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      Ex-Man Utd star Paul Pogba breaks silence on his future amid talk of Juventus exit after winning drug ban appeal

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      PAUL POGBA has broken his silence on his future after seeing his doping ban reduced. The Juventus star had been banned from football for four years after testing positive for banned substance DHEA in August 2023.Paul Pogba has opened up on his future after seeing his drug ban reducedCredit: GettyPogba hinted at his next possible clubCredit: APHowever, having always pleaded his innocence and appealing against the decision, earlier this month the 31-year-old saw that sentence reduced to 18 months.That which will see him able to return playing the beautiful game in March 2025.But Pogba’s future remains up in the air, with his club confirming they are in talks with his representatives over his exit from the Turin outfit by mutual agreement despite having a deal valid until 2026.This has seen him linked with a shock free transfer to Marseille, with former international team-mate Patrice Evra claiming he will contact sporting director Medhi Benatia to seal the deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEvra had said: “He wants to play football, wherever it is, for example why not OM?’ Evra said. ‘I’m going to call Benatia and tell him that the door is open.”Despite this claim, Pogba has dismissed the defender’s comments but refused to rule out a future switch.He told L’Equipe: “I laugh because he’s Uncle Pat, he said it jokingly.”I’m still under contract so it’s not credible. The possibility of coming to play in Ligue 1? Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS’I’m at a club, I’m just thinking about coming back and getting out of this situation. “Of course, you never know what tomorrow will bring, so never say never.”Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice EvraAsked specifically about his reduced ban, the former Manchester United midfielder added: “I was really happy. “I hadn’t done anything, why would they give me four years? “I’ll be able to go back to doing what I love the most. “It’s like I’ve been given another chance. “I’ve been given back something that had been taken away from me. “It’s a new lease on life. READ MORE SUN STORIES”March is tomorrow, it’ll come quickly. “And it’s something I can’t wait to do.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

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      Man Utd ‘target Bayern stars Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and Alphonso Davies in stunning triple January transfer swoop’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are targeting Bayern Munich stars Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and Alphonso Davies, according to reports.The Red Devils are aiming to strengthen their squad following a poor start to the season under Erik ten Hag.Flying winger Leroy Sane is on Man Utd’s radarCredit: GettyLeon Goretzka has largely been stuck on the bench for Bayern this seasonCredit: RexAlphonso Davies is on Man Utd’s radarCredit: GettyThe Dutchman, who coached Bayern’s reserves between 2013 and 2015, did business with his former club during the summer – sealing a £60million double swoop for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.And according to Sky Germany, Man Utd’s raid on the Bundesliga giants is far from over.They claim that the Red Devils are monitoring Sane, Goretzka and Davies’ situations heading into January and next summer.Having undergone groin surgery after Euro 2024, Sane has hardly featured for Bayern this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe former Manchester City winger, 28, has been limited to just 32 minutes of action in Vincent Kompany’s first six Bundesliga games in charge.Despite his lack of action this season, Sane’s stock remains high at Old Trafford, particularly due to his exploits with neighbours City between 2016 and 2020.Like Sane, Goretzka has also seen his game time limited under Kompany.The midfielder has played just one minute in the Bundesliga, with a further pair of substitute appearances in the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTen 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) £12.8mGoretzka, 29, has won five Bundesliga titles and the Champions League since joining Bayern in 2018.It’s claimed that the experienced German international would like to stay and fight for his place at the Allianz Arena.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’But should he remain out of favour with Kompany, he could consider a move elsewhere.Davies, meanwhile, has been a regular starter for Bayern this term.But with his contract set to expire in the summer, the 23-year-old is in control of his future.Man Utd would love to tempt the Canadian to Old Trafford on a free transfer.But Real Madrid are still thought to be favourites to secure Davies’ highly-coveted signature.De Ligt and Mazraoui joined United in the summer having both worked with Ten Hag at Ajax.The Red Devils boss has now spent over £200m reuniting with five of his ex-Ajax stars.In addition his two summer signings, he has also forked out to bring Antony, Andre Onana and Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford.READ MORE SUN STORIESDe Ligt and Mazraoui weren’t the first players that Ten Hag has recruited from Bayern, either.In January 2023, United signed Marcel Sabitzer on loan from the Bundesliga giants, although he went on to sign for Borussia Dortmund the following summer. More

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      Man Utd ‘strike deal to send THREE stars to another of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s clubs THIS WEEK’ in rarely-seen move

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has sent three Manchester United wonderkids to train with another Ineos club.The British billionaire acquired a 27.7 per cent stake in the Red Devils last December.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sent three academy players to another club he runsCredit: AlamyHabeeb Ogunneye is one of those selected to goCredit: GettyDefender Jack Kingdon has gone after leading the Under-18s to glory last seasonCredit: AlamyEthan Williams got the nod after a fine season in front of goal last termCredit: GettyRatcliffe and his chiefs are now in charge of football operations at Old Trafford.Ad they have made the decision to send three highly-rated youngsters to Lausanne.The Ineos group also run the Swiss club.Habeeb Ogunneye, Jack Kingdon and Ethan Williams travelled there today and will be involved in first-team training sessions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rarely-seen move is a “reward” for the 18-year-old trio and will help their development, claim the Manchester Evening News.Ogunneye has been on the bench for seven Premier League games but is still waiting for his debut.The right-back has caught the eye for the Under-21s this term.Kingdon signed his first pro contract in the summer and has previously trained with United’s first-team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe defender is captain of last season’s Under-18s Treble-winning side.And as for Williams, he scored 17 goals and grabbed nine assists for the young champions and he has also mixed with the senior squad before.What happened to these five forgotten Manchester United wonderkidsLausanne were acquired by Ratcliffe in 2017 and they currently sit tenth in the Swiss Super League.French side Nice are also in his football portfolio. Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Man Utd’s Alvaro Carreras buy-back clause revealed with Benfica worried about losing left-back

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      MANCHESTER UNITED inserted a £16MILLION buy-back clause into Alvaro Carreras’ permanent move to Benfica.And Benfica are worried that the Red Devils will activate it, according to reports.Manchester United may look to activate their buy-back clause for Alvaro CarrerasThe Red Devils sold the left-back to Portuguese club Benfica for £5million in MayUnited are reportedly considering making a huge transfer U-turn a mere FIVE MONTHS after sanctioning Carerras’ £5million move to the Portuguese giants.Given their struggles at left-back, United may well regret their decision to let him depart and could be tempted to trigger their buy-back clause.The 21-year-old left United without making a competitive appearance but has already established himself as a key player for his new club.Carreras has gone from strength to strength since moving to the Portuguese capital, making nine appearances in all competitions this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe has started both of Benfica’s Champions League games, including their 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid, where he kept Argentine World Cup-winner Angel Correa and Frenchman Antonie Griezmann at bay.United will reportedly face competition for the left-back’s services from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool.But the Spaniard’s release clause for all other clubs, bar United, is set at around £41million, according to Portuguese outlet Record.Carreras spent the second half of last season with Benfica on loan, before making the move permanent in May.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Red Devils signed Carerras from Madrid in September 2020, pipping both Barca and Manchester City to his services.He was named on the bench for several Premier League games under Erik ten Hag.Man United dressing room was BUGGED during match against Aston Villa in a shocking security breachThe full-back was highly-rated at the club, winning the Under-23s player of the season award in 2022.And United’s defensive injury crisis could see them move back in for Carreras.Ten Hag’s side have endured their worst ever Premier League start and left-back has been a problem position amid injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Natural right-back Diogo Dalot has started every game on the left-hand side of defence this term – but has endured some horror shows, particularly in United’s 3-0 pummelling by Spurs.Meanwhile, new full-back Noussair Mazraoui will be sidelined for a few weeks after undergoing a minor procedure after experiencing heart palpitations.The Red Devils have ONE full-back available for selection in Dalot, or may have to call up 17-year-old Harry Amass for his first Prem minutes.Harry Maguire has also been ruled out for a few weeks after pulling his calf against Aston Villa. More

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      Man Utd hero ‘takes gap year then casually comes back as highest-rated player in Europe’ after Old Trafford exit

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      DAVID DE GEA has enjoyed a stunning return to form with Fiorentina after a YEAR away from the pitch – and now has the stats to back it up.The former Manchester United star is the highest-rated goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season.Former Man Utd keeper De Gea is the highest rated goalkeeper in EuropeDe Gea joined Serie A side Fiorentina as a free agent this summerThe decision to let long-term servant De Gea depart on a free transfer and replace him with £41m-recruit Andre Onana was bold.And now De Gea’s exploits in Italy are starting to raise further question marks on Erik ten Hag’s decision.The Spaniard, who spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, had to wait 446 days to enter the pitch again.Fiorentina placed their trust in him during the summer, securing his services on a one-year contract.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSSo far, the Serie A side’s move has proven to be a masterstroke.In fact, De Gea’s rating of 7.61 makes him the highest rated goalkeeper in Europe this season, according to match ratings site WhoScored.De Gea has been putting in brilliant displays for the Florence-based outfit on a regular basis.He saved two penalties to help Fiorentina seal a memorable 2-1 win over AC Milan before the international break.Most read in FootballDe Gea saved TWO penalties in Fiorentina’s 2-1 win over AC MilanHe was thanked by his team-mates on both occasionsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Gea got down low to his left to save Theo Hernandez’s first-half spot-kick before superbly diving to his right to prevent Tammy Abraham scoring his penalty in the second half.The 33-year-old also made an incredible save to deny Samuel Chukwueze’s strike from rattling the net.Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ As per WhoScored, he has made 4.3 saves per game in Serie A so far this term.And fans were quick to comment on De Gea’s new rating.One user wrote: “Bro casually took a gap year and came back the highest rated keeper as if he’s in high school 😂❤.”A second said: “Man United are kicking themselves right now for letting him go.”Another added: “And we dumped him for Onana 😶.”A fourth declared: “Forget playing it out from the back. There is something to be said about just being a good shot stopper.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile one more said: “One of the best goalkeepers ever. A United legend.”Meanwhile, Onana has shown promise this campaign, but he is yet to establish himself as a reliable figure between the sticks. More

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      Man Utd ‘rejected by up-and-coming manager’ who followed similar path to under-fire Ten Hag

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were reportedly rejected by a manager who has followed a similar path to Erik ten Hag.The Dutch coach faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford after the club’s horror start to the Premier League season.There are doubts over Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersSebastian Hoeness is believed to have turned down the jobCredit: GettyTen Hag, 54, is still in charge of the team despite club chiefs holding talks over his position during the international break.Despite the former Ajax boss still being employed, it has not stopped other candidates from being linked with the post.Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate have all been talked up as potential successors.However, it has been reported that Man United made an approach to appoint VfB Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGerman outlet Bild have claimed that he was flattered by the interest from the Red Devils.But it is thought that he has turned down the chance to swap Stuttgart for Manchester.The report adds that Hoeness, 42, believes he still has work to do at the MHP Arena.Last season, he guided his side to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga ahead of Bayern Munich.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSStuttgart only missed on a famous title to the invincible Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso.Hoeness has been in charge of Die Roten since 2023, when he took charge of the club in the relegation zone.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsHe was able to lead the strugglers to the relegation play-offs and beat Hamburg in order to maintain their Bundesliga status.Hoesness started his managerial career at Bayern Munich II.He landed the job just four years after it was vacated by Ten Hag who left the job for Dutch side Utrecht in 2015.Another new name that has been linked with the top job at Old Trafford is Edin Terzic.The former Borussia Dortmund coach is an unexpected target but had admirers at the club.Meanwhile at Man United, club captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed he could have left in the summer.The midfielder admitted that he had “concrete offers” to leave but stayed at Old Trafford.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Bruno Fernandes reveals how close he really came to leaving Man Utd as he opens up on ‘concrete offers’

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has revealed that he had “concrete offers” to leave Manchester United in the summer transfer window.The Red Devils have got off to a sloppy start in the Premier League this season and are languishing in 14th place.Bruno Fernandes has admitted he could have left Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyPressure has been mounting on manager Erik ten Hag after the club’s worst start to a Premier League campaign.The Dutchman almost went into the season without his captain, who could have left in the summer.Fernandes, 30, has revealed that he was approached by other clubs and admitted that it was “possible” that he could have moved.The Portuguese midfielder has become a crucial player at Old Trafford since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut after three and a half seasons he could have been on his way to pastures news.He told ESPN: “I was approached [by other clubs], the club was aware that there was a possibility of me leaving, I had concrete offers.”But the club showed that it needed me, that it was at a time of change and that they wanted to do things differently.”Fernandes also insisted that he is enjoying his time with the Portuguese national team more so than at Man United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe added: “It’s not a positive moment.”We’re not winning games, and the national team space is completely different. I’ve felt very at ease.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedFernandes has suggested he prefers playing for country over clubCredit: Reuters”The dynamics are very good. I’m in my country, I speak my language, and I have better food.”I have demonstrated a good level in the national team.”It’s a space where I feel good and I feel like I can enjoy my football at a very high level, due to the dynamics we have and the quality I have at my side.”Fernandes featured in Portugal’s 3-1 win over Poland in the Nations League.After the game, he caught up with former Red Devil Maxi Oyedele, and they swapped shirts.Fernandes has also claimed that Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is ready for a job in the Premier League.His comments about the coach’s credentials came while Ten Hag’s future remains in doubt. More

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      Ten Hag faces further embarrassment as Liverpool ‘eye transfer’ for star, 21, Man Utd let leave for just £5m months ago

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      LIVERPOOL are interested in ex-Manchester United star Alvaro Carreras, according to reports.The left-back switched the Red Devils for Benfica in a £5million deal back in May.Alvaro Carreras is wanted by Liverpool just months after leaving Man UtdCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is under immense pressure after Man Utd’s poor start to the seasonCredit: GettyBut just five months after his transfer, Spanish outlet AS claim he has caught the eye of Liverpool.Carreras’ contract at Benfica runs until 2029 and there is thought to be a release clause that Arne Slot’s side could trigger – though the amount is unknown.The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season with the Portuguese giants on loan.He previously had loan spells at Granada and Preston.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarreras never made a first-team appearance for Man Utd – but he was named on the bench for several Premier League games.He was highly-rated at the club, winning the Under-23s player of the season award in 2022.Erik ten Hag’s side have had a nightmare start to the season and left-back has been a problem position amid Luke Shaw’s injury.It makes the decision to let Carreras go even stranger, with one supporter saying: “We are very stupid as a club.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “With our issues at left-back we went ahead and sanctioned a move for the only fit left-back.”Meanwhile, reports in Portugal state that Man Utd have a buy-back option in Carreras’ contract.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More