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      Man Utd ‘contact Barcelona legend Xavi over replacing Erik ten Hag’ as three-man shortlist emerges if he is sacked

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have contacted former Barcelona boss Xavi over potentially replacing Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving Barca at the end of last season.Xavi has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag at Man UtdCredit: PAThe former midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Barcelona at the end of last seasonCredit: EPATen Hag, 54, has come under intense scrutiny so far this season.Following the Red Devils’ 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham last month, the Dutchman’s United future appeared to be in severe doubt.They have since drawn away matches at Porto and Aston Villa, before coming from behind to beat Brentford at Old Trafford last Saturday.According to the Mail, United chiefs have identified Xavi as a possible Ten Hag replacement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months.Man Utd CEO Omar Berrada jetted out to Barcelona last Thursday for meetings as part of a four-man delegation.Figures within United claim that several meetings have taken place in the Catalan city recently due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos taking part in sailings America’s Cup there.Xavi began his managerial career with Qatari side Al-Sadd in 2019.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter winning a league title and six domestic trophies, the former midfielder was appointed Barca boss in 2021.Amid financial turmoil off the pitch, Xavi guided the Blaugrana to a LaLiga title during the 2022-23 season, also winning the Spanish Supercup in 2023.Xavi to leave BarcelonaFollowing a 5-3 defeat to Villarreal in January, Xavi announced that he would be stepping down as boss at the end of the season.In April he had a change of heart, however, saying he would fulfil his contract, which had been set to run until 2025.But the following month, the club legend was sacked by club president Joan Laporta.Prior to Xavi, Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate had been linked with the Man Utd job.Both have subsequently been ruled out of contention, however, with Tuchel accepting the England job and Southgate vowing that he won’t coach for 12 months.In addition to Xavi, United are claimed to be interested in former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and current Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.The latter, however, is also being strongly linked with Manchester City, should Pep Guardiola leave the Etihad at the end of the season.Alejandro Garnacho is United’s top scorer in the leagueMan Utd’s next five gamesNine 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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      I couldn’t believe my eyes as I watched Mourinho’s Man Utd meltdown – but he’s still Special and can prove it vs Ten Hag

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      WITH his arms outstretched, holding the Europa League aloft, Jose Mourinho took the acclaim of Manchester United’s faithful.The date was May 24, 2017. The venue was the Friends Arena, Stockholm.Mourinho with the Community Shield in 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorHe won the League Cup the same seasonCredit: AFP or licensorsMourinho ended 2017 winning the Europa LeagueCredit: PAAt that moment — more than any other in the turbulent 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired — it really did feel like Manchester United were back.They had faced a young Ajax team who were tipped to showcase the future with their short passing and high pressing against a man some were beginning to write off.Mourinho out thought his opposite number Peter Bosz who, after the final whistle, would bemoan the tactics United had employed.They were simple. If they want to press high and pass short we’ll whack it over them onto the head of Marouane Fellaini and he’ll lay it off to Marcus Rashford and go from there.READ MORE IN football It worked a treat, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan getting the goals in a 2-0 win.Not long after, in a conversation with former chairman Martin Edwards, he said that the club really believed they were on to something special with Mourinho.He had already bagged the League Cup that season in what is still probably the most exciting final the new Wembley has seen as United beat Southampton 3-2.Foreign coaches tend to hold a lot more store by the Community Shield, or Super Cups as they are called abroad, so Mourinho was happy to claim a treble as he got his players to hold up three fingers at the final whistle in Stockholm.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the team plane on the way home he was pictured laughing and joking with Pogba, the player who helped lead to his demise less than two years later.At the start of that season Mourinho was being written off as a United boss after a 1-0 away loss to Feyenoord sandwiched between defeats to Manchester City and Watford.Jose Mourinho booked after putting his laptop in front of TV camera to highlight referee’s wrong decisionYet it had been on the eve of that Feyenoord clash late at night outside a hotel in Rotterdam that Mourinho was returning from dinner with his staff and happened across three of us in the Manchester press pack.Asked for a chat, he came over and explained, off the record, what he was having to do to unpick the Louis van Gaal football to create his own brand.His football brand that was a step up from the drudgery under Van Gaal although not always popular with the United faithful.But they liked him, and the fact he won, he gave United standing again, an image, they felt big.True that first Premier League season did not go well as they came sixth. Asked for a chat, he came over and explained, off the record, what he was having to do to unpick the Louis van Gaal football to create his own brand.But he had worked out late in the campaign the Europa League would provide the easier route back into the Champions League and cleverly rotated his squad accordingly.The following season he boasted it was one his greatest-ever achievements to lead United to Premier League runners-up spot behind City.He would deny the neighbours claiming the title on derby day as the Red Devils came back from 2-0 down at the Etihad to win 3-2.It was Pogba’s only good game. It is often forgotten that Mourinho also led the Red Devils to an FA Cup final that season going down 1-0 to Chelsea in the final.So it was all heading in the right direction as the season ended. Then came the summer in LA and we all realised something was not right.In a building at their training base in UCLA he was asked an innocent question as to whether he thought he had the squad to now go a step further and challenge for the title.He replied: “I cannot answer that question.” Eyebrows were raised.Later in the tour he would be seen in the foyer of a stadium snarling down the phone ‘it’s s**t, s**t’. Uh-oh.It seems an unsuccessful pursuit of Harry Maguire was part of it but his relationship with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was fracturing.Nobody wanted this all to unravel but the unravelling had started.He refused to engage in the traditional on-tour relaxed interview with the English media that every United boss has done. And saw criticism and injustice which was not there.The meltdown continued after a 3-0 home loss to Spurs he demanded ‘respect, respect respect’ from the media because he had won three titles.By the club’s Champions League exit to Valencia, he was questioning whether United had a ‘football heritage’ in Europe. Later in the tour he would be seen in the foyer of a stadium snarling down the phone ‘it’s s**t, s**t’. Uh-oh.Less than a week later, after a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool he was gone.“How on earth did it get to that point?” I asked Woodward later. He suggested if I had had to work with Mourinho, I would have known.He has never been easy. But as he sits in his Four Seasons’ suite on the banks of the Bosphorus tonight he will be planning to bring down his former club in the Europa League.There are already murmurings of unrest at his new club Fenerbahce.But United and Erik ten Hag know he is the man for the big occasion. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has only lost five times against United as the opposition manager. He remains special.In years to come United fans may look back and realise that — for two years under him — it was special, too.Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years. More

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      Man Utd fans moan ‘this is so sad’ after finding out which pair they sent scouts to watch in Serie A clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED allegedly sent a representative to watch two Serie A stars in action at the weekend – but fans are not satisfied.The scout flew to Italy on Sunday for Napoli’s clash with Empoli.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was being watched by a Man Utd scoutCredit: ReutersAlessandro Buongiorno is also a target for the Red DevilsCredit: GettyAntonio Conte’s side clinched a 1-0 win thanks to a penalty from Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.The 23-year-old was one of two players on United’s radar during the match, Italian outlet Tutto Mercato claims.Centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno was also being watched by the scout.However, several Man Utd fans are not excited by the prospect of potentially signing both stars – especially Kvaratskhelia.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne person took to social media to write: “Watching the wrong players.”Another commented: “Stop this! United don’t need another LW!”A third said: “We already have Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho for the LW. Go for proper RW and a ST.”While a fourth wrote: “This is so sad. You are sending representatives to watch Kvaratskhelia. Send representatives to watch Harry Kane, Messi, Ronaldo ffs the guy is in top 5 wingers in Europe just buy him.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite some claims that signing Kvaratskhelia would be unnecessary, other fans believe he would strengthen the squad.One person said: “Khvicha is one of the main ingredients to turn us to a serious consistent team again.”Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ While another suggested: “Would be a fantastic signing heir to the #7.”Man Utd have endured one of their worst starts to a Premier League season.The Red Devils currently sit 12th in the table with 11 points from eight games. More

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      Fans praise Joshua Zirkzee’s thick skin as struggling Man Utd star ‘likes’ Instagram post ripping into him

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Joshua Zirkzee was praised by fans after his classy response to an Instagram clip that was ripping into him.Zirkzee, 23, joined United in the summer after a £36.5million deal with Bologna where he stood out last season with 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances.Manchester United ace Joshua Zirkzee ‘liked’ a parody video on InstagramCredit: GettyZirkzee was praised by Man Utd fans for showing a strong characterThe striker had a strong start with the Red Devils as he scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Fulham on his debut in August at Old Trafford.However, the Netherlands international has been unable to build momentum in his next 10 games across all competitions after his impressive bow.That has led to criticism across social media amid United’s worst ever Premier League start.A channel satirised Zirkzee’s positioning on the pitch with a clip on Instagram.Read More on Man UtdOne of the content creators pretended to be the Dutchman and was shown being unable to play at No9 as he instead opted for a deeper role in midfield or down the wing.Zirkzee caught wind of the parody clip and won over a lot of fans by being a good sport and simply “liking” the video.Fans stormed the comments section and praised the centre-forward’s strong character, while some predicted he will soon silence his critics and trolls.One fan tweeted: “He might have a better sense of humour than most of your bunch.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “Zirkzee is unstoppable.”A third wrote: “Zirkzee is fantabulous.”Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clashThis one said: “His redemption arc is loading.”And that one stated: “He’s scoring on Thursday [in the Europa League at Fenerbahce], watch.”Zirkzee only spent 16 minutes on the pitch during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford.Stats showed that the forward did float around the Bees’ half and at times was caught deeper than the No9 position, but his career so far shows that he was actually playing to his strengths.The ex-Bayern Munich ace previously revealed that he occasionally drops down to midfield and thus considers himself more of a “9.5”.Zirkzee said: “I occasionally drop down to midfield. I don’t do that for myself but to help the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I am what I call a false striker. Not a No 9, not a No 10. I am a 9.5! That’s my game.“Maybe I’m a little different than others. But being different is good, right?”Zirkzee only played 16 minutes for Man Utd against BrentfordStats show Man Utd ace Zirkzee played deep against Brentford More

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      Antony’s Man Utd nightmare could come to end as Ajax ‘hold talks over re-signing flop’ but fear for his ‘mindset’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony has been linked with a return to Ajax but the Dutch giants are worried about the player’s mindset, reports suggest.United signed the winger for a staggering £85.5million in 2022 after a stunning two-year stint in Amsterdam where he amassed 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances.Manchester United flop Antony has been linked with a return to AjaxCredit: GettyAjax have doubts over a move as they worry about Antony’s mentality after his Man Utd strugglesCredit: GettyHowever, the Brazil international failed to replicate his Ajax success at Old Trafford as he has only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 86 appearances.Antony’s struggles continue this season as he has made only four appearances across all competitions, in which he scored once.The Red Devils lost the likes of Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Omari Forson in the summer and the wideman is still fourth pick behind Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.United are considering ways to let the Brazilian go out on loan in January so that they can sell him in the summer.Read More on ArsenalThat has led to speculation suggesting Antony could return to Ajax in the January transfer window.According to De Telegraaf, the Dutch club have discussed a potential move for the attacker.However, the same source claims Ajax have doubts about the state of Antony’s mindset after his struggles in Manchester.United are reportedly looking to sell for a cut price of around £40m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, even that sum might prove to be impossible after a series of disappointing performances on the pitch.United boss Erik ten Hag, who brought Antony to Old Trafford after working with him at Ajax, addressed his situation and insisted he needs to do more to get more gametime.Watch as Antony ‘is used as a CONE’ in Man Utd training as fans lose their minds over awkward footageTen Hag said: “He’s impatient, he wants to play. But in top football there are laws.”You pick the team that has most chance to win the game, the one with the best dynamic, the best chemistry. Players have to fight for their positions.”The other players are doing so well – they’re contributing. He has to get over them. He has to earn the right in training.”Man 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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      Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say no

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      AARON RAMSEY has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson phoned him to try to convince him to join Manchester United.Cardiff star Ramsey, 33, appeared as a guest on Sky Sport’s Monday Night Football show to analyse Nottingham Forest’s game against Crystal Palace – which was won 1-0 by the hosts.Aaron Ramsey revealed how his career could have been very differentCredit: GettyRamsey revealed how he was on the phone to Sir Alex Ferguson but did not like the club’s plan for himCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut the midfielder admitted he ‘felt wanted’ by Arsene WengerCredit: Arsenal FC – GettyBut during his appearance Ramsey was asked to clear up a rumour about a run-in with Sky pundit Gary Neville near the start of his career.The midfielder then went on to explain how interest had been shown in him by both Man Utd and Liverpool, along with phone calls to Ferguson and Rafael Benitez.Ramsey said: “No it wasn’t Gary [that showed me around Man Utd’s training ground], I think he was busy that day. It was the assistant manager at the time.”Presenter David Jones joked that Jamie Carragher was hoping to blame Neville for the reason he ended up not joining the Red Devils, before Ramsey explained his decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe continued: “No it wasn’t main man (Ferguson). He was away but we spoke on the phone a few times with him trying to convince me to go there. “But the initial thought was for them to loan me back [to Cardiff] but I wanted to go on [fully] then.”What about Liverpool? Yeah there were some discussions with Rafa but at the time they couldn’t really get to that fee. “I think they could do something around the million or two mark but then I think it went above that toward the five.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRamsey went on to join Arsenal in 2008, where he would stay until 2019, having made 369 appearances and winning three FA Cups.The Welshman explained how “he felt wanted” by the North London club after grabbing lunch with Arsene Wenger.Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Player RatingsHe added: “I felt like he really wanted me. He was doing the European Championships at the time so they flew me over there and I met him when he had a few hours off and had lunch with him.”Everything about him and his vision and plans for me. “I can’t remember the ins and outs but he had a really detailed plan obviously with the amount of young players that he brought through and had given great opportunities to go on and be successful.”That was really appealing to me as well. For example like what he did with [Cesc] Fabregas, brought him in at a very young age and giving him that opportunity really young as well.”So I felt really wanted by Arsenal.”Despite his vast talent, Ramsey’s Arsenal career would be stunted early on by a horrific double leg break that kept him out of action for nine months.And after that he would continue to be dogged by injuries.After leaving Arsenal, Ramsey joined Juventus, winning Serie A and Italian Cup before he returned to Britain with Rangers on loan, adding the Scottish Cup to his trophy haul.READ MORE SUN STORIESRamsey then joined Nice in 2022 before rejoining boyhood club Cardiff in 2023.He played 13 games in the Championship for them last season and scored three goals, but suffered a major knee injury that kept him out for months. More

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      Man Utd have not lost this season when Hojlund has started as stats show how striker could save Ten Hag’s job

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are unbeaten in every game that Rasmus Hojlund has started this season.And the stats suggest if United keep superb Hojlund fit, Erik ten Hag might have more chance of seeing out the season at the helm.Manchester United are undefeated when Rasmus Hojlund has started this seasonHojlund has been better at leading the line this term, stats have revealedUnited have avoided defeat in all of the three games that Hojlund has started since he returned from a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season.The Dane scored the winner with an ice-cool dink in United’s 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Alejandro Garnacho drawing his side level after half-time.He has already scored TWO in the three consecutive games he’s started in all competitions – and is yet to play a full 90 this season.It took the 21-year-old just 20 minutes to poke home in his first start of the season, United’s 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWith Hojlund in the team, United’s average shots have boosted up to 20.6 per game. This is a stark difference to the 15.5 shots per game the team mustered up in the opening eight games in all competitions before Hojlund started.Hojlund has 0.73 goals per 90 in all competitions this season – the highest of all United’s forwards.He has already matched Marcus Rashford, Zirkzee and Amad Diallo’s Prem goal tally this term, despite playing 50 per cent less.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Red Devils must keep Hojlund out of the medical room if they have any chance of winning the pressing game too.The Prem giants are a far better pressing unit when Hojlund leads the line, with his hold up and link-up play stronger than other centre forward Zirkzee’s.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings United have conceded an average of 11 shots over the last three games he’s started, compared to 12.5 shots faced in the games without the Dane.Ten Hag’s men have seven goals from 112 shots this season, meaning their xG is just 13.02.Hojlund’s conversion rate of 24 per cent was better than Manchester City star Erling Haaland (23 per cent) in the Prem last season.And Alan Shearer was impressed by Hojlund’s Brentford showing, believing his off the ball work has had an effective impact on the team.Shearer said on Match of the Day: “The positives today were without a doubt the front three in Garnacho, Rashford and Hojlund.”I thought they more than played their part and were a constant threat for large parts of the game. “They linked up well, getting their shots away at goal. I thought Hojlund was really impressive.”A lot of times having to do the dirty work and holding defenders off. It allowed the other two to play a more forward role.On Hojlund’s potential, Ten Hag said: “He will always score. What is important is he is keeping fit. “He picked up so many injuries in the first season and when he stays fit, he will score goals because that is proved in his stats.”Another number signifies Hojlund’s significance. His shirt number has been switched this season, from 11 to 9. The Denmark international faced big criticism for a scratchy first few months at Old Trafford last season following his £72m move in the summer of 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he found his shooting boots after his first Prem goal against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, and finished the campaign with 16 in all competitions. This ensured the striker finished his debut season as United’s top scorer.Hojlund bagged his first Prem goal of the season against Brentford More

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      Fans puzzled as former Man Utd star from David Moyes era links up with football royalty for legends game

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      FOUR Ballon d’Or winners, countless World Cup League heroes, and Marouane Fellaini teamed up in a star-studded legends super-side.But fans have been left puzzled after spotting former Manchester United star Fellaini playing in a clash of the titans exhibition tie in South Korea.Football legends from around the world gathered for a game in South KoreaBut a group of harsh fans have questioned why Marouane Fellaini was involved after spotting him pictured next to Brazilian Ballon d’Or winner KakaThe game saw a unique game of teams made up of attackers vs defenders, including Clarence Seedorf and Thierry HenryRetired football royalty from around the world assembled in South Korea for a spectacular attack-vs-defence showdown on Saturday.The aptly named FC Spear was made up of some of the best former forwards the game has ever seen.While Shield United featured some of the most prominent defenders and holding midfielders to have ever played the beautiful game.But it was the latter defensive outfit who emerged victorious, after thumping the attacking team 4-1.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe winning outfit was made up of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic Yaya Toure, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Carles Puyol and former Man Utd keeper Edwin van der Sar.While 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, Eden Hazard, Carlos Tevez, Michael Owen made up their ‘attacking’ competition captained by Didier Drogba and managed by Thierry Henry. But the biggest shock for many fans was the presence of ex-United and Everton midfielder Fellaini for the glittering attacking side.Football lovers were quick to call out Fellaini’s shock inclusion after spotting Alessandro Del Piero’s Instagram post.Most read in FootballEdwin van der Sar played in goal for the winning side FC SpearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne user wrote: “Why on earth is Fellaini there?🤣”A second said: “Wow, all those legends…and Fellaini😶.”Rio Ferdinand and Man Utd legends dress up in traditional South Korean robes While another added: “I’m sorry but how was Fellaini asked? He was good but not on their level.😂”Fellaini starred for the Red Devils between 2013 and 2019, making 177 appearances having travelled with former boss David Moyes from Everton.Before that he made the exact same appearances for the Toffees, scoring 33 goals during five years in the Merseyside, where he was a crucial leader in the team.Former United star Berbatov also appeared for FC Spear in front of 64,000 excited fans in Seoul.The winning goals came from Toure, Seedorf, Park Joo-ho and Javier Mascherano.While the only consolation FC Spear came from United legend Park Ji-Sung’s penalty.Three former Korean internationals filled in the gaps where necessary, including goalkeeper Kim Byung-ji.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe legends also participated in preliminary events that pitted players to see who is better at shooting and one-on-one situations.The game has been described as an exhibition and was organised by South Korean game company Nexon.The legends match occurred in Seoul, South Korea in front of some 64,000 fansRio Ferdinand, Carles Puyol and Ricardo Carvalho played for the defensive side Shield United More