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    England star Jadon Sancho lauded by pundits for Ukraine performance leaving Man Utd fans in dreamland

    ENGLAND star Jadon Sancho was praised by BBC pundits after an impressive first half display against Ukraine.The incoming Manchester United signing has left his new fans very excited after making his first start of Euro 2020.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Jadon Sancho put in an impressive performance against Ukraine at Euro 2020Credit: EPA
    The BBC’s pundits praised the 21-year-old’s performance at half-timeCredit: PA:Press Association

    The Red Devils have agreed a £73million fee with the 21-year-old’s current employers Borussia Dortmund, with the player set to receive £350,000-a-week.
    During the half-time break, Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said: “He’s a player that obviously a lot of people at home wouldn’t have seen too frequently because he’s been playing at Dortmund.
    “But I think it’s quite clear to see Manchester United have got something special.”
    And ex-United captain Rio Ferdinand responded: “Yes, they have.
    “This isn’t a surprise, this isn’t something that I would just think, ‘This is what he does, is it?’
    “This is what German fans have been seeing for three years in the Bundesliga.

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    Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo
    “He dances past these guys like he’s on the dancefloor, moves and they don’t know where they are.
    “He’s got that; he mesmerises defenders; he’s got a confidence and balance that is very rarely seen.
    “And once he gets up to speed, this kid, he’s unplayable – and at the end of that, normally, there’s a pass and a weighted pass and decision making that goes beyond his years.”
    Speaking to the press after the match, Sancho said: “I’m feeling over the moon.
    “Today was must-win and I’m just happy to have got an opportunity to play. This is a special moment for me.
    “Every time I haven’t been playing I’ve been going back to training and been giving it everything.

    “I’ve just been focusing on myself while I’ve been at England. I’ve always been ready if I needed to come on.
    “We knew today was going to be a big game, Ukraine are a very good side. I’m delighted.
    “To be fair, I don’t want to talk about Manchester United. Right now I just want to focus on England.”
    Sancho has made an impressive start to his professional career after leaving Manchester City for Germany in August 2017.
    The England winger has scored 38 goals in 104 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, winning the German Cup last term.
    One of Sancho’s best assets is providing, becoming the first player to hit 50 assists in under 100 Bundesliga games in February.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Southgate explains decision to start Jadon Sancho for England vs Ukraine More

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    Rio Ferdinand relishing Jadon Sancho’s Man Utd arrival as he praises England star’s ‘courage and character’

    RIO FERDINAND admits he is relishing Jadon Sancho’s Manchester United arrival after praising the England star’s ‘courage and character’.The Red Devils agreed a £73million deal to sign Sancho from Borussia Dortmund this week.
    Rio Ferdinand admits he can’t wait to see Jadon Sancho in a Man Utd shirtCredit: Getty
    Ferdinand is confident Sancho can be a smash hit due to his ‘courage and character’
    And the winger will complete his Old Trafford move once his Euros adventure with England ends this month.
    Sancho, 21 has become a top football star during his four years in Germany.
    The ace scored 50 goals in just 137 games for Dortmund.
    And United fans will be hoping Sancho can bring those impressive numbers with him to the Theatre of Dreams.
    One Red Devil who can’t wait to see Sancho in action is former United superstar Ferdinand.
    He believes the wide-man’s elite mindset makes him destined to succeed in a new environment.
    And after Sancho was handed his first Euro 2020 start for England in Saturday’s 4-0 quarter final win over Ukraine, Ferdinand highlighted the star’s ‘courage and character’ to force his way into the side.
    Speaking on the BBC, Ferdinand said: “In those areas, where Jadon plays… Foden, Rashford, Sterling, Saka, Grealish.

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    “That area there is the strongest in the squad without a doubt.
    “You can put any player in there and everyone will have a cause for an argument to say they should be playing.
    “Sancho is playing on the right because he can beat people one-on-one on the outside, he can cross the ball, and they’re areas where he probably sees a weakness in this Ukraine team.
    “This kid will not be fazed, he’s made big decisions in his career.
    “He left London to go to Watford at 13 or 14, he went to Man City after and then decided he wasn’t getting a chance there.
    “He then went to Dortmund, took risks, but showed courage and character, so this won’t faze him.
    “He’s now made an unbelievable move to United, which I’m delighted about.
    “Yes, there will be pressure. But this kid lives under pressure.”
    Man Utd wages revealed as Jadon Sancho becomes club’s second highest-paid star on £350k a week after £73m transfer More

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    Raphael Varane transfer will fix ‘top-heavy’ Man Utd, claims Andros Townsend as Solskjaer eyes Maguire partner

    RAPHAEL VARANE will fix ‘top-heavy’ Manchester United and solve their defensive woes.That’s according to Andros Townsend, who is back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to pull off a major transfer coup by signing Varane from Real Madrid.
    Raphael Varane has been backed to fix ‘top-heavy’ Man UtdCredit: Rex
    Andros Townsend believes Varane will make United rock-solid in defence
    The French World Cup winner, 28, has reportedly told Los Blancos he wants to leave after entering the final year of his contract.
    United are thought to have agreed personal terms with Varane on a long-term contract.
    And they are now in talks with Real over a transfer fee, with Red Devils chiefs hoping a £43million bid will be accepted soon.
    Varane would likely slot into defence alongside Harry Maguire, displacing Victor Lindelof while casting further doubt on Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe’s futures.
    Crystal Palace winger Townsend is confident Varane can finally help United become rock-solid at the back after some shaky performances last term.
    And with Solskjaer already splashing £73m on Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, Townsend also feels Varane will make ‘top-heavy’ United less reliant on their potent forward power.
    Townsend told TalkSport: “If you look at United’s team, they are very top-heavy.
    “They have a lot of forward options and Sancho will give them another.

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    “But Varane, if he does come in, will solidify the back four.
    “He will give them extra strength, extra pace, and somebody of his calibre is more suited to the Premier League.
    “He’s big, he’s strong, he’s quick and I definitely think Varane takes them closer to where they want to be.”
    Man Utd ‘close in’ on Raphael Varane transfer with Solskjaer confident of landing Real Madrid ace in cut-price £43m deal More

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    Man Utd star Paul Pogba reunites with old Juventus pal Paulo Dybala in Miami amid transfer return speculation

    PAUL POGBA and old Juventus pal Paulo Dybala have been reunited in Miami as speculation surrounding the France ace’s future rumbles on.The Italian giants have long been linked with another swoop for the 2018 World Cup winner, particularly with Massimiliano Allegri back in the hotseat.
    Paul Pogba and Paulo Dybala have been reunited in Miami with Juventus believed to be keen on the Man Utd star
    Pogba and Dybala enjoyed huge success together before the Frenchman joining United in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Allegri and Pogba won two Serie A titles in a row together before the Frenchman returned to Old Trafford in a then-world record £89million move in 2016.
    The Italian boss replaced Andrea Pirlo, who was sacked in May.
    Man Utd are considering making Pogba the highest-paid player in the Premier League in a four-year deal worth a staggering £104million – or £400,000 a week.
    But Pogba suggested in 2019 he fancied a ‘new challenge’ and was hotly linked with Real Madrid.
    While Los Blancos’ interest appears to have cooled in recent months, both Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are interested in the superstar midfielder.
    Should Pogba make it clear he wants to leave, United may choose to cash in on the midfielder.
    Pogba has just one year left on his current Old Trafford deal, worth £290,000 per week.
    Rather than let the France ace walk away on a free, Red Devils chiefs could decide to sell this summer, while they still can.

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    And Dybala – a former team-mate and close friend of Pogba – has set tongues wagging with his latest post on Instagram.
    The Argentine Juve forward shared a snap of himself posing with Pogba while on holiday in Miami.
    Dybala captioned the snap: “We are back.”
    Pogba jetted off to Miami after France were shock Euro 2020 casualties earlier this week.
    Didier Deschamps’ squad had been the favourites to win the whole thing, only to crash out in the last 16 to neighbours Switzerland on penalties.
    And Juventus are now set to put the wheels in motion over a summer move for Pogba.
    The Serie A giants’ ‘dream’ is to have Pogba back at the club, with Allegri’s return believed to be a huge boost in their pursuit.
    With just one year left on his deal, the Frenchman is valued at around £54million – a £35m loss for United.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Man Utd ready to make Paul Pogba the Premier League’s highest-paid player with stunning £104MILLION five-year deal More

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    David De Gea ‘prepared to stay and fight for Man Utd future despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signing another goalkeeper’

    DAVID DE GEA is determined to stay and fight for a first-team place at Manchester United, according to reports.The Spaniard’s future was cast into doubt after Dean Henderson took his place in the side towards the end of last season.
    David De Gea is ready to fight for his place in the Manchester United team
    Tom Heaton became United’s fourth keeper this week
    And the signing of goalkeeper Tom Heaton this week has sparked further questions about De Gea’s future.
    The Red Devils now have four keepers in the squad with Lee Grant putting pen to paper on a new one year deal on Thursday.
    But De Gea will attempt to play his way back into the side according to The Times.
    He has been at United for ten years and has two more years left on his current contract.
    And it is believed that his £375,000 a week wages would prove a sticking point if a club tried to sign him.
    Heaton has set his sights on becoming United’s no.1 so could push De Gea and Henderson for game time.

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    Dean Henderson took De Gea’s place as first-choice goalkeeper towards the end of last season

    Upon signing the former Aston Villa ace said: “I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running. I feel great at the moment. I feel in great shape and I’m looking forward to coming in to compete with the other goalkeepers.
    “I’ve got my eyes firmly set on trying to get into the team and I’m looking forward to getting started on that journey.”
    Meanwhile, Juan Mata has also signed a new deal, extending his Old Trafford stay for another year.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Man Utd re-sign goalkeeper Tom Heaton on free transfer More

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    Man Utd hand Arsenal and Tottenham transfer boost after pulling out of Jules Kounde race to focus on Raphael Varane

    ARSENAL and Tottenham’s hopes of signing Sevilla star Jules Kounde have been boosted after Manchester United turned their attention elsewhere, reports suggest.Kounde enjoyed a stunning campaign with the Andalusians as he made 49 appearances across all competitions and earned immense interest from the Premier League.
    Sevilla star Jules Kounde has attracted interest from the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    United, Arsenal and Tottenham are said to be keeping tabs on the star centre-back, whose impressive performances in LaLiga earned him an international call-up by France for Euro 2020.
    But Dean Jones recently told The Done Deal Show that the Red Devils are prioritising other defensive targets, mainly Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.
    The Manchester giants are initially looking to officially seal Jadon Sancho’s move from Borussia Dortmund.

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    Real Madrid star Raphael Varane is Manchester United’s top defensive targetCredit: Getty
    United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is then determined to sign a top centre-back that will partner up with Harry Maguire.
    But the Manchester giants are focused on Varane and Villarreal ace Pau Torres, who could move to Old Trafford in a swap deal that would see Eric Bailly going back the other way.
    That works as a major boost for Arsenal and Tottenham, who are highly likely to move for the 22-year-old defender.
    The Gunners appear to be prioritising Brighton ace Ben White but Manchester City have also joined the bidding war for the England international.

    Spurs new boss Nuno Espirito Santo is said to be keen on making Kounde his first signing in North London.
    However, both London rivals will have to splash some serious cash to convince Sevilla to sell their best defender.
    City tried their luck last summer but a bid of around £50million was not enough to do business with the Spanish giants.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Sevilla willing to sell sevilla defender Jules Kounde to Chelsea ahead of Man Utd More

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    Sergio Ramos ‘rejects £10m Man Utd offer after talks over free transfer as Arsenal and PSG eye Real Madrid legend’

    REAL MADRID legend Sergio Ramos has attracted interest from the Premier League after his exit from the Santiago Bernabeu, reports suggest.Ramos’ 16-year stint at Real came to an end last month after the player and club president Florentino Perez failed to reach an agreement over a new contract.
    Sergio Ramos has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal after leaving Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Los Blancos were willing to offer a one-year deal on reduced terms but the 35-year-old defender held out for a two-year contract and that standstill led to the former team captain’s departure.
    According to the Daily Star, Manchester United approached the Spain international and proposed a £10million deal, with the option of a second season.
    But Ramos rejected that offer and reports suggest he is close to joining Paris Saint-Germain, where he has been handed a straight two-year deal with his annual salary slightly minimised.

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    According to Goal, however, there has been no agreement between the player and PSG.
    The same source, though, confirms that the Ligue 1 giants and Ramos have indeed come in contact without a formal offer being tabled.
    Arsenal have also asked to be kept in the loop regarding the star centre-back’s future.

    United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to sign a top defender to partner up with Harry Maguire at the back.
    However, the Red Devils appear to be prioritising the likes of Real star Raphael Varane and Villarreal ace Pau Torres.
    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, would also like someone to lead his backline but seems to be prioritising the signing of a midfielder.
    If Ramos ultimately joins PSG then he will reunite with former Real team-mates Keylor Navas and Angel Di Maria as well as fellow Spain players Ander Herrera and Pablo Sarabia.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Emotional Sergio Ramos in tears as he bids farewell to Real Madrid More

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    Inside Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho’s bromance with new Man Utd star asking England pal to get transfer over line

    MANCHESTER UNITED look to have FINALLY got the transfer of Jadon Sancho over the line.And Old Trafford favourite Marcus Rashford may just have proved instrumental in making it happen.
    Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho will be Man Utd team-mates as well as England ones
    The two players are away with England at the EurosCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The two players, both on international duty with England at the Euros, appear to have a bromance in full blossom.
    According to The Athletic, Sancho text his mate to try and get his dream move to United done.
    The 21-year-old wrote: “Can you ask Ed to pay the money please?”
    But it took almost a year later for it to look like it’s finally happening as United held on to get their man for cheaper.
    The Premier League giants will pay £73million for the former Manchester City youth player.
    SunSport revealed last month that the England star had already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, worth £350,000-a-week.
    And Rashford will be delighted he will get to share the changing room with his great friend.
    Last month Rashford appeared to reply to a tweet that read ‘Announce Sancho Marcus’ with ‘yes’ – sending United fans delirious.

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    Could Marcus Rashford have played a key role in United securing Sancho?Credit: Getty
    Rashford and Sancho appear to be great friends off the pitchCredit: PA
    I stand by you all the way! Growing up in London a lot of the kids their parents struggled financially so having free school meals was a saviour! This one is close to my heart ❤️— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) June 16, 2020

    But the morning after the United star said it wasn’t him and that his account had ‘a little hack’.
    Rashford also shared a photo of the pair in England training, captioning it ‘little bro’ and tagging in Sancho.
    He has also described Sancho, 21, as his ‘favourite player in the Bundesliga’ when asked by a fan on social media.
    The pair have wished each other ‘happy birthday’ over social media, and Sancho was in awe of Rashford’s fight with the government for free school meals for kids.
    The incoming United forward replied on one of Rashford’s statements with: “I stand by you all the way!
    “Growing up in London a lot of the kids their parents struggled financially so having free school meals was a saviour!
    “This one is close to my heart.”
    Sancho will be hoping to create many chances for Rashford next seasonCredit: Getty
    Hilariously, Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham jokingly tried to break their budding friendship.
    Last year United marksman Rashford took to Instagram to wish his compatriot a happy birthday.
    Posting a picture of the duo on international duty, the 23-year-old said: “Happy birthday bro!! @sanchooo10 Enjoy your day, indoors!”
    The ex-Manchester City youth star was quick to reply, as he messaged back: “Thank you Rashhyy, appreciate it bro.”
    In a now deleted comment, Abraham then chipped in where he warned Rashford, “Stay away from my Jadon,” followed by a laughing emoji.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Man Utd wages revealed as Jadon Sancho becomes club’s second highest-paid star on £350k a week after £73m transfer More