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      Antony leaves Fenerbahce stadium on crutches after Man Utd star carried off on stretcher in Europa League clash

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      ANTONY left Fenerbahce’s stadium on crutches following Manchester United’s Europa League draw.The Brazilian initially came off the bench on 73 minutes with the game level at 1-1. Antony left Fenerbahce’s stadium on crutchesAntony was stretchered off the pitchCredit: GettyBut Antony was forced off himself just before the final whistle after going down with what looked to be a calf injury. The winger was stretchered off by the physio team and was later pictured leaving the ground on crutches. Antony has struggled for form this season with just five appearances and one goal to his name. Christian Eriksen opened the scoring in Turkey before Youssef En-Nesyri levelled five minutes after the break.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt means United have drawn all three of their Europa League matches. And under-fire manager Erik ten Hag spoke out following Antony’s unfortunate injury. He said: “It’s really unlucky for him. I feel real compassion for him, when he worked so hard in training.”His training performances are that good that he deserved to come on. When you have to come off so quickly, that is really sad to see.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Hopefully, it’s not too bad, we have to wait 24 hours for what the assessment is.”The forward is now set for medical checks ahead of United’s trip to West Ham on Sunday.Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!”Moment Man United fans attacked hours before match in IstanbulThe match would finish 1-1 in Turkey as the Red Devils slumped to 21st in the Europa League table.It also meant they haven’t tasted a European win for TWELVE MONTHS.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

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      Sofyan Amrabat opens up on Man Utd exit and says ‘you’ll have to ask Mr Wilcox’ before adding ‘I hope they lose’

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      SOFYAN AMRABAT has revealed that Erik ten Hag wanted to keep him at Manchester United – but the Old Trafford hierarchy had other ideas.The midfielder also sent a cryptic message to club chief Jason Wilcox ahead of United’s visit to Fenerbahce in the Europa League tonight.Fenerbahce loanee Sofyan Amrabat has opened up on his Manchester United exitThe Morocco international revealed that Erik ten Hag wanted to activate his loan dealAmrabat spent last season on loan at Old Trafford from Fiorentina and racked up 30 appearances across all competitions. He impressed towards the end of the campaign, producing an excellent performance in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.But that was the last time he would wear the United shirt.On his exit, he told The Mail: “I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday. I hope they lose.”The Morocco international was then asked if he’d like to share anything else about his departure.To which he cryptically responded: “The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr Wilcox.”Wilcox, 53, is the technical director at Carrington who has overall responsibility for “football performance, recruitment and operations”.Most read in FootballAmrabat cryptically directed the blame for his failed moved towards Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTen Hag wanted to activate the option to permanently buy Amrabat for £21m but the United echelons thought otherwise, opting to go for Manuel Ugarte from PSG for £51m instead.Despite a strong performance in the FA Cup final, ongoing injuries meant that he did not start a single Prem game between Christmas and the end of April.Sofyan Amrabat looks shocked after receiving gift off young Man Utd fan in ‘beautiful’ momentAmrabat expressed his desire to join United on a permanent basis after falling in love with the city and the club in an otherwise difficult season.In fact, Amrabat reportedly refused to train with his Fiorentina teammates in a bid to try and force through a return to M16.United mulled over the prospect of re-signing the 28-year-old but a deal failed to materialise.He joined Fenerbahce on loan in August and is set to feature in Thursday’s Europa League tie against his former side.Amrabat will join another Old Trafford outcast in Fred, under former United boss Jose Mourinho, who lifted the Europa League with the Prem giants in 2017.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) £12.8mFred revealed that he was also emotional when United sold him to Fenerbahce for £13m last summer.He told The Mail: “It was tough because we had adapted to life in Manchester and my wife was pregnant. But football is like this and Fenerbahce supported me a lot.”When the Europa League draw pitted Fenerbahce – who beat United 2-1 in their last encounter eight years ago when Mourinho was manager – against the Reds, Fred was straight on WhatsApp to his former team-mates.He revealed: “I messaged Bruno Fernandes saying ‘We will kill you’ and he responded that ‘No, we will kill you’.”But then my friend got a red card against Porto so he won’t play with us.” He admits there is still a tinge of sadness seeing United struggle.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “They are not in the best moment but I support them.”I’m upset when they don’t get good results or don’t play well but against us, it’s different. On Thursday, they can’t play well.”Fred spent five seasons at United after signing for £50m under Jose MourinhoMan Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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      Man Utd blow as Mason Mount suffers yet another injury setback with TEN players out of Fenerbahce clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a blow as Mason Mount has had another injury setback.The midfielder has struggled for consistent fitness since his arrival from Chelsea in 2023.Mason Mount has suffered an injury setbackCredit: GettyErik ten Hag has put his faith in his remaining playersCredit: GettyMount, 25, has only featured in five games in all competitions this season and has failed to score or assist a single goal.He was last in the Premier League squad in September for the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.However, he has since been out with an injury, his second of the season having had a hamstring problem.Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has now confirmed that Mount will not be back when expected.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “I think a bit longer [to wait for Mount], that’s what we expected.”I think he will be back soon.”Mount joins nine other players who are absent for the Europa League clash against Fenerbahce.Defenders Jonny Evans, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw are all out of the match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKobbie Mainoo, Dan Gore, and Toby Collyer will also miss out.Captain Bruno Fernandes is also unavailable for Ten Hag as he is suspended from the match after picking up two yellow cards against Porto.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedMan United squad to face FenerbahceHere is the Red Devils’ 20-man squad to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League…Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Andre Onana.Defenders: Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Habeeb Ogunneye. Midfielders: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Manuel Ugarte.Forwards: Amad, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Ethan Wheatley, Joshua Zirkzee.However, the under-fire Dutchman remains optimistic about getting a good result.Ten Hag has insisted that the fit members of the squad are “capable” of getting a result.He added: “The players who are available have to do the job and they are capable of doing the job.”I think we have enough players in the team that are so experienced. Our team is so experienced.”We’ve faced such situations more often.”I think we’re looking forward, I think it will be a great ambience that’s fuel for the team and it’s a real challenge, it’s a motivation, it’s really good for us.”Man United’s missing starsHere are the ten players out of the game against Fenerbahce…Mason Mount – MidfielderKobbie Mainoo – Midfielder Toby Collyer – MidfielderBruno Fernandes – MidfielderDan Gore – MidfielderLuke Shaw – DefenderHarry Maguire – DefenderLeny Yoro – DefenderJonny Evans – DefenderTyrell Malacia – Defender More

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      Maya Le Tissier targets England squad spot ahead of Euros after ‘bittersweet’ World Cup experience

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      MAYA LE TISSIER has both bittersweet and happy memories of being on standby for Lionesses duty at last year’s World Cup in Australia. Now the WSL’s youngest centurion is determined to nail down an England squad spot at next year’s Euros. Maya Le Tissier hopes to feature for England when they play Germany in a friendly fixture on FridayCredit: GettyThe Lionesses’ duels with Germany and South Africa this month are part of their preparations for next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandCredit: GettyLe Tissier, who is Man United’s captain, has been capped four times to dateCredit: GettyA standout debut season at Manchester United, after a July 2022 move, resulted in Le Tissier joining Aston Villa’s Lucy Staniforth and Man City’s Jess Park on Sarina Wiegman’s standby list. The versatile defender, who joined from Brighton, helped United finish second in the league. While the WSL ace was not part of the 23-strong group that reached the World Cup final won by Spain, she played her part off the pitch helping team-mates prepare for the contest. Le Tissier, who has four caps, recalls: “When Sarina gave me the call to say I was on standby, it didn’t feel like it then but it was still a great achievement. Read More Football Stories”It was definitely difficult to take. It was bittersweet.”I loved Australia and being around the girls. They made it feel like I was part of the team. “I didn’t know what the vibe was going to be like to be there on standby, ready to go if someone got injured. “You don’t want anyone to get injured but you want to be at the World Cup, so it was really difficult. Most read in Football”Helping the girls prepare for a great tournament, I was really happy to play my part. “Hopefully next time I can play an even bigger part.”The next tournament opportunity for Le Tissier could come next July when England battle to retain their Euros crown following their 2022 triumph.Since their historic July 31 win against Germany, who they play on Friday at Wembley, Le Tissier’s career has gone from strength to strength. “I’ve been close but not in there so I would really like to cement my spot. That comes with performancesMaya Le TissierThe talented Guernsey-born defender, who was in the stands at the stadium watching Ella Toone score for the Lionesses that day, is now Man United’s captain. This follows establishing herself as a first-team regular and playing in all of the Red Devils’ top-flight games since joining the club. Le Tissier adds: “When Tooney scored that goal, I was like, ‘she’s going to be my team-mate!’”Toone always comes up in the big moments, you can always trust her. I was watching from the stands. It was really special.”Back in December 2018 Le Tissier made her Women’s Super League debut playing for Brighton against Chelsea. Back then the team were managed by former England boss Hope Powell. Last Saturday Le Tissier made her 100th WSL appearance when Marc Skinner’s United drew 1-1 with the Seagulls at the Amex. A result that left United third in the table before the international break and her old side sat fourth. Le Tissier said: “I actually didn’t even know that until after the game and then I saw a photo of me in a Brighton shirt and me in a United shirt. “I thought ‘that’s so weird that I’ve come back to the Amex and made my 100th appearance. “I feel very grateful to the coaches, to Hope (Powell), to Marc (Skinner). “They put their trust in me even when I was a kid and probably making too many mistakes. “But they trusted me to play in that position and to help the team. “I loved my time at Brighton and I love my time at United, it’s been really good for me so far. “There’s still a lot more I can bring and a lot more games for me to become a better player.”Having become a WSL centurion Le Tissier would love to do the same in an England shirt. The player who made her senior England debut in a friendly draw with Norway two years ago, last featured for the team in a Euros qualifier defeat of the Republic of Ireland in July.She hopes to get the chance to be part of the Lionesses squad battling for Euros glory in Switzerland next summer. Le Tissier adds: “Playing in a major tournament with England – that’s what we all dream of. “I’ve been so close, but still so far away and I definitely need to improve my game. “I will do everything I can this season to put myself there. Le Tissier hopes to experience playing in a major international tournament with some of her England team-mates who also play for Man UnitedCredit: Getty”It would be super special, especially if some of the United girls hopefully have a good season and get picked for England. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been close but not in there so I would really like to cement my spot. That comes with performances.”I’ve played a lot of games now, so I don’t think there’s even a question about experience. I can definitely bring that.” More

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      Forgotten Man Utd academy star returns to first-team training after 21 YEARS at the age of 36 following 600-game career

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      A FORGOTTEN Manchester United academy ace has returned to train with the club 21 YEARS after he left.The 36-year-old never turned out for the Red Devils’ first-team as he was deemed too small.Tommy Rowe has been spotted in training with Manchester UnitedCredit: X – MUFCHe has featured in the Premier League 2 for the clubCredit: GettyTommy Rowe left Old Trafford in 2003 after one year in the academy as he joined Stockport County.The winger went on to enjoy a successful career in the English Football League.He made 601 appearances for seven different clubs, including Peterborough United and Doncaster Rovers.His best season came in 2016/17, as he netted 13 times for Doncaster in League Two.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRowe has now become the latest former Man United player to link up with the Under-21s.However, has now been pictured training with the first-team squad.He followed in the footsteps of Tom Huddlestone and Paul McShane, who also held player-coach roles, but has gone one further by joining Erik ten Hag’s squad for a session.Huddlestone made 24 appearances for the U21s before he left the club in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe club completed the deal to bring in the former academy player back in September.Rowe has already made six appearances for the U21s in the Premier League 2 as well as one in the EFL Trophy.Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man UtdRowe is in a similar role to Tom HuddlestoneCredit: GettyDuring his career, he reached the championship but played up and down the English leagues.Rowe enjoyed play-off success from League Two with Stockport as well as League One play-off and Football League trophy victories with the Posh.He has insisted that he is keen to remain in the sport for the next five decades.He told the Yorkshire Post in 2023: “I am asked questions about how long my career is and it is never defined. It’s how I see it tomorrow.”It would destroy me if someone said I came into training and didn’t care. That would be when I ended my career.”Because I know until this point that I have done all I can do to put things right.”Whatever success is to everyone else is probably not the same version that I see for myself.”I have aspirations of being in football for the next forty or fifty years.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I can’t actually stop playing football as football has an ongoing appeal and will stay in my mind forever.”I don’t even think about retirement at any point. I just keep going. I have got that clear in mind.” More

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      Three ways Man Utd could line up under Xavi as he finally brings Barcelona star Ten Hag was desperate to sign

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could finally land a star Erik ten Hag has been desperate to sign for three seasons if they appoint Xavi.Despite the club backing under-pressure manager Ten Hag, reports have emerged suggesting the Red Devils have lined up Xavi as a potential replacement.Xavi has reportedly been tipped as a target by Man Utd chiefsCredit: GettyThey could move for the former Barcelona boss if they sack Erik ten HagCredit: GettyAnd it may result in Man Utd finally landing Frenkie de Jong, three years after Ten Hag originally wanted himCredit: GettyThe legendary Spaniard is out of work after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.And according to reports, United chiefs have identified the 44-year-old as a possible option if the Dutchman is sacked.It’s claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months, with CEO Omar Berrada in Barcelona last Thursday as part of a four-person delegation.In the event Xavi is hired, it begs the question; how might United line up?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLXavi’s team typically lines up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the La Masia graduate championing the “Four P’s” – positioning, possession, pressure and perception.In terms of line-ups, Xavi would not be likely to go searching for a new goalkeeper, given how well Andre Onana suits his style of wanting to play out from the back.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both extremely capable right-backs who could feature in a Xavi team due to their technical prowess, though the former’s ability to tuck into midfield could make the difference on who is given the nod.Lisandro Martinez is another star who suits Xavi’s system, though there could be a toss up on who starts as the right centre-back.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMatthijs de Ligt has looked lightweight at times for United, which could prompt Xavi to ask the club to sign a new defender in the form of Ronald Araujo.This being said, like Martinez, the Uruguayan is an aggressor centre-back, while the Argentine has played his best stuff alongside a covering partner in Raphael Varane.Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester UnitedThat may instead mean Xavi turns to teen prodigy Leny Yoro, who is back in training after suffering an injury in pre-season.United have left-back options who are good when fit, however, both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw have been absent for some time, leaving Dalot as the main defender to fill in there.If either Malacia or Shaw cannot be relied on to play, Xavi may try a raid on his old club by signing 21-year-old Alejandro Balde.Moving into midfield, Xavi may finally be able to land the midfielder who was Ten Hag’s No1 target in his first summer at the club, Frenkie de Jong.However, while the manager of Barcelona, Xavi had a number of midfield targets which he may switch over to his Old Trafford moving in shopping list. He is said to “love” Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who is a transfer target for Arsenal, while Arthur Vermeeren was also linked to Barcelona during Xavi’s tenure.Xavi Simons was targeted by Xavi while at BarcelonaCredit: ReutersXavi reportedly ‘loves’ defensive midfielder Martin ZubimendiCredit: RexAlternatively, and echoing reports suggesting the Red Devils want to bring him back, Angel Gomes could also be a welcome addition in midfield.United academy star Kobbie Mainoo is likely to remain in the team – given not just his importance and quality but also because Xavi is more than happy to give a large volume of minutes to youngsters.Further forward, Xavi may see fit to try and ease out club captain Bruno Fernandes by bringing in Xavi Simons – targeted by him in Spain and by United transfer chiefs.Xavi is known to be a big fan of Marcus Rashford, meaning his spot in the team is likely secure. Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo are other exciting prospects.But should Xavi tell transfer bosses he is desperate for some new additions, he may ask them to sign Barca target Nico Williams. The Euro 2024 winner refused to move to the Blaugrana from Athletic Bilbao last summer as he wanted to stay for another season.READ MORE SUN STORIESXavi may even look to some of his old favourites at Barcelona, with former Leeds star Raphinha and ex-Man City star Ferran Torres among his most used stars at the Camp Nou with 113 and 100 appearances respectively.Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may also be a consideration, but he would likely be less available than the other options mentioned.Xavi could look to pip his former club to the signing of Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyWhile signing a technical star like Angel Gomes could align with both Xavi’s style and Man Utd’s transfer needsCredit: RexNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Man Utd ‘set to appoint former EFL boss and academy product, 48, to surprise role’ in major backroom rethink

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      MANCHESTER UNITED look geared up to bring old boy Michael Appleton into their new-look backroom staff.The 48-year-old has been linked with a return to his childhood club after he was sacked by League One side Charlton in January.Manchester United look ready to bring Michael Appleton into their backroom staffErik ten Hag has already added Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to his staffNow Old Trafford’s sporting supremo Dan Ashworth is poised to appoint him to the transfer team with responsibility for loans.Former Tranmere physio and manager Les Parry holds the position but he is set to be replaced, according to The Mail.Appleton was spotted sitting alongside Ashworth and Old Trafford technical director Jason Wilcox at the start of October.The trio watched the Under-21s fight out a 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Premier League International Cup in Salford three weeks ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAppleton’s appearance has re-ignited talk that he could be appointed in the near future to oversee United’s young players who go out on loan to other clubs.The Mail initially reported that Appleton wouldn’t take the job last month, but it appears the lifelong United fan could make a stunning U-turn.Appleton was appointed as Charlton gaffer last September, eight months after being sacked by Blackpool. However, he didn’t last very long at The Valley as he was shown the exit door in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 48-year-old has also previously taken charge of Portsmouth, Preston, Blackburn, Oxford and Lincoln.Appleton worked with Ashworth at West Brom and is among his proteges.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noHe was given a chance to come through as a coach at the Hawthorns under his mentor and they have a very close relationship.It would be his first administrative job but he has a good knowledge of United’s rising stars and the right contacts to find them homes.Appleton joined the Red Devils as a teenager and earned his first professional contract in 1994 after impressing academy coaches.He was loaned to Wimbledon and Lincoln the following season to get first-team experience and eventually returned to Old Trafford in 1996 to make his senior debut.After playing just 90 minutes in total for Man Utd, Appleton moved to Preston North End in 1997.He then joined West Brom, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring in 2003 after losing his two-year battle with the injury. Michael Appleton spent three years in the United set up More

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      ‘I nearly joined Man Utd after Sir Alex Ferguson charmed me but I don’t regret it… then I ended my career at Barnet’

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      EDGAR DAVIDS revealed he almost joined Manchester United after meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson in 1996.Davids, 51, enjoyed tremendous success playing for the likes of Ajax, where he won the Champions League and the Eredivisie, as well as Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles.Edgar Davids revealed he almost joined Manchester United in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdDavids held talks with Man Utd’s legendary boss Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyDavids turned Man Utd down to play for AC Milan as that was where the ‘big boys’ playedCredit: Allsport – GettyHowever, the former midfielder’s career could have looked a lot different if he accepted Ferguson’s offer to join him at United just three years before the legendary Treble triumph.The Dutchman revealed he had a “charming” conversation with Sir Alex but opted for AC Milan as that was there the “big boys” played back in the day.And the Netherlands great insists he has no regrets despite United’s tremendous success under Fergie until 2013.Davids told BetMGM: “When I left Ajax in 1996 there was a good chance of me going to Manchester United.Read More on Football“I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson and it was one of the most unbelievable experiences I had in my whole career. He was funny, charming, intelligent — basically everything you wanted.“The big boys were in Serie A and that’s where I wanted to go at that time of my career. That was the main reason why I chose to go to AC Milan.“I don’t regret not going to Manchester United. I’ve seen Sir Alex since and we had a good laugh about it all and there are still the same good feelings between us.”Davids did ultimately make the move to England nine years later as he played for Tottenham until 2007 before a short stint with Crystal Palace in 2010.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-Barcelona star then turned into an EFL cult hero two years later as he took over as player-manager at Barnet in League Two, where he amassed 38 appearances until his retirement in 2014.Davids is now pursuing a career in management and currently works as Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman’s assistant.Steven Bergwijn gives a finishing masterclass with Edgar Davids in Netherlands training The ex-Inter Milan star revealed he cut his teeth learning under current United boss Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of Utrecht.The Juventus legend insists Ten Hag is a remarkable manager and hinted that the Red Devils’ troubles are caused by a lack of firepower up front.Davids added: “I know him [Ten Hag] very well. I did an internship at FC Utrecht and he was there. “He was very innovative with lots of different things and I was very impressed. He’s very focused and passionate about football.“We all know it hasn’t gone great at Manchester United. They are a club trying to rebuild and that’s never easy — but I do look at their options up front and think there’s not a prolific goalscorer there which makes such a difference.“For me, that’s what they are really missing. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are good, young strikers and have talent but they don’t have that experience yet.“It’s so hard to say if he’s going to stay but the one thing you do know is, just like Real Madrid, results are what you are judged on and they clearly haven’t been nearly good enough while he’s been in charge.”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) £12.8mDavids ended a successful career at Barnet in League TwoCredit: Getty Images – GettyDavids is now pursuing a career as manager and currently works as assistant boss for the Netherlands’ national teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More