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      Robert Lewandowski agreed Man Utd transfer because he ‘couldn’t say no’ to Sir Alex Ferguson but move collapsed

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI agreed to join Manchester United after a phone call with Sir Alex Ferguson… before Borussia Dortmund blocked the deal.SunSport exclusively sat down with the Polish striker, 35, as he paid tribute to former manager Jurgen Klopp following his Liverpool farewell.Robert Lewandowski agreed to join Manchester United after two seasons with Borussia DortmundCredit: PA:Press AssociationSir Alex Ferguson convinced Lewandowski to join Man Utd, before Dortmund blocked the dealCredit: GettyLewandowski played under Klopp for four years at Dortmund – where he scored 103 goals in 187 games.But after two seasons he nearly left in 2012 when he attempted to secure a move to Man Utd.And he has now recalled talking with Sir Alex about the switch, only for Dortmund to refuse the transfer.Speaking at the announcement of his partnership with gaming company G2A, he said: “I have to say that I had decided to go to Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember when I was speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson and I was already decided.”I was 22, 23 [years old] and it was after one or two years in Dortmund [when Sir Alex called me]. You cannot say no [to him], it’s the prime of Manchester United, the prime of Sir Alex Ferguson. I was decided, okay, I want to join to Manchester United.”But in the end Dortmund said no. So I had to respect this.”At the time, Dortmund had just won successive Bundesliga titles.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBehind the scenes with Robert LewandowskiROBERT LEWANDOWSKI is just as impressive off the pitch as he has been on it for the best part of 20 years, writes SunSport’s Dylan Terry.
      From the moment he walked into the room of 30 or 40 people at the G2A media day, there was a humbleness you would not expect from one of the best players of his generation.
      He then proceeded to give what appeared to be an off-the-cuff speech about his excitement for the partnership – a task many sports stars may have found daunting but which Lewandowski took in his stride.
      Sitting down for the interview, he was quick to ask about my time in Barcelona and how I had found the city.
      He then proceeded to joke that I had “forgotten my sun cream” after catching a glimpse of my redder-than-usual complexion.
      Across the next 15 minutes he was happy to answer anything, speaking with an impressive eloquence and relaxed nature.
      At the end I requested a photo which was warmly received by Lewandowski – who was happy to oblige.
      We shook hands and he wished me the best, before he prepared for his next two interviews in German and Polish.

      And while they failed to repeat the feat in Lewandowski’s final two seasons at the club, Klopp’s men did reach the Champions League final in 2013 – losing at Wembley to Bayern Munich.Lewandowski then went on to win eight more Bundesliga titles after joining Bayern in 2014, along with the Champions League in 2020.Robert Lewandowski names THREE teams that could win the EurosMeanwhile, Sir Alex dusted himself down following the Lewandowski disappointment and went on to sign Robin van Persie – who fired Fergie to the last of his 13 Premier League titles with 26 goals.Lewandowski, now at Barcelona, was speaking to SunSport while promoting gaming company G2A.And what Sir Alex saw in the Pole on the pitch more than a decade ago, G2A founder Bartosz Skwarczek now sees in his attitude off the field.Discussing the link-up, Skwarczek said: “He is a professional. This is what we admire about Robert, whatever he does he does it seriously.”This is also our approach. So it doesn’t matter for us whether we do a customer journey, or the payments part of it, or the user experience for the client that is sitting in India, we treat it seriously.”Robert is exactly the same.”G2A.COM is the world’s largest and most trusted marketplace for digital entertainment where users can choose from more than 75,000 digital offerings including games, DLCs, in-game items, as well as non-gaming items like gift cards, subscriptions and software. More

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      Kieran McKenna offered new QUADRUPLE-your-money Ipswich contract to fight off Man Utd, Chelsea and Brighton interest

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      IPSWICH have offered Kieran McKenna a blockbuster new contract to try and keep him at Portman Road.Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton have all made tentative enquiries over hot-property McKenna who has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions.Ipswich have offered Kieran McKenna a blockbuster new contractCredit: GettyThe Suffolk club’s desperate board are fighting hard to keep the highly-rated Northern Ireland coach and are offering him a stunning new contract worth £5million-a-year over the next four seasons.Ipswich have reacted as they expect an offer from Brighton in the next 24 hours as the south coast club look to replace Roberto De Zerbi.McKenna’s current deal, although still an extremely good one for a Championship manager, is about £1.2million a year.And whether this new offer from Ipswich is enough to tie him at the club remains to be seen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIpswich believe their best chance of staying in the top-flight next season is to keep hold of McKenna, 38, who was also in talks with Crystal Palace over taking over from Roy Hodgson during the last season.And this current deal is the biggest contract Ipswich have offered since giving Italian keeper Matteo Sereni over £20,000-a-week when he joined from Sampdoria in a £4.5million deal in 2001.Ipswich were relegated from the Premier League a year later and they have not been back until now, with McKenna leading the club to this stunning promotion.Yet McKenna could end up with three huge offers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne big option could be Manchester United as he was previously an assistant coach at Old Trafford.But United have also been linked with Mauricio Pochettino off the back of the Argentine’s departure from Chelsea. How Man Utd could line up under Pochettino Erik ten Hag is gripping onto his job in Manchester but SunSport understands Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a big admirer of Poch. McKenna has been internally discussed by the Blues board with De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim also in the frame. Chelsea are beyond a laughing stockBy Andy Dillon
      CHELSEA’S longest serving manager under the club’s new owners has left by mutual consent.
      The fact that Mauricio Pochettino lasted only 325 days underlines what a basket case of a club it has become.
      You might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.
      When the supporters wrote an open letter to chairman Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali in March, they expressed fears that their beloved Chelsea was becoming a ‘laughing stock on and off the pitch’.
      It is way beyond that now with the departure of the manager who finally looked to be getting a tune out of a squad branded ‘£1billion bottle jobs’ just over two months ago as they crashed to defeat against Liverpool’s youth team in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Read Andy Dillon’s full take on the sacking of Pochettino and what it means here. More

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      Pochettino was Sir Alex Ferguson’s choice at Man Utd and he should be Ratcliffe’s even with six other names in frame

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO’S name should now be on Manchester United’s shortlist – if he is ready to go again.A year in charge of new-era Chelsea ages a man, but on reflection Poch has probably enhanced his reputation overall.Mauricio Pochettino has waved goodbye to Chelsea but should be on Man Utd’s shortlistCredit: PAUnited chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) and fellow co-owner Avran Glazer have a big decision to makeCredit: AlamyAnd given the fact that the Argentinian was Erik ten Hag’s main rival for the United job two years ago, there is no reason why new Old Trafford chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe should not consider Pochettino now.Another casualty of the Todd Boehly-led circus at Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel, is the bookies’ favourite to replace Ten Hag if the new regime at Old Trafford ditch the Dutchman this summer.And a third boss to be spat out by the Stamford Bridge shredder, Graham Potter, is also among the runners and riders.Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna are also said to be high on United’s agenda.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut you can make a strong argument for Pochettino deserving to be a member of a magnificent (ish) seven when it comes to United’s options..Back in November 2021, when United put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out of his misery, chief executive Ed Woodward was keen on trying to bring the former Southampton and Tottenham boss back to the Premier League from Paris Saint-Germain.At the time, it proved too difficult to make much progress and Ralf Rangnick was eventually appointed as interim boss.Nonetheless Pochettino’s name remained in the frame well into 2022 as United struggled and his exit from PSG became inevitable.Most read in FootballThere was even talk of trying to sign players in that January which might fit a Pochettino system, in the hope of bringing him to Old Tafford in the summer.Woodward’s influence was fading, however, because the club had already announced he was leaving.Man Utd boost as Thomas Tuchel ‘rejects chance to stay on at Bayern Munich’ with boss keen on Premier League return And his internal replacement, Richard Arnold, backed Rangnick’s campaign to go for Ten Hag.Sir Alex Ferguson was understood to favour Pochettino over Ten Hag. It was said that the United players’ preference was also for the Argentinian.But in April 2022, United announced the appointment of Ten Hag on an initial three-year deal, with a year’s option.Even a win in Saturday’s FA Cup Final is unlikely to earn the Dutchman a chance to see out that contract.It is absolutely fair to say that as recently as two months ago, Pochettino would have looked like an unlikely choice to succeed Ten Hag.The team he was trying to build from an injury-hit, inexperienced and imbalanced squad was still inconsistent. The man himself looked spent at times, worn out by trying to find new ways to say he need more time to make the unique “project” work.Many Chelsea fans would have been glad to see him go. Not so much anymore, after a late surge took the Blues into the European places at the expense of Ten Hag’s United.Pochettino has more Premier League experience and charisma than any of the other six leading candidates. Only Tuchel has spent more time managing clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, whose demands on a manager are in the same ballpark as those that a United boss faces.At 52, his best years should still be ahead of him.Perhaps the biggest question is whether Pochettino himself fancies throwing himself back into the firing line again straightaway.He looked weary for much of the season. The relatively amicable, relatively mutual departure from Stamford Bridge – compared to the sackings of Tuchel and Potter – is regarded as a blessing.Maybe Poch would prefer to take some proper time off and  regroup in a slightly less high-profile role, perhaps somewhere back in Spain where he made his name as a player and a young coach.But if Pochettino is up for it, United would be foolish not to consider him.Here are the men who would be his main rivals for the job:THOMAS TUCHELThe livewire German, 50, ticks a lot of boxes for United, which is reflected in him being a short-odds favourite with the bookmakers.He was a Champions League winner with Chelsea as recently as 2021, he has experience of big clubs with their big expectations, he communicates well with the media and, perhaps crucially, he is available to start work immediately.But how much should the reason for that availability count against Tuchel? He is the first Bayern Munich manager to fail to win the title for 12 years, albeit with a team in transition competing against a Bayer Leverkusen side breaking records left, right and centre.Tuchel also has a habit of falling out with people, as he did at Chelsea for a variety of reasons. Blues chiefs may now regret letting him go so quickly now, but he has not exactly enhanced his reputation since.Thomas Tuchel is looking for his next opportunity and sources believe he has a big chance of landing the United jobCredit: GettyGARETH SOUTHGATEEngland’s second most successful manager could yet overtake World Cup-winner Sir Alf Ramsey in terms of overall achievement if he leads the Three Lions to Euro 2024 glory.Whatever happens in Germany this summer, the smart money would be on Southgate, 53, returning to club management and he has plenty of admirers at Old Trafford.But for all the knowledge and experience he has gained as England head coach, he has not managed in the Premier League since 2009, when he oversaw Middlesbrough’s relegation and left the club the following autumn.Southgate has lots going for him, not least his emotional intelligence and communication skills. But the perception (deserved or not) of him as a cautious coach whose in-game tactical management is questionable, make him a harder sell than he might otherwise be – especially for a club like United that is trying to embark on an exciting new era.Gareth Southgate is set to return to club football after his England contract expires this yearCredit: PAPochettino’s Chelsea record

      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74

      GRAHAM POTTERThe former Brighton boss has bided his time since leaving Chelsea more than a year ago, turning down other opportunities to return to management in order to wait for the right one.Would United be that job? Like Southgate, Potter is well-regarded by INEOS, the new United co-owners who have taken control of football affairs, and he would fit into their hierarchy well. His ability to build relationships with players, as well as his innovative coaching, are also big pluses.But Potter never seemed at ease in the Stamford Bridge spotlight and, like it or not, being able to talk the talk as well as walk the walk is on the list of “essential skills for this role” when it comes to the job description of a United manager.Potter will have learned plenty from that bruising experience at Chelsea and will no doubt be a better boss for it. But putting that to the test in arguably the biggest job of all would be a gamble, for both United and him.Graham Potter found life at Chelsea tough but the new Man Utd regime are big fansCredit: PAROBERTO DE ZERBIThere are very good reasons why the Italian, 44, has been linked with some of the biggest jobs in world football – Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Liverpool, United – after less than two seasons at Brighton.Although this campaign was more up and down, De Zerbi took a Seagulls side that could hold its own under Potter and turned it into one that, on its day, could beat anyone. Man City head coach Pep Guardiola does not hand out high praise to just anyone and the Italian is also suddenly between jobs, although Brighton would want compensation.But there are also very good reasons why other big clubs have not made decisive moves for De Zerbi, and his Brighton exit underlines a big one. Like Tuchel, he is outspoken and headstrong, and has difficulty managing upwards, wanting more power than most modern managers are given.De Zerbi’s undoubted gifts as a coach who improves players and is committed to attractive, attacking football come with a diva-like temperament that has put other clubs off him. He would be an exciting but risky appointment for United – and Chelsea may beat them to it anyway.Roberto De Zerbi said goodbye to Brighton after his final game – coindientally, against Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyChelsea are beyond a laughing stockBy Andy Dillon

      CHELSEA’S longest serving manager under the club’s new owners has left by mutual consent.
      The fact that Mauricio Pochettino lasted only 325 days underlines what a basket case of a club it has become.
      You might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.
      When the supporters wrote an open letter to chairman Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali in March, they expressed fears that their beloved Chelsea was becoming a ‘laughing stock on and off the pitch’.
      It is way beyond that now with the departure of the manager who finally looked to be getting a tune out of a squad branded ‘£1billion bottle jobs’ just over two months ago as they crashed to defeat against Liverpool’s youth team in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Read Andy Dillon’s full take on the sacking of Pochettino and what it means here.

      THOMAS FRANKThe candidacy of the Brentford head coach has raised eyebrows in some quarters, but it is worth remembering that he was also on Liverpool’s shortlist before they plumped for Feyenoord’s Arne Slot.If anyone is used to working in a data-driven, marginal-gains pursuing system like the one INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford is looking to bring to United, it is Frank. The Bees’  impressive transfer activity is guided by owner Matthew Benham’s gambling-related algorithms and Frank is used to the sporting director-led structure United are now following..The Dane, 50, has a famous “no d***heads” culture that has obvious attractions for United and you would like to think an underachieving dressing room would be open to his approach. But that’s what people said about Ten Hag and look how that has turned out, even allowing for their very different personalities.Would Frank’s calmness and intelligence survive the scrutiny at a club like United? It would be interesting to see and arguably just what they need. But he would not be a sexy appointment and would need to show that he can play a less pragmatic brand of football to keep the fans on side in testing times.Thomas Frank’s achievements at Brentford have attracted the attention of big clubsCredit: GettyKIERAN MCKENNAThere’s nothing like a prodigal son returning home to lead his old club back to the glory, glory days. Former Old Trafford youth coach and assistant boss McKenna could hardly have done more since leaving United in late 2021.The Northern Irishman, 38, is one of European football’s hottest young coaches after leading Ipswich to back-to-back promotions while playing an exciting brand of possession football that United fans would love to see at their own club.United have tried pretty much every other route to replace Fergie: tried and trusted David Moyes, big names Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, former player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and right now Ten Hag, Dutch football’s second to last big thing, now overtaken by Slot.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo why not go down the young and inexperienced, but innovative and dynamic route of McKenna? It has worked for Bayer Leverkusen with Xabi Alonso. But again, it feels like a risk that both parties would have to think hard about taking.Kieran McKenna is a man in demand after leading Ipswich from League One to the top flight in two seasonsCredit: Getty More

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      Robert Lewandowski opens up on ‘special’ Jurgen Klopp, his failed Man Utd transfer and eating dessert before his main

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has described Jurgen Klopp as a “special” man in a fitting tribute to the outgoing Liverpool manager.SunSport exclusively sat down with the legendary striker to discuss his old Borussia Dortmund boss, a failed move to Manchester United, the Euros, and the real story behind him eating dessert before main meals.Robert Lewandowski sat down with SunSport for an exclusive interview in BarcelonaThe former Borussia Dortmund striker gave a touching tribute to Jurgen KloppCredit: Bongarts – GettyThe interview was in honour of his partnership with gaming company G2ABut we start with Klopp – who said farewell to Anfield on Sunday after a stellar nine years at the club.Lewandowski, 35, spent four seasons playing under Klopp at Dortmund during which he scored 103 goals in 187 games.Prior to Bayer Leverkusen’s recent triumph, Dortmund were the last team to topple Bayern Munich and clinch the Bundesliga title when they won back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012.Klopp’s side also reached the Champions League final in 2013, losing to Bayern at Wembley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Lewandowski has nothing but fond memories of his time with the iconic German coach.’I still have amazing contact with Klopp’Speaking about Klopp at the announcement of his partnership with gaming company G2A, he said: “He’s just special as a man, not only as a coach.”I think that he wrote the new history of the Liverpool because he won everything.”When I saw what’s happened in the last game, not even the last game, even last week, he is still not only the legend but he’s the person who you loved and you love him because not only what he won, what he did on the pitch, but everything around [him] and you understood that this man is special.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRobert Lewandowski major honoursMajor honours won by Robert Lewandowski:
      Lech Poznan: Polish league, Polish Cup, Polish Super Cup
      Borussia Dortmund: Bundesliga x2, German Cup, German Super Cup
      Bayern Munich: Bundesliga x8, German Cup x3, German Super Cup x5, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup
      Barcelona: LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup
      Individual awards: Best Fifa Men’s Player x2, European Golden Shoe x2, Uefa Men’s Player of the Year, Uefa Team of the Year x2, Bundesliga Player of the Season x2, Bundesliga top scorer x7, Bundesliga Team of the Season x9, Bayern Munich Player of the Season x3, LaLiga Team of the Season x2

      “When I was with him in Dortmund I had and still have with him amazing contact because I know everything he does is pure.”He never lied. Even the tough decisions or tough conversations he said to you exactly what he wanted to say, not what you wanted to hear.Robert Lewandowski pays tribute to Jurgen Klopp”So it’s different. Always he was clear with the players, with the people. And in the end for sure he was clear with himself. And that’s why everything what he did for Liverpool, for this club, for the players, for sure that’s staying with him for the next years.”For one side it’s very sad that he’s leaving. But he knew that he needed a break. To be the coach not only of Liverpool but to be the coach of a top club costs a lot of energy. It’s a difficult job, very tough.”I’m very grateful for everything what he did, what kind of person he is. And I think that so many fans are going to miss him.”So nearly a Red DevilLewandowski wanted to join Manchester United by Dortmund blocked the dealCredit: PA:Empics SportLewandowski insisted he ‘could not say no’ when Sir Alex Ferguson called himCredit: GettyLewandowski left Dortmund for Bayern in 2014, one year before Klopp also departed the Westfalenstadion.But his exit could have come much earlier had he been granted his wish to join Man Utd.Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson spotted the forward’s supreme talent and was keen to bring him to Old Trafford.Yet despite both Fergie and Lewandowski wanting the move to happen, Dortmund refused to let him go, and instead Manchester United signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal.Recalling that time, the striker said: “I had decided to go to Manchester United. I remember when I was speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson and I was already decided.”I was 22, 23 [years old] and it was after one or two years in Dortmund [when Sir Alex called me]. You cannot say no [to him], it’s the prime of Manchester United, the prime of Sir Alex Ferguson. I was decided, okay, I want to join to Manchester United.”But in the end Dortmund said no. So I had to respect this.”He has not held that decision against Dortmund – insisting it will be a “dream” if they win the Champions League final at Wembley against Real Madrid on June 1.It comes 11 years after he lost with Dortmund at Wembley alongside team-mate Marco Reus – who he hopes is given the most “beautiful” send-off with a European triumph.As a person, Lewandowski has a number of eccentric quirks.They include his love of gaming – particularly anything F1-related – as he revealed his admiration for both Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.But the main idiosyncrasy he has become known for is eating dessert BEFORE main meals.’I don’t like to mix food’Lewandowski was keen to set the records straight on this tale, elaborating on exactly what the unusual eating habit entails.”If you are talking about lunch, for example, I want to eat dessert like one and a half hours before I’m eating or one and a half hours after the lunch because I don’t like to mix food,” he said.”If you have the sweet things and you mix with protein, for example, if you boil it up, it doesn’t work well. So this is the idea.”I know the story was that I first [eat] dessert and [then] soup, something like that. But yeah, it’s not so correct.”On his dessert of choice, he added: “Chocolate fondant. Hot chocolate with the inside. I am so ready to eat this.”Lewandowski has scored 25 goals for Barcelona this season – the 13th successive campaign he has achieved this goalscoring tally.But, with the Catalan giants set to close out their campaign away at Sevilla on Sunday, they have already been condemned to a trophyless term.Behind the scenes with Robert LewandowskiROBERT LEWANDOWSKI is just as impressive off the pitch as he has been on it for the best part of 20 years, writes SunSport’s Dylan Terry.
      From the moment he walked into the room of 30 or 40 people at the G2A media day, there was a humbleness you would not expect from one of the best players of his generation.
      He then proceeded to give what appeared to be an off-the-cuff speech about his excitement for the partnership – a task many sports stars may have found daunting but which Lewandowski took in his stride.
      Sitting down for the interview, he was quick to ask about my time in Barcelona and how I had found the city.
      He then proceeded to joke that I had “forgotten my sun cream” after catching a glimpse of my redder-than-usual complexion.
      Across the next 15 minutes he was happy to answer anything, speaking with an impressive eloquence and relaxed nature.
      At the end I requested a photo which was warmly received by Lewandowski – who was happy to oblige.
      We shook hands and he wished me the best, before he prepared for his next two interviews in German and Polish.

      Lewandowski backs three teams at EurosNow the Poland captain, who has scored 680 goals in 988 games for club and country, will lead his nation into this summer’s European Championships.A tough group awaits them after they were drawn alongside France, Netherlands and Austria.And Lewandowski believes the French are one of three teams with a realistic chance of glory in Germany – alongside England and Portugal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “France, I think also England. Also Portugal, I think they can be very dangerous because of the coach, because of the players of this generation.”G2A.COM is the world’s largest and most trusted marketplace for digital entertainment where users can choose from more than 75,000 digital offerings including games, DLCs, in-game items, as well as non-gaming items like gift cards, subscriptions and software.Lewandowski previously revealed he eats dessert before main mealsCredit: InstagramLewandowski has been scoring for fun as usual this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      How Man Utd could line up under Mauricio Pochettino with Palmer, Hakimi and Branthwaite among transfer overhaul

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could be ready to pounce after Mauricio Pochettino’s shock Chelsea exit. The Argentine left Stamford Bridge following only one season in charge in West London.But Pochettino may be swiftly welcomed back to the Premier League as Erik ten Hag’s future remains in doubt.The United hierarchy have long admired the former Tottenham manager, who was pipped to the job by Ten Hag in 2022. Ten Hag will remain in charge for the FA Cup final against rivals City on the weekend but his job is far from safe. Should the Dutchman be sent on his way, Pochettino will be among the favourites to succeed Ten Hag. READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd here, SunSport looks at how they could line up under the now ex-Chelsea boss. United are in the market for a right-back and Pochettino is a big fan of Achraf Hakimi, who he signed at PSG. And he was linked with a move for highly-rated Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. England pair Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have been staples in United’s defence with Andre Onana the No1 despite shaky form. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt Chelsea, Pochettino often deployed a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation which has also been used by Ten Hag. Pochettino has given young stars a chance during his time with the Blues, which would be good news for 18-year-old sensation Kobbie Mainoo. Andre Onana offers to ‘take bullets’ as he names himself among four Man Utd stars who should face criticismCole Palmer – Chelsea’s best player of the season – shined after joining from City in the summer. So Pochettino would be tempted to sign the boyhood United fan wherever he ends up next. He could fit into the No10 role at Old Trafford with Fernandes partnering Mainoo in a pivot. Going forward, both Chelsea and United have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise. And Olise would compliment a front three alongside Marcus Rashford and striker Rasmus Hojlund More

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      Man Utd star Marcus Rashford posts 14-word response after he is snubbed from England squad ahead of Euro 2024

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has broken his silence following his shock omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad.SunSport learned that the Manchester United (opens in a new tab)” rel=”noreferrer noopener” >Manchester United hitman would not be part of the 33-man provisional squad hours before the official announcement.Marcus Rashford has been left out of the England squad for Euro 2024Credit: RexThe 26-year-old’s inconsistency for Manchester United this season has cost him a place in the squadCredit: RexAnd 20 minutes after The FA made his omission public, the 26-year-old issued a statement.But the striker didn’t throw his toys out the pram, opting instead to send his team-mates and international gaffer a message of support.He took to his Instagram story to write: “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament.”Rashford has been a staple of England squads since Southgate succeeded Roy Hodgson as manager in November 2016.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The United forward has featured in all three of the tournaments that have taken place during Southgate’s reign.But his poor form last season has ultimately stopped him from playing in a fourth-straight major international competition.The decision to axe Rashford wasn’t easy for Southgate, who said: “These are of course difficult calls. “You are talking about players that are very important players. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”With Marcus, in that area of the pitch, I feel that other players have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.Gareth Southgate names initial Euro 2024 squad UPDATEDRashford has made a total of 60 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2017.He’s found the back of the net 17 times, with three of those goals coming at the 2022 World Cup.Rashford isn’t the only big-name player to have been omitted from the squad.Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Reece James will all have the summer off as they’ve not been called up for the tournament.Southgate added: “The 33 isn’t quite a fair definition because we’re taking a longer squad with some younger players to look at. “Hendo has given himself every chance. From the last camp, he missed five weeks through injury and he hasn’t been able to get to that tempo since then. “It’s a big call to make, the three players from last time, he, Ben [White] and Marcus [Rashford] all had excellent professionalism.READ MORE SUN STORIES”[Jordan Henderson] will be a miss. He’s an exceptional individual and fantastic human being. “He’s been in that leadership role for a long time.” More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘obsessed’ with winning trophy more important to him than Man Utd lifting Premier League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to win one of the most “elusive” trophies this year.Ratcliffe, 71, took over a 27.7 per cent stake of United back in February in a deal that also saw him take up the reins on all sporting operations at Old Trafford.Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to win the America’s CupCredit: PASir Jim will be hoping to combine his arrival with a trophy in his first year in charge of the Red Devils on May 25 when Erik ten Hag’s side faces rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.However, the British billionaire has his fingers in a lot of other pies with INEOS who are looking to make history in one of the most historic competitions.Ratcliffe is “obsessed” with winning the America’s Cup, which kicks off on August 22 and runs until October 20.Sky News reporter Rob Harris tweeted: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is obsessed with trying to win a prize more elusive for Britain than the Premier League trophy for Manchester United.”Read More on Man UtdThe UK has never won the prestigious sailing trophy and the INEOS chief is looking to make history with Britannia, the boat he created in his bid to conquer the competition dubbed the F1 of the oceans.Ratcliffe told Sky News: “Manchester United is another sporting challenge and it’s a very big one obviously, probably one of the biggest ones in the world.”But this, I think for the UK, this is one of the biggest sporting challenges you could find.”Whilst the UK has won just about every international sporting competition there is in the world, the one and only it has never won has been the sailing one.”Most read in FootballRatcliffe has his hands full at United after a hapless campaign that saw the team finishing eighth in the Premier League table.The minority shareholder will have to decide on Ten Hag’s future, who has come under immense scrutiny throughout the campaign.’I’m in a rush,’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe says live on BBC after running London Marathon before Wembley dash to watch Man UtdRaphael Varane has also announced his imminent departure from the club once his contract runs out at the end of the season.More players could follow Varane, such as Anthony Martial whose deal also expires in June.Why Man Utd must win FA Cup
      ERIK TEN HAG says Manchester United must pay back their world-class fans with an FA Cup triumph after their awful league season, writes Tom Barlcay.
      United came eighth which was their lowest-ever finish despite winning 2-0 on the final day at Brighton.
      They also came away from a miserable campaign with a negative goal difference – but still can win a trophy when they take on Manchester City in next week’s cup final.
      The away fans roared themselves hoarse just as they have done all term despite the poor results.
      Boss Ten Hag said: “We have the best fans in the world and I mean this. 
      “I have never had this experience when you have a season like us, which is by far not good enough, that the supporters are with us. 
      “They are with us in the bad season and in bad times they are there. I think also they know why the bad times are there. 
      “But we have to pay them back and we have to do everything to give them a trophy next week but also for the future, we have to perform better.”
      United won thanks to late goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund.
      But for the second game running, Hojlund began the match on the bench as United opted for a false nine – in a hint over how United will set up in the cup final.
      That was how they played in March’s 3-1 defeat to City at the Etihad in the league, too.
      Ten Hag added: “It’s a luxury problem. Both formations can be a success because we can set up like we did at the Etihad where we were a threat with movement in behind.
      “But of course with Rasmus Hojlund in this form it’s absolutely a consideration and a thought that we have to consider. 
      “You need not only 11 players in a tough final but a bench as well.”
      Hojlund’s tally now stands at 16 goals in his maiden season after the 21-year-old arrived from Atalanta for £72million last summer.
      Reflecting on the Dane’s campaign, Ten Hag observed: “It could always be better but don’t forget he had three injuries this season. 
      “He came in with the injury, missed the start, then he got injured before winter and then he got injured after winter. So every time that broke his rhythm and if you then shoot 16 goals for the first season it’s OK. And it’s not over, we have to play the FA Cup final.” More

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      in Soccer

      Andre Onana offers to ‘take bullets’ as he names himself among four Man Utd stars who should face criticism

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      ANDRE ONANA has declared he is prepared to “take bullets” of criticism for his young team-mates. Onana, 28, is one of the senior stars in the Manchester United dressing room.Andre Onana has said he is willing to ‘take bullets’ for the younger members of the teamCredit: GettyThe team have limped to a worst-ever eighth place finish in the Premier League.Much of the criticism has been aimed towards a dodgy defence, with the Red Devils conceding 660 shots this season – second only to bottom side Sheffield United.Onana has put their shakiness down to an injury-ravaged defence.While he acknowledged the team has to do better, he fears the criticism has affected the younger players in the squad.READ MORE IN MAN UTDHowever, he said it was up to senior stars at the club including himself, captain Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Harry Maguire to bare the brunt of the criticism.Asked by Man Utd icon Gary Neville about the criticism levelled at the team by pundits, Onana told The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet: “For me, I don’t pay attention to it.”I have come into this team to take bullets, because we are under construction – at the moment, we are not the best.”We have other teams who are doing better than us and we have to be honest and recognise that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”If things and when things are going wrong, don’t go for the youngest player – I’m here to take it, Bruno [Fernandes], Casemiro and Harry [Maguire] are there and we are used to it.”When it’s people who were sitting where I’m sitting, who won everything, sometimes it’s bizarre – we are in the same boat.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window”We try to follow your thing and what you did. For me, I don’t mind, but other people may be affected. For me, to be honest, it’s just a part of the game.”Despite the high number of shots he has faced, Onana has conceded 58 goals which has resulted in him having a save rate of 74.9 per cent, the best in the division.Man Utd managed to keep a clean sheet in their final game against Brighton, with Onana once again on hand to produce some good saves on route to a ninth clean sheet of the season.He will be hoping for another shutout when Man Utd face Premier League champions Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final.Onana said: “It’s a very important game for us, especially as you are in the final and people only remember the winner. “We are going there to win, we are Manchester United. We cannot go thinking that we are going to lose otherwise it’s better to not step on to the pitch.”We’re there to win, we have important players, good players with a lot of personality and experience.”SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
      Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
      Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
      Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
      Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
      Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
      Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
      Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
      Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
      Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
      Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
      Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
      Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
      Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
      Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
      Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
      Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
      Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
      Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
      Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
      Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
      Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
      Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
      Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
      Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
      Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More