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    Sam Allardyce shocked by Man Utd’s failure to land top transfer target and adds ‘it was a ‘big, big miss’

    SAM ALLARDYCE is still shocked with Manchester United being unable to sign Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite.United tried to sign Branthwaite, 22, during the summer and saw a £50million bid rejected by the Toffees.Sam Allardyce is shocked that Manchester United didn’t sign Everton star Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: PAMan Utd tried to sign Everton star Branthwaite for £50m last summerCredit: RexThe Red Devils went on to endure their worst ever Premier League start that also saw them conceding 12 goals in their first 10 matches in the English top flight.Allardyce, 70, claims the Manchester giants missed out “big” by not pushing harder for the highly-rated centre-back.The ex-England manager believes Man Utd could have sealed a “bargain buy” considering the Merseysiders’ financial struggles.Allardyce told the Football Accumulators ‘No Tippy Tappy Football’ podcast: “It was a big surprise that nobody spent the money on him in the summer, a left-footed centre-half, particularly at Manchester United.Read More on Man Utd”You’d have thought that whoever wanted a centre-half who’s proven himself to be able to play in the Premier League, and his capabilities are getting even better.”It was a big, big miss for a lot of those big clubs. With Everton’s financial problems, somebody thought they could nick him at a bargain buy.”Branthwaite recently returned to action for Everton after overcoming a groin injury.The defender has amassed a total of four appearances in the Premier League this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited are now set for a new era under new manager Ruben Amorim, who takes over on Monday when he leaves Sporting Lisbon.Amorim is set to switch Man Utd’s formation to three defenders at the back.Ruud van Nistelrooy impressed by Amad Diallo after Man Utd end European drought Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will oversee Sunday’s Prem clash with Leicester at Old Trafford.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More

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    New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim makes ex-Man City star top transfer target with ace ‘on verge of leaving’ European giants

    INCOMING Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly lining up a move for former Manchester City defender Danilo.Amorim, who starts life at Old Trafford on Monday, could look to sign the Juventus centre-back as early as January.Ruben Amorim is keen on former City title winner DaniloCredit: ReutersDanilo is on the verge of leaving JuventusCredit: RexAmorim feels that Danilo could improve United defensively, according to a report from Juve Live.The 33-year-old star could prove to be a useful short-term acquisition for the Red Devils as they look to tighten up at the back.Danilo – who captains both Juventus and Brazil – is apparently on the verge of leaving Turin.This follows reports that Danilo’s agent has been reaching out to several clubs, including Amorim’s new club United.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Brazilian defender’s contract with the Serie A giants expires next summer.But Thiago Motta’s side could be tempted to cash him in for a reasonable price in January.Otherwise, they could lose Danilo for free at the end of the season.His age doesn’t fit the strategy being imposed by Ineos, who are making strides to sign players under 25.Most read in FootballDanilo’s stats last seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited prioritised younger signings like Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and even Arsenal’s 16-year-oldstriker Chido Obi-Martin.But with United often suffering with injuries at the back, he could be a quality alternative and brings a wealth of dressing room knowledge.Manchester United Player Ratings: Post-Match Analysis (1)Danilo has proven Premier League experience – and under Pep Guardiola too.The veteran defender won two Prem titles with United’s fierce rivals City between 2017 and 2019.He also lifted two Champions League trophies with Real Madrid before joining City.After two years in the Prem, he joined then Serie A champs Juventus on a five-year deal worth £30m.Amorim will need all the help he can get when he takes over from interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy on November 11.The Red Devils have endured their worst-ever start to a Prem campaign, sitting 13th in the table. More

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    ‘I had no one but my PlayStation’ – Aaron Wan-Bissaka breaks silence on ‘difficult’ Man Utd spell after £50m transfer

    AARON WAN-BISSAKA had no one but his PlayStation when he first arrived at Manchester United in 2019.The full-back has opened up on the loneliness he felt when he swapped the safety of Crystal Palace for the bright lights of Old Trafford.Aaron Wan-Bissaka has broken his silence on feeling isolated when he first arrived at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old joined West Ham for £15m this summer after five years at UnitedCredit: GettyAt £50m, he was the fifth-most expensive player United had ever signed and remains now the priciest ever uncapped Englishman.Then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described the then 21-year-old as “one of the best upcoming defenders in the Premier League.”Wan-Bissaka quickly earned the trust of the fans with Jamie Carragher coining him the “best one-on-one defender in world football” in 2020.But he initially struggled to adapt to life in Manchester off the pitch as it took time for the South London boy to settle in.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe told The Standard: “It was difficult. Very difficult. I went on my own and it was my first time moving away from home. I had no one up there, apart from my PlayStation.”Because Manchester’s smaller, everyone’s aware of everything that’s happening. You have to be mentally strong to avoid the negative stuff it comes with.”In fact, he felt so isolated that he would travel back to London after training most afternoons to spend time with his family, before heading back up North that same night.But Wan-Bissaka admitted that the tiredness of travelling forced him to settle as the reality set in that he was a United player.Most read in FootballAaron Wan-Bissaka made 42 appearances for Crystal Palace in the Prem before his move to Old TraffordCredit: GettyHe won the Carabao Cup in 2023 alongside Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho and Marcus RashfordCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWan-Bissaka added: “I came back as a man. More mature, more grounded, more focused.”He became a staple at right-back for two seasons, as United finished third in his debut campaign and runners-up the following term.Man Utd braced for Mason Greenwood lawsuit after Mendy successfully sued City over £11m unpaid wagesBut he eventually started slipping down the pecking order as the need for a more modern attacking full-back became increasingly important.And Erik ten Hag didn’t favour him either, instead deploying Diogo Dalot with Wan Bissaka only starting 20 games last season.Explaining how his exit from United came to be – after being linked with a move away for some time – he said both parties agreed it was mutually beneficial for him to leave.He said: “I spoke to the club and they thought this opportunity was best for me.”They gave me some time to think about it. In the moment, I didn’t, but I spoke to family and friends about it and we all decided it was the right time.”Now Wan-Bissaka is back in his hometown of London playing for West Ham, who have struggled this season.He has started eight of their first 10 Prem games after joining Julen Lopetegui’s side for £15m in the summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 26-year-old played a full 90 minutes as the Hammers beat his former team 2-1 last month – which saw Ten Hag sacked the following morning.He played a total of 190 times across five seasons at United and won two trophies – the Carabao Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in May. More

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    New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim to be without key coach for first 2 GAMES as Darren Fletcher slapped with massive ban

    NEW Manchester United gaffer Ruben Amorim will be without assistant Darren Fletcher for his first two Premier League games.Fletcher has been handed an extended three-match ban and a hefty fine by the FA for kicking off with officials during Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Brentford last month.Darren Fletcher has been fined and banned for three Prem games by the FAMan Utd furiously protested Brentford’s goalThe incident occurred after Ethan Pinnock netted a controversial opener on the brink of half-time at Old Trafford on October 19.United staff complained as Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch by referee Samuel Barrott after blood was leaking from a gash in his head.It meant The Red Devils were down a man when Pinnock freely headed in from a corner in the final minute of first half stoppage time.Fletcher has been charged with allegedly acting in an improper or confrontational manner as he criticised the officials.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 40-year-old United legend’s ban starts on Sunday when Leicester visit for the second time in two weeks after United’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win. This means he will miss Amorim’s first two Premier League games, against Ipswich Town on November 24 and Everton on December 1.An FA statement read: “An Independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine on Darren Fletcher. “The FA alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees around the tunnel area at half time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Fletcher admitted to this misconduct but denied that he was abusive. Ruud van Nistelrooy rejoins Man Utd as ex-team-mate Darren Fletcher gets completely different job and two coaches axed”However, the Regulatory Commission found this to be proven and imposed his sanctions. “The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”United face FK Bodo/Glimt inbetween Fletcher’s Prem bans, so he won’t be limited to seat in the stands during Europa League games.Both former boss Erik ten Hag and his then assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy were booked for their reactions on the touchline.But emotions also got the better of Fletcher, who is said to have exploded at the officials inside the Old Trafford tunnel, which was included in Barrott’s referee report.Despite falling behind just before the break, United responded with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund sealing just the club’s third Prem win of the season.United are appealing the severity of Fletcher’s sanction.Man Utd ratings vs PAOKSUNSPORT’S Phil Thomas reveals which Man Utd players would have impressed incoming boss Ruben Amorim against PAOK.ANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley.But any other stops were pretty routine.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display.An increasingly dependable presence by the week.VICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter.Started a few attacks as well.JONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance.DIOGO DALOT – 4Usually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier.CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward.Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped.Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off.AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Livewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second.United’s best player by some distance.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create.At least someone was!ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night.Hooked.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5One early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls.No clear sights of goal, either.SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64) 6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/A More

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    Heartwarming moment PAOK star asks Paul Scholes to sign his shirt live on TV after defeat to Man Utd

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes was asked for an autograph from a PAOK ace after Thursday’s Europa League game at Old Trafford.United finally won their first European fixture in over a year when they beat the reigning Greek champions 2-0 thanks to a brace by Amad Diallo.Manchester United legend Paul Scholes took part in a heartwarming moment after the PAOK gamePAOK ace Magomed Ozdoev asked Man Utd great Scholes for an autograph on his shirtScholes, 49, seemed pleased with the result and his night got even better at full-time when he took part in a heartwarming moment with one of the opposition players.PAOK ace Magomed Ozdoev approached the legendary midfielder at pitchside as he prepared to go live on air for his post-match analysis of the game.And Ozdoev, 32, asked the former England international to sign his shirt for his father who is a big fan.Of course the United great happily obliged, and even shared a cheeky joke on camera as he looked back at that beautiful moment of sportsmanship.Read More on Man UtdScholes told TNT Sports: “He [Ozdoev] did [ask for an autograph].”I wasn’t sure he’d remember me, it was such a long time ago. “But he asked one for his dad, so I obliged. I think I spelled it right as well.”United hadn’t won a game in Europe since last year on October 24 in the Champions League when they beat Copenhagen 1-0 at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballSince then, the Red Devils had amassed a miserable record of two losses and four draws in six matches.The Manchester giants are now 15th in the League Phase table with three points separating them from the top eight and automatic qualification for the Last 16 of the Europa League.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanThis was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final European match in charge of Man Utd as interim boss as new manager Ruben Amorim will be taking over on Monday when he leaves Sporting Lisbon. More

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    Viktor Gyokeres set to spark massive summer transfer battle with Man Utd to be joined by Chelsea and Arsenal in race

    CHELSEA and Arsenal are set to join Manchester United in the battle to sign Europe’s most in-demand player Viktor Gyokeres.The Sporting Lisbon sensation is now widely expected to leave the Portuguese giants at the end of the season.Viktor Gyokeres is being eyed by Chelsea, Arsenal and Man UtdThe No9 has been linked with a move to follow new United boss Ruben AmorimHe could follow his current boss Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford – with United chiefs willing to pay the £63m it would take to sign him.But Sun Online has learned the Swedish superstar’s advisors are pushing for a move to a club in the Champions League.And that’s put Arsenal and Chelsea, who are bidding to qualify for Europe’s top competition next season, on red-alert. The Gunners might have a head start though.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMikel Areta’s side have been scouting Gyokeres over the past 12 months in their search for more firepower up top.But Chelsea are also on the lookout for a prolific number nine and the young Swede would fit the bill.Both clubs are also in a far better position to be able to offer the player the Champions League football he so dearly craves, with United languishing in 13th in the Prem.Sporting reportedly have a gentleman’s agreement with Gyokeres to let him go for less than his release clause which is set at around £84m.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 26-year-old’s current contract expires in 2028.He has has gone from Championship striker to one of the world’s best in a whirlwind year.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City The Swedish forward enhanced his reputation with a hat-trick in a shock 4-1 win over Manchester City on Tuesday night.Sporting would look for around £67m but could accept as little as £63m.And that is likely to interest a host of Prem giants.Amorim ruled out taking him with him to United in January – but said he does expect the forward to look for a new challenge in the summer.He said: “I’ve just made peace with the Sporting fans so I’m not even going to make a joke about it.”Gyokeres is a Sporting player and it’s is a great club, he did a lot for the club. He just has to stay and finish the season at the club.”His 66 goals in 67 appearances has already drawn interest from Saudi Arabia.With Gyokeres likely to stay in Portugal for the rest of the season, United are also being tipped to go for another Sporting star.READ MORE SUN STORIESReports say they are tracking 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda, who has impressed this season.Amorim is preparing to leave Sporting for Old Trafford next week and could bring a couple of players along with him.The striker could swap sunny Portugal for rainy Manchester More

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    Man Utd wonderkid does Viktor Gyokeres’ ‘secret’ celebration in 6-0 Uefa Youth League thrashing

    VIKTOR GYOKERES’ Champions League heroics have not gone unnoticed by Manchester United’s youth team.The Sporting Lisbon striker netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over the Red Devils’ crosstown rivals Man City on Tuesday. Viktor Gyokeres performs a mask celebration after every goalCredit: GettyUnited wonderkid Ethan Wheatley paid tribute to the Sporting striker on WednesdayCredit: GettyWheatley did Gyokores’ celebration after netting in the Uefa Youth LeagueCredit: XGyokeres has taken European football by storm over the past few months with regular displays of ruthless finishing.The ex-Coventry forward creates a mask over his face after each goal in a much-publicised “secret” celebration. Man Utd’s youngsters took on FK Zalgiris on Wednesday in the Uefa Youth League. And rising star Ethan Wheatley whipped out Gyokeres’ cele as the Red Devils under-19s romped to a 6-0 win. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThere were six different goalscorers on the day, with Wheatley crashing in the third goal just before half-time.The 18-year-old from Stockport immediately put his hands across his face in tribute to Gyokeres.Wheatley is regarded as one of United’s most promising up-and-coming young stars.He was recently named Academy Player of the Year and has been a prolific scorer at all youth levels. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWheatley’s nod to Gyokeres comes after the Lisbon star was linked with a move to Old Trafford.Sporting boss Ruben Amorim starts his new role as United manager on November 11 after agreeing a multi-year deal. Who is Sporting’s masked man Viktor Gyokeres Reports suggest Amorim will try to lure his star man to Manchester.Gyokeres joined Sporting for £16.5m from Coventry City in the summer of 2023.He has since netted a remarkable 52 goals in 48 games.We reported yesterday how a gentleman’s agreement could see him join Manchester United for a bargain fee.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.On how he celebrates his goals, Gyokeres was recently coy on the origins of his signature celebration, which some believe is a reference to Batman villain Bane.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses [on what it means].READ MORE SUN STORIES”There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.”No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.” More

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    Man Utd and Arsenal locked in Leroy Sane transfer battle as they look to snap up Bayern Munich star for free

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal are reportedly locked in a battle to sign Leroy Sane on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.The former Manchester City star, 28, is out of contract next summer.Man Utd and Arsenal are keen on signing Bayern Munich star Leroy SaneCredit: RexHe has lost his place in Bayern’s starting XI to summer signing Michael Olise.And a new deal does not look to be forthcoming from Vincent Kompany’s side, who he has helped win three titles in his 185 games.Sane can strike a pre-contract agreement with clubs from January, with a host of top European sides linked.But Bild claims the strongest interest is emerging from England, where Sane previously spent three seasons playing for Man City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe won two titles and an FA Cup in 135 outings at the Etihad.Yet Sane could soon end up playing for the red side of the town as rivals Man United have made an enquiry.Incoming boss Ruben Amorim is already drawing up a list of targets to boost his squad.And Sane is strongly appreciated by the Portuguese tactician, as well as United’s transfer hierarchy of sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the Red Devils aren’t the only English side interested in Sane.Arsenal are also fans of the German winger and could look to enter negotiations next year.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City United are also interested in Leon GoretzkaCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has made plenty of experienced signings during his time at the Emirates and Sane would give him options on both flanks, as well as through the middle.However, both United and Arsenal could be left empty-handed as Sane is reportedly keen to stay at Bayern and will not make a decision on his future while the prospect of staying remains on the table.Sky Germany claims United are also interested in Sane’s Bayern team-mate Leon Goretzka.Amorim is said to want a central midfielder in the role of a modern number eight this winter.Goretzka, 29, is in his seventh season with Bayern and has won five titles, plus a Champions League, in 229 outings.Like Sane, he has also fallen down the pecking order and could be open to an exit.United are also though to be looking for an “affordable” striker, with £35million summer signing Joshua Zirkzee so far failing to impress. More