of a team player. 
    “He is maybe better technically with his skills, but Haaland is a bit more wild with his energy, in a positive sense. He remains a humble, hard-working boy.” More

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    Jesse Lingard reveals ‘love’ shown to him by Nottingham Forest owners convinced him to make sensational Man Utd transfer

    JESSE LINGARD has revealed “love” was the key factor in him choosing to sign for Nottingham Forest.Lingard, 29, left Manchester United as a free agent last season and courted interest from a number of clubs both in the Premier League and abroad.
    Jesse Lingard with Forest boss Steve CooperCredit: PA
    Lingard will be hoping to force himself into Gareth Southgate’s England plans for the World CupCredit: Instagram / @jesselingard
    In the end though Lingard ended up joining newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, revealing he couldn’t say no.
    In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “I could have gone abroad for a lot of money but I want to stay in the Premier League.
    “They (Forest) wanted to come to my house and bring me to London in quick succession to try to get the deal done.
    “The manager and owners have been great with me – they’ve shown the love and intent to get me to the club.”
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    Reports have indicated the 32-cap England international’s contract at the City Ground has smashed the club’s wage structure, with him earning TRIPLE the next highest earner.
    “When I see that sort of love, of course I am going to say yes, but it had to be the right deal for me and my family,” Lingard added.
    “I can see the project they’re building and it’s going to look good this season. I feel a positive vibe around the camp.”
    Lingard has joined former Man Utd team-mate Dean Henderson at Forest, though Henderson was critical of The Red Devils for “wasting” 12 months of his career as he sat on the bench behind David de Gea.
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    The England stopper, who is on loan at Forest, claimed he had been promised the No1 spot at Old Trafford but ended up playing just three times as United endured their worst ever Premier League campaign.
    Including the two United affiliated stars, Forest have now signed a staggering 12 players at a cost of around £85million during this window.
    Like Henderson, Lingard struggled for game time at United last season despite a bright spell in the second half of the season prior, where he scored nine goals on loan at West Ham. More

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    Man Utd ‘make contact over Sergino Dest transfer signing’ with Barcelona full-back targeted to replace Alex Telles

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been in contact with Barcelona over the possibility of signing Sergino Dest, according to reports.The 21-year-old full-back has been eyed as a replacement for Alex Telles, who has been linked with a move to Sevilla.
    Sergino Dest is reportedly wanted by Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Alex Telles is set to leave the clubCredit: Getty
    Bringing Dest to Old Trafford could cost the club a minimum of £17million, claim Sport.
    The American international is predominately a right-back but can also cover on the left flank.
    Prior to his move to Barcelona he was at Ajax and worked with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag.
    Under the Dutchman’s guidance Dest produced his best attacking season chipping in with two goals and six assists in all competitions in the 2019/20 campaign.
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    His good form took him to Barca the following season and he has since made 72 appearances for the club.
    But with the Catalan giants’ boss Xavi looking to re-build the side this summer he could reportedly choose to cash in on Dest even though his contract runs until 2025.
    The team is currently undergoing a defensive overhaul with Barca having already signed Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen.
    They also want a left-back and have been linked with Marcos Alonso of Chelsea.
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    Dest is not the first player with Ajax links to be rumoured with a move to Man Utd.
    The club are still hopeful of completing a deal to sign Dest’s Barcelona team-mate Frenkie de Jong even though Chelsea have entered the race for him.
    United are also keen on Antony but are reportedly prepared to pull out of a deal unless two demands are met.
    Ten Hag’s first competitive game in charge of the club will be on Sunday in their Premier League season opener versus Brighton. More

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    Dean Henderson told he will NEVER play for Man Utd again after slamming club as furious fans call for him to be sold

    DEAN HENDERSON has been on the receiving end of a backlash from pundits and Manchester United fans after he slammed the club.The goalkeeper is on loan at Nottingham Forest for this season and took aim at his parent club in an interview for not following through on their promise to make him the first choice stopper.
    Dean Henderson has joined Nottingham Forest on a season long loanCredit: Getty
    talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara has said it’s unlikely he will ever play for United again.
    He said: “Let’s be honest, David de Gea was superb last season for Man Utd. He’s the No.1 keeper and one of the best in the world.
    “I don’t think he will play for Man Utd again. That’s it now. When you do an interview like that, you come out and slate your parent club it never goes down well with the fans, with the coaching staff.”
    Gabby Agbonlahor jumped in too: “He needs to relax, he’s getting big time. Go to Forest and keep your mouth shut.
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    “Henderson is definitely finished at Man Utd. You can’t disrespect such a big club.”
    Fellow pundit Danny Mills also criticised the 25-year-old keeper saying: “Boo hoo, woe is me. Welcome to the real world of football, Dean. This is what happens in football.
    “De Gea got player of the season therefore you were rightly number two behind him. No one ever gets promised ‘you are going to be number one all season long’. It’s impossible. Doesn’t happen.”
    Henderson was going to be United’s No1 but he was ruled out with Covid-19 and De Gea stepped in and kept the place in the starting XI.
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    Mills added: “He was out of the team, De Gea came in, played well, he stays in. Players get injured, they get ill, someone else gets their opportunity and you can’t get back in. Tough. You have to deal with it.”
    Man Utd fans also fired shots back at Henderson on social media after his shock remarks.
    One said: “He should be sold, clearly part of the problem.”
    Another commented: “He kicks up a big fuss without an ounce of professionalism. Get this leaker out of my club immediately.”
    It didn’t stop there: “Who does he think he is? League One level goalkeeper at best.”
    Henderson’s explosive interview in which he claims he was promised the gloves last season has angered so many after he labelled United’s actions as “criminal”.
    Dean Henderson has slammed the way Manchester United have treated himCredit: Getty
    He said to talkSPORT: “Nobody followed through with anything they told me. I turned many loans down for that reason. It was frustrating. To sit there and waste 12 months is criminal at my age. I was fuming.”
    The ex-Sheffield United man even admitted to not trying to impress Erik ten Hag in case he tried to stop him leaving.
    Henderson revealed: “I didn’t speak to him, I didn’t even want him to see me in training because I knew he would probably want to keep me.” More

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    Man Utd enquire over Alex Scott transfer with 18-year-old midfielder impressing at Championship side Bristol City

    MANCHESTER UNITED have enquired about Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott, according to reports.The teenager was one of the Championship’s standout young players last season in his breakthrough year at the Robins.
    Alex Scott of Bristol City has caught the eye of Man UtdCredit: Getty
    The 18-year-old became a first-team regular playing 39 times for the club scoring four goals and registering two assists.
    Scott, who won the club’s player of the season award last campaign, has also shone on the international stage being a part of the England Under-19 side that won the European Under-19 Championship.
    His impressive form at such a young age has caught the attention of Man Utd, claim The United Stand.
    If United do sign him then they are reportedly willing to loan him back to Bristol City so he can continue to gain first-team experience.
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    Scott signed a new deal at the club last year keeping him at Ashton Gate until 2025 so they may be reluctant to sell.
    The teenager is capable of playing as a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and on the right-wing.
    Speculation has previously suggested that both Leeds and Tottenham have been monitoring him.
    United under new boss Erik ten Hag are keen to build for the future and add youth to their squad.
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    They have been targeting lots of young players in the transfer market such as Ajax’s Antony and RB Salzburg Benjamin Sesko, according to reports.
    Ten Hag seems willing to give youngsters a chance with the club keen to tie down highly rated winger Alejandro Garnacho to a new long-term contract after he impressed in pre-season.
    The new boss is also ready to sell fringe players like Eric Bailly and Alex Telles which could help players from the academy get a chance. More

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    Chelsea confident of sealing Frenkie de Jong transfer ahead of Man Utd with Barcelona talks ‘hurried’ ahead of season

    CHELSEA are confident of sealing the transfer of Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.And talks with Barcelona are said to be “hurried” as they look to try and get the deal over the line ahead of the new season.
    Frenkie de Jong could be a Chelsea player very soonCredit: AFP
    De Jong, 25, has been at the centre of a summer-long saga.
    Manchester United have been desperate to sign him but De Jong has snubbed their approaches, despite Barcelona accepting a bid of around £72million from the Red Devils.
    The Catalan giants need to make money soon due to their financial disarray and gave De Jong an ultimatum to lower his wages or leave the club.
    But with Manchester United unable to offer Champions League football this season, Chelsea are trying to swoop.
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    According to Sport in Spain, negotiations are underway and De Jong is thought to be more open to making the switch to Stamford Bridge – whereas he was reluctant to head to Old Trafford.
    Barcelona are continuing to demand the same fee agreed with United.
    However, any deal could include targets Cesar Azpilicueta or Marcos Alonso going the other way to the Nou Camp.
    Thomas Tuchel’s side get their new campaign started at Everton on Saturday evening.
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    So the German manager would love to have the midfielder signed before then to meet and possibly even train with his new team-mates.
    He has publicly voiced his frustration at the squad not being ready for the season – especially after the transfer for Jules Kounde fell through while other targets such as Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana have not signed yet either.
    However, despite their salary threats to the player, Barcelona have insisted they do want De Jong to stay after all – which could scupper a deal entirely.
    President Joan Laporta told CBS: “The first thing to say is we want Frenkie to stay at Barcelona. We love the player and him as a human being.
    “I want him to stay at Barcelona. He’s a high-quality player and a good guy. I also know that he wants to stay.
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    “In football, you never know. I can’t say categorically. It all depends on the different parties.
    “But in principle, I can say there is a strong possibility he stays, and I can say as president I will do my best for him to stay at Barcelona.” More