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    How Man Utd could line-up under Antonio Conte including snatching Marcos Alonso from Chelsea and Barella from Inter

    ANTONIO Conte is the bookies favourite to replace under pressure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United. And SunSport has explored how the Red Devils could line-up if the 52-year-old former Chelsea boss is appointed at Old Trafford.
    How United could line-up under Conte
    SunSport exclusively revealed a leading agent has been instructed to contact some of the biggest names in the game, with Brendan Rodgers, Zinedine Zidane and Erik Ten Hag shortlisted – alongside Conte.
    Italian Conte is famed for his three-at-the-back formation, and would likely employ either a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3.
    He led Inter to the Serie A title last season under a 3-5-2, and could bring some of the players he coached at San Siro to Old Trafford.
    United are reeling after being thumped 5-0 by Liverpool at the weekend meaning reinforcements in January could be on the cards.
    And with midfield pair Fred and Scott McTominay the subject of criticism, it could be the middle of the park that Conte overhauls first.
    Nicolo Barella is one of the brightest stars in Italian football and has been linked with a move to Old Trafford regardless of who is in charge.

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    Barella, 24, played a starring role in Inter’s first Serie A triumph sine 2010 last campaign, and also helped Italy to Euro 2020 glory.
    Inter teammate Marcelo Brozovic could complete the midfield rebuild, with the 28-year-old Croatian international out of contract at San Siro at the end of the season.
    It means United could opt to sign him for a cut price deal in January, or snap him up on a free in the summer.
    Conte could also sensationally reunite with Chelsea wing-back Marcos Alonso.
    Alonso is enjoying a new lease of life at Stamford Bridge, helping the Blues to the top of the Premier League.
    He also fits Conte’s wing-back system and the 26-year-old was a key feature of Conte’s team that won the title in 2017.
    Conte he could also bring Matteo Darmian back to Old Trafford – another player who fits his wing-back system.
    The 31-year-old has experience playing both for United and under Conte and could be a shrewd addition.

    Three-at-the-back would mean potentially signing another centre-back – and highly rated Slovakian centre-back Milan Skriniar could be the man for the job.
    The 26-year-old Inter defender is out of contract in 2023, meaning the Nerazzuri face losing him on a free transfer if he is not sold next summer.
    Finally Conte’s system includes two strikers.
    Lautaro Martinez could be the man to partner Cristiano Ronaldo up front in a deadly strike force.
    The 23-year-old Argentinian was linked with a £60million move away from Inter in the summer.
    Earlier this month it was reported he would sign a new contract at Inter ‘within days’ but no announcement has been made, meaning talks could have stalled.
    An alternative United XI under Conte
    Alternatively United could line-up in a 3-4-3 formation under Conte and employ wingers.
    Both Ousmane Dembele and Federico Chiesa have been linked with the club, and would form a formidable front three either side of Ronaldo.
    The Red Devils could also turn their attention back to Kieran Trippier, who was heavily linked with a move in the summer.
    Youri Tielemans is also at the centre of ongoing speculation.
    The 24-year-old is out of contract in 2023 and is believed to have turned down a new contract at the King Power, putting clubs on red alert.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Man Utd draw up four-man shortlist to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer including ex-Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers More

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    Man Utd ‘to pursue triple transfer swoop of Chiesa, Barella and Trippier next summer regardless who is manager’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly targeting THREE transfers for next summer… regardless of who their manager will be at the time.Spanish website Fichajes claims Old Trafford chiefs have identified Juventus forward Federico Chiesa, Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier as three players who can take United back to the top.
    Federico Chiesa is one of three players on Man Utd’s summer shopping listCredit: Rex
    The Red Devils also want Nicola Barella, regardless of who their manager will beCredit: Getty
    Current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to remain in charge for this weekend’s crunch clash against Tottenham.
    But SunSport understands four managers have been contacted by United’s board, including Antonio Conte and Brendan Rodgers.
    Yet Fichajes claims no matter who is in the hot seat next year, United already have their summer wishlist drawn up.
    Chiesa, 23, has established himself as one of Europe’s finest attacking wingers.
    And his displays in Italy’s victorious Euro 2020 campaign earned Chiesa even more fans across the continent.
    Meanwhile, Barella, 24, played a key role in Inter Milan’s Serie A title win last season.

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    He knows Conte well from their time together at the San Siro, and Barella would become United’s new engine in midfield should he make the move to England.
    Finally, Trippier, 31, was a major target for United in the last transfer window.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    United remain keen on bringing Kieran Trippier back to EnglandCredit: AP
    However, Atletico did not want to sell after they won LaLiga with the England ace playing at right-back.
    Yet with Diego Simeone now going with attacking wing-backs in a new five-defender system, Trippier could finally be allowed to move on.
    And with a new manager potentially on board by that point, United could be a force to be reckoned with next season.
    What was Cristiano Ronaldo mocking after Salah goal at Man Utd? More

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    ‘I’m not on the pitch’ – Sub Jesse Lingard responds to irate Man Utd fans during Liverpool humiliation

    JESSE LINGARD attempted to appease angry Man United fans during his side’s humiliating 5-0 home loss to Liverpool.The Red Devils forward was warming up near the corner flag when he came in for abuse from a section of peeved supporters at Old Trafford.
    Jesse Lingard was on receiving end of abuse from some Man United fansCredit: Getty
    Lingard, 28, was an unused substitute during the clash between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men and Jurgen Klopp’s side.  
    Footage shared on Twitter shows the England and United ace responding to shouts and chants from some supporters by stating: “I’m not on the pitch”.
    SportBible reports that the video was apparently filmed in the first half with United 4-0 down by half-time in a Prem game for the first time in the club’s history.
    And scores of home supporters were filmed leaving Old Trafford during the break.
    Man United, who were looking to pick up their first win in three top-flight games had come into the match buoyed by their thrilling fight back against Atalanta in the Champions League.
    SunSport revealed club talisman Cristiano Ronaldo had reportedly given his team-mates the hairdryer treatment in a bid to inspire them to victory in that encounter.

    But any hopes of the team repeating their Champions League heroics in this match were blown away by Klopp’s stars’ ruthlessness in front of goal.
    Naby Keita opened the scoring for the Anfield side in the fifth minute before Diogo Jota doubled the visitors’ lead within the games’ first quarter.
    And Mo Salah, who has scored in ten consecutive games, notched up two goals before half-time.
    The second spell saw Solskjaer attempt to turn things by making his first substitution.
    Lingard’s team-mate Paul Pogba was sent off for a second-half two-footed challenge on Naby KeitaCredit: Getty
    And the Red Devils boss brought on Paul Pogba, who was seen warming up next to Lingard earlier on.
    But the France ace ended up being sent off in the 60th minute following a two-footed lunge on Naby Keita which saw the Reds star stretchered off.
    And Pogba’s red card means the midfielder will miss United’s duel with Man City on Saturday.
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    Solskjaer says he’s hit rock bottom after Liverpool 5-0 loss More

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    Man Utd boss Solskjaer ‘would be sacked before the game finishes’ if he drops Cristiano Ronaldo, says Agbonlahor

    GABBY AGBONLAHOR joked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could face the chop should he start Edinson Cavani ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo against Liverpool.The former Aston Villa frontman was speaking on talkSPORT before Man United’s clash with their title-chasing rivals later.
    Gabby Agbonlahor believes there is ‘no chance’ of Ronaldo not starting against LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    And it could see Ronaldo or Cavani go up against Liverpool’s defensive duo of Virgil van Dyke and Joel Matip.
    When asked if he wanted to see Cavani in United’s starting 11 Agbonlahor, 35, told talkSPORT’s Hugh Woozencraft: “Where are you going to play him (Cavani) and where’s Ronaldo?
    “They will sack Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) before the game is finished if he doesn’t start Ronaldo.
    “I agree though, I would play Cavani but there is no chance Ronaldo is not starting.”
    Ronaldo, 36, was instrumental in United’s Champions League group stage turnaround against Atalanta last time out.
    The former Real Madrid and Juve ace inspired the team’s fightback from a 2-0 deficit to a dramatic 3-2 win
    The Portugal skipper bagged the winning goal in addition to reportedly giving his team-mates the hairdryer treatment during half-time in that game.
    This month SunSport exclusively revealed the Portugal skipper had reportedly told Old Trafford boss Solskjaer he is ‘fit to start every single game’

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    And a club source says the all-time top scorer in the men’s international game wants to play as many Prem matches as possible.
    The official told SunSport: “Ronaldo was extremely disappointed for being benched (against Everton)
    “Ole presumed that he was tired after the Villarreal game, so he decided to only put him on early in the second half.
    “But Cristiano told him that he will tell him when he isn’t fit to play and that he wants to play in every single league game.
    “He also told him that he has come here to win trophies and that United need to play their most important players in all of the games.”
    Solskjaer and his side will be targeting a win against Liverpool after dropping points against Everton and Leicester CityCredit: AP
    United, who have dropped to seventh after a draw with Everton and shock 4-2 loss to Leicester, will be eager to return to winning ways in the Prem.
    And they are currently eight points behind league leaders Chelsea who crushed Norwich 7-0 on Saturday.
    A win against Liverpool would see them leapfrog Brighton and leave them five points behind Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead of their trip to Tottenham next.
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    Cristiano Ronaldo makes Fred’s son’s day by stopping for picture with him More

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    Raphinha urged to make Liverpool transfer ahead of Man Utd by Rivaldo who says Leeds star destined for ‘bigger club’

    BRAZILIAN legend Rivaldo believes compatriot Raphinha has the ability to play for a ‘bigger club’ than Leeds.The 24-year-old arrived at Elland Road from Rennes last year for a fee in the region of £17million.
    Raphinha was superb for Leeds during his first season at the clubCredit: PA
    Rivaldo believes Raphinha can move to a bigger club than LeedsCredit: Getty
    And he was superb during his first campaign under Marcelo Bielsa, netting eight times and assisting 11 in 38 appearances.
    He has already scored three goals in seven Premier League games this season, picking up where he left off before the summer despite Leeds’ dip in form.
    The playmaker also netted his first international goals for Brazil earlier this month, scoring twice against Uruguay in a 4-1 victory.
    But Rivaldo, who played for some of the biggest clubs in the world such as Barcelona and AC Milan, feels Raphinha should now be looking towards bigger and better things at club level.
    Speaking to Betfair, he said: “Raphinha performed well on his debut for Brazil, but he was already shining in the Premier League with Leeds United and there are rumours of interest from Liverpool.
    “If he were to make the move, he may not be a regular starter, but I’m sure it would be a big step in his career since it would allow him to compete for titles and play in the Champions League, which could be crucial for more call ups into the Brazilian national team.

    “He has the quality to player for a bigger club.
    “He is playing excellent football and a player always wants more and stronger challenges, so he would benefit from a transfer.”
    Leeds have struggled for results at the start of their 2021-22 campaign, winning just one of their first eight Prem games.
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    Bielsa’s men currently sit 17th in the table ahead of their home match against Wolves on Saturday.
    If Raphinha is to leave imminently, Leeds have been linked with Chelsea man Ross Barkley as a potential replacement.
    The former Everton midfielder has also reportedly attracted interest from Newcastle and Burnley. More

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    Leicester star Wesley Fofana ‘priority transfer target’ for Man Utd with Red Devils ‘very hot’ on trail of defender

    MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly have set their sights on signing Leicester centre-back Wesley Fofana.The Red Devils finally found a high-level partner for captain Harry Maguire in the summer when they brought Raphael Varane to Old Trafford.
    Leicester star Wesley Fofana, 20, is one of the most promising defenders in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    But after their two starting centre halves there remains concern about United’s back-up options.
    Victor Lindelof came in for the injured Varane last weekend as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were thumped 4-2 by Leicester.
    Eric Bailly continues to pick up injuries and has struggled to find any sort of consistent form in recent years.
    And, while ex-England international Phil Jones is now returning to fitness, he has not played for the club since early 2020.
    According to French website But! Football Club, the Red Devils have identified 21-year-old Fofana as someone who would significantly improve their squad.
    In a bid to move swiftly to acquire the Foxes defender – who joined for £36.5million last year – it has been reported United could make an offer as early as January.

    Fofana played a key part in Leicester’s FA Cup-winning side last season, making 38 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ outfit.
    But he then suffered a huge setback during the summer, breaking his leg in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal.
    Immediately after the injury, Fofana captioned a photo from hospital saying: “Hello guys, many thanks for all your messages.
    “It is a bad day today but I am in a tremendous club with a wonderful medical team.
    “I will give you news as soon as I have a final diagnosis but we already know that I have a fibula fracture.

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    “I will come soon and stronger: do not worry.”
    Leicester have struggled without Fofana at the start of the campaign, currently sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League title after eight games.
    But they have begun to recover from a flat opening couple of months with wins over Man Utd in the Prem and Spartak Moscow in the Europa League. More

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    Jesse Lingard’s agents ‘attend Newcastle vs Tottenham’ as his ‘JLingz’ Instagram account hints at transfer from Man Utd

    JESSE LINGARD’S agents reportedly attended Newcastle’s game against Tottenham as his Instagram appeared to hint at a possible transfer from Manchester United.Sky Sports claim the England midfielder’s representatives were present at St James’ Park on Sunday for Newcastle’s first game since their £300million Saudi takeover.
    Jesse Lingard’s representatives attended Newcastle’s game against Spurs – posting this picture to Instagram
    Man Utd misfit Lingard has been tipped for a transfer this winterCredit: Getty
    A picture posted on Instagram Stories via Lingard’s ‘JLingz’ account showed Newcastle’s pitch shortly before their 3-2 defeat to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
    And it’s reckoned Lingard’s representatives were in attendance to ‘keep an eye’ on proceedings.
    Sky’s Pete Graves tweeted: “Interesting to see this pop up on Jesse Lingard’s ‘jlingz’ account on Instagram.
    “I understand Lingard’s representatives were at St James’ Park yesterday keeping an eye on developments at NUFC.”
    Lingard, 28, has made just four Premier League appearances since returning from last season’s loan spell at West Ham.
    He is out of contract next summer.

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    And numerous clubs are reportedly lining up to sign Lingard in January, including Barcelona and AC Milan.
    However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains keen to sign the ace up to a new long-term deal.
    Speaking ahead of United’s 4-2 defeat to Leicester on Saturday, the Norwegian boss said: “We want to prolong Lingard’s contract because we see him as an important player for us.
    “It’s up to him – and maybe up to me – to give him more playing time because he deserves to.
    “Hopefully we can get a deal sorted because we really rate him.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Jesse Lingard hints at Man Utd transfer exit as attacker says he wants ‘regular football’ to seal England World Cup spot More

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    Man Utd transfer boost with Jules Kounde ‘telling agent to hold talks with club’ amid Chelsea interest in Sevilla star

    CHELSEA target Jules Kounde has asked his representative to negotiate a deal with Manchester United, according to reports.The Sevilla defender, 22, was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but stayed with the LaLiga giants after the clubs failed to agree a fee.
    France star Jules Kounde wants to hold talks with Man UtdCredit: Rex
    However, El Nacional claim that the France star is telling his agent to hold talks with the Red Devils, even though Real Madrid are competing for his signature.
    The story says that Kounde does not trust Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti to give him the game time he craves, so he would favour a move to Old Trafford.
    United are said to be ‘crazy’ about the opportunity to sign Kounde, but Sevilla want as much as £75million for the centre back.
    Kounde recently starred for France as they won the Nations League by beating Spain.
    While he has appeared eight times for Sevilla this season and was an integral part of their Europa League winning side in 2020.
    Kounde moved to Sevilla in 2019 from Bordeaux for £20million and has been a revelation – appearing 96 times for the club.

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    Last summer, the Spanish giants and Chelsea were locked in talks over a deal for Kounde but couldn’t find a resolution.
    “We all know the summer has been hectic, I wouldn’t say complicated. But that’s the past now,” he said in a press conference after the failed move.
    “I am focused on the team. The most important performance is on the pitch.
    “The team needs me and I need the team too to give my best and that’s what I’m trying to do.
    “So far I’m happy with the results of the team and my personal performances, although I can still improve and have a better season than the previous one.”
    Sevilla willing to sell sevilla defender Jules Kounde to Chelsea ahead of Man Utd More