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      I sat on sofa with Man Utd boss and his wife at my house… I agreed transfer but changed my mind when he was sacked

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      TONI KROOS claims he was moments away from joining Manchester United before David Moyes was ruthlessly sacked while the pair sat together on a sofa.The Scot only lasted 10 months at Old Trafford following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement 11 years ago.Toni Kroos claims he almost joined Man Utd after leaving Bayern MunichCredit: GettyHe was sat on a couch with David Moyes when the Scot was sackedCredit: GettyMoyes won just 27 of his 51 United matches in the 2013/14 campaignAnd United’s seventh-place finish saw them miss out on Champions League football for the first time since 1995.Moyes only made one signing in his sole summer transfer window, with his former Everton star Marouane Fellaini a late arrival.But it appears the Scot was already working on deals for his second season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because Germany and Real Madrid icon Kroos claims he nearly joined United in the summer of 2014.The midfielder, who led his country to World Cup glory that year, met with Moyes and the Scot’s wife Pamela at his house in Bavaria.Kroos had decided to leave boyhood club Bayern Munich on a free transfer.And he was ready to put pen to paper on a lucrative deal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, as Kroos and Moyes sat together on a couch, the manager was brutally sacked by United.Ryan Giggs took charge for United’s last few games before Louis van Gaal was hired.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Louis van Gaal did not want to complete the deal to sign KroosCredit: EPAKroos also turned down Van Gaal before eventually joining Real MadridCredit: GettyAnd Kroos ended up declining the planned switch to Old Trafford, with Van Gaal also not keen on signing him.Kroos told SPORT1: “In 2014, before I signed with Real Madrid, I had already agreed with Manchester United. That would have been a move from Bayern to United.“But then they kicked out David Moyes, who I was still sitting on my couch with in Munich.“It was very nice for him to be sitting in our house with his wife.“Then they hired Louis van Gaal. And we both politely declined.The playmaker eventually struck a deal with Real Madrid as he secured the World Cup in Brazil.And the rest is history, with Kroos appearing 465 times for Los Blancos before retiring following Euro 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn that time he won four LaLiga titles, five Champions Leagues and as many Club World Cups, making him one of the most successful Germans in history.One star Kroos played alongside was Gareth Bale, who was Moyes’ top target during the summer of 2013 before joining Real.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘peak Glazer insanity’ after finding out club failed in £83.5m transfer for Premier League flop

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed the “peak insanity” from the Glazers after learning about their failed bid for a Barcelona flop.The controversial owners made a £83.5million offer to the LaLiga giants for Ansu Fati in 2020 – when the winger was just 17 years old.Manchester United’s £83million bid for Ansu Fati was rejected in 2020Credit: GettyThe forward failed to make his mark while on loan at BrightonCredit: GettyThe Glazer family has repeatedly come under fire for their failed recruitment plansWhile Fati was coming through the ranks and had burst onto the scene in Spain at the time, nothing warranted that price tag.In his 2019-20 debut season, then 16-year-old Fati became Barca’s youngest goalscorer — a record since taken by Lamine Yamal.He subsequently finished second in the 2020 Golden Boy award behind Erling Haaland – who arrived at Manchester City for £52million in 2022.United’s summer approach for Fati came on the back of a third-place finish in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBarca were able to fend off interest and tie Fati down to a long-term deal with a mammoth £363m release clause.When Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Fati took over the No10 shirt — but then a serious knee injury struck.He was shipped out on a season-long loan to Prem side Brighton in 2023 – but failed to live up to their near £7million investment.Fati has been absent with a foot injury so far this season and still has plenty of time to realise his immense potential.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited fans have lashed out at the Glazers after learning new details of the failed move from The Athletic.One wrote: “Peak Glazer insanity”, before another commented: “That family were in a league of their own 😂.”Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian WrightA second said: “Typical United willing to send a fortune on any mid player.”A third added: “Obviously Ed Woodward and co would immediately overpay for such a player.”While another noted: “WOW. We dodged a nuke.”United left it late to do their business in 2020, sealing deadline day deals for Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri. Amad also signed at the end of the window, though he didn’t join until January 2021.Poor recruitment from the Glazer family has arguably been the greatest issue among fans throughout United’s post-Fergie era.The transfer strategy was so bad that it, alongside “draining the club allegations”, sparked as series of protests outside Old Trafford from 2021 onwards.United are guilty of over-spending on both unreliable and unproven players.Just look at the millions spent on Paul Pogba, Angel di Maria, and more recently Antony and Harry Maguire.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, Bruno Fernandes’ arrival in 2020 is perhaps the only transfer decision that United have got right in the last 10 years.But the Red Devils have now placed their hopes in new minority stake co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who promised a different transfer strategy moving forward.Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Man Utd star left in disbelief at being substituted in FC Twente clash and asks Erik ten Hag ‘me’ when number displayed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were held at Old Trafford by FC Twente in a frustrating game – especially for Christian Eriksen. The Dane started in midfield for United and opened the scoring on 35 minutes with a stunning strike. Christian Eriksen was stunned to be subbed offDiogo Dalot was tackled in the Twente box but the ball fell to Eriksen and he hammered home into the top corner. But his fortunes changed in the second half after he was caught on possession leading to Sam Lammers’ 68th minute leveller. Eriksen was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo with ten minutes to go but he incredibly questioned Erik ten Hag whether he was meant to go off or not. And fans were quick to notice as one said: “Eriksen in disbelief. I’m confused by these subs, too.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Eriksen asking if he’s the one to be subbed??? Better get out of that stadium.”One reacted: “Eriksen looks distraught that he’s coming off.”Another said: “Eriksen asking “me” is HILARIOUS.”Speaking after the game, Eriksen told TNT Sports: “I think mostly disappointed as a team, we wanted more in the end, far from good enough. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They looked like they wanted it more – that can’t be right.”On dressing room morale, he said: “I think everyone is looking at themselves, everyone is a professional footballer, they know what to do, what can’t happen. “We don’t lose but it feels like a loss.”Erik ten Hag ‘couldn’t wait to drop’ Man Utd starter for player who ‘isn’t much of an upgrade’, says Paul Scholes More

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      Man Utd ratings: Improved Rashford stakes England claim in front of Lee Carsley as Zirkzee is hooked again

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against Twente at Old Trafford.Christian Eriksen opened the scoring after 35 minutes to show why United are among the favourites to win the competition this season.Manchester United ace Christian Eriksen opened the scoring with a fantastic strikeCredit: GettyBut Man Utd’s were unable to secure victory over FC TwenteCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford was a bag of tricks and lookedCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee struggled for Man Utd against TwenteCredit: AlamyHowever, the visitors became the latest side to shock Erik ten Hag’s on 68 minutes when Sam Lammers equalised.The result deals a blow in the Red Devils’ hopes of finishing in the top eight of the League Phase, which would guarantee a place in the Last 16 of the Europa League and save them playing two extra fixtures.But who stood out for Man Utd? Who failed to live up to expectation? Here’s how Martin Blackburn rates each of Ten Hag’s players:ANDRE ONANA – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Read More on Man UtdDIOGO DALOT – 6 Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6 Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with header cleared off line. LISANDRO MARTINEZ –  7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.  NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front. Most read in Europa LeagueFurious Man Utd boss Ten Hag tells Jamie Redknapp ‘as a person you’re not OK’ as he slams pundit’s Rashford speculationCHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser. MANUEL UGARTE – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser. MARCUS RASHFORD – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self. BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.AMAD DIALLO – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half. JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund. SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO for Diallo 67 – 6 Got an earful off Erik ten Hag for not doing his bit defensively.KOBBIE MAINOO for Eriksen 78 – 5 Went to ground too easily as he got a  sight of goal. READ MORE SUN STORIESMASON MOUNT for Zirkzee 79 – 5 Teed up a late chance for Garnacho RASMUS HOJLUND for Rashford 79 – 5 Still working his way back to fitness after injury. Martinez dominated in Man Utd’s defenceMan Utd failed to kill the game against Twente More

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      Man Utd 1 FC Twente 1: Erik ten Hag let down by flops once again as Christian Eriksen goes from hero to zero

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      ERIK TEN HAG was left frustrated as Manchester United failed to kill off a game again.It has become a recurring theme under the boss.Christian Eriksen was the Jekyll and Hyde double act for Man Utd against FC TwenteCredit: EPAEriksen rifled home the opener near the end of the first halfCredit: GettySam Lammers slotted home a second-half equaliserCredit: GettyBefore the game he had urged his players to find that lethal touch in the box to finish teams off.But despite having 19 efforts at goal only five were on target and one of them was from a Twente playerThey had failed to take chances in the goalless draw at Crystal Palace at the weekend too.New coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is still to work his magic on the Carrington training pitches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn top from a Christian Eriksen strike on 35 minutes, it seemed they were going to have the perfect start against Ten Hag’s former club in this Europa League opener.He had said before the game “it is not nice to have to hurt something you love” as he sensed victory against the team he played for in three spells and still supports.But they were the one’s breaking his heart with a second-half equaliser to share the points through Sam Lammers.There was a nice touch before the game when Steve McClaren was presented with a commemorative plaque on the pitch by Sir Alex Ferguson.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMcClaren was of course Ferguson’s assistant in that amazing treble season of 1998-99 and has just left the club after his second spell to become boss of Jamaica.More importantly for the lively visiting fans, he was FC Twente coach when they won their first and only Dutch title in 2009-10.Man Utd fans hail boss Erik ten Hag for having ‘a better touch than Hojlund’ after spotting mad ball skills in trainingHe was given a rousing reception by them as they chanted his name.They very nearly had something else to celebrate early in the game when Diogo Dalot lost out to Bart van Rooij, who crossed into the six yard box.Lammers got the slightest of touches to deflect wide and beyond Andre Onana but the ball ran just wide of the far post.Marcus Rashford was back in the team after being left out the starting line up for the game at Selhurst Park.It was a surprise move given that he had scored three goals in two games.And it brought much comment from pundit’s to the annoyance of Erik ten Hag, who has emphasised his need to rotate with so many games coming thick and fast.Rashford showed that he felt he had a point to prove not just to Ten Hag but interim England boss Lee Carsley, who was in the stands.His form last season saw him lose out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad, but Carsley has already proved he is prepared to give players another chance.The forward looked lively from the start, tearing down the left flank as Amad Diallo did likewise down the right.Marcus Rashford looked bright throughoutCredit: AlamyWhile Joshua Zirkzee struggled to have a huge influence on the gameCredit: PAHe was full of tricks, with one nutmeg drawing huge cheers.In the 26th minute, there was very nearly a bizarre own goal in United’s favour.When Lisandro Martinez thumped a header across goal towards Zirkzee, Mees Hilgers intervened with a flick.But it forced his goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall into an incredible save to prevent the ball nestling in his top corner.The Red Devils then took the lead through a fabulous strike from Eriksen.Bruno Fernandes played the ball into the box for Diogo Dalot and, when he was challenged, it broke loose.Eriksen was first on the scene with a first-time drive that flew into the far top corner.United were in the ascendancy but Ten Hag will have wanted them to press that advantage home.Diallo tried to do just that as he turned on the afterburners and tore into the box to win a corner soon after the break.Lammers thundered an effort past Andre OnanaCredit: APThere were jubilant celebrations from the Dutch sideCredit: GettyEriksen swung it over and, when Harry Maguire met it with his head, the ball was blocked and fell back to the United centre-back whose volley was straight at the goalkeeper.Rashford was having a good night and went on to dispossess Youri Regeer and run half the length of the pitch before he found Eriksen, who fed Noussair Mazraoui.The move broke down, however, as United’s new full-back played a chipped cross that found nobody. Too many moves broke down.Lisandro Martinez reminded everybody why he was nicknamed ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’ in his time at Ajax when he took out Sam Steijn 30 yards from United’s goal.It earned him a booking and the visitors a free kick.Steijn picked himself up to take it and his low shot around the wall almost crept into the far corner, but was kept out by Onana’s finger tips.However, United failed to heed the warning and Twente drew level in the 67th minute.Bart Van Rooij charged through the United ranks before an interception from Manuel Ugarte.The ball broke to Eriksen, who thought he had more time than he did.The Dane then saw his pocket picked by Lammers, who charged into the box and fired home at Onana’s near post.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn injury time, a Maguire header was saved brilliantly on the line by UnnerstallBack to the drawing board, again.Kobbie Mainoo had a late penalty appeal waved awayCredit: ReutersHarry Maguire forced a late scare with an injury time headerCredit: PAMan Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Man Utd legend Gordon McQueen left huge sum to his family including Sky Sports presenter daughter after tragic death

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gordon McQueen left £320,000 to his family —  with a chunk going to Sky Sports presenter daughter Hayley, documents show.The 1970s Man Utd and Leeds defender died last year aged 70 following dementia thought to have been caused by heading the ball.Gordon McQueen died in June 2023Credit: PAHe won the league with Leeds during his careerCredit: PAHe also played for Manchester United during his careerCredit: AlamyHe made more than 300 appearances for the two clubs and played 30 times for Scotland.Probate documents reveal his estate was worth £326,272.He and widow Yvonne lived in a £400,000 house in Hutton Rudby, Yorks.He named her and their three children — Hayley, 44, Anna Forbes and Edward McQueen as executors of his will.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAll four will share his estate and the proceeds of any house sale.The family is selling some mementos including cup medals.They donated his brain to aid sports injury research.McQueen started his career at St Mirren before moving to Leeds.Most read in FootballDuring his time in Yorkshire, he played alongside club greats, including Billy Bremner, Johnny Giles and Norman Hunter.He was also featured under legendary manager Don Revie on the famous Leeds side, which won the league in 1974.His daughter is Hayley McQueenThe Scot later joined United in 1978 and went on to make 184 appearances for the club, winning the FA Cup in 1983.McQueen also finished as a runner-up in the cup in 1975 and again in 1979, and twice was selected in the PFA Team of the Year.He won 30 caps for Scotland and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2012.His daughter Hayley has also enjoyed a successful career in sport and is a regular broadcaster on Sky Sports.She is a presenter on Sky SportsCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Man Utd star, 37, BANNED by his own club and issues grovelling apology after furious confrontation with supporter

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      FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero was slapped with a two-game suspension by current club Boca Juniors and issued a groveling apology after “losing his mind” with a fan.Romero, 37, was involved in an altercation after Boca’s 1-0 loss at home to bitter rivals River Plate, which saw ex-West Ham ace Manuel Lanzini scoring the winner.Sergio Romero had a heated confrontation with a Boca Juniors fanRomero had to be restrained by Boca officials and team-matesEx-Man Utd ace Romero was slapped with a two-game ban by BocaRomero apologised to Boca and the fan after the loss to River PlateCredit: ReutersThe heated Superclasico saw a total of nine yellow cards being shown by referee Nicolas Ramirez, while Cristian Lema was sent off in the 12th minute of stoppage time when wild scenes ensued.Lema was given a second yellow card for dissent after Boca’s late equaliser was cancelled out by a VAR check that concluded the ball touched Milton Gimenez’s hand before crossing the line.But it was Romero who made headlines after the full-time whistle due to a furious confrontation with a home fan.The ex-Argentina international had to be restrained by club officials after he exchanged heated words with the Boca supporter, who expressed his frustration.Read More on FootballTeam-mate Leandro Brey eventually managed to pull Romero away as fans continued to hurl abuse at the team and missiles in his direction.That didn’t sit well with the Argentinian giants as they banned the ex-Man Utd player for the next two games against Cordoba and Argentinos Juniors, while a fine also looks imminent.Boca issued the following statement: “The decision has been made that our player Sergio Romero will not be called up for the next two matches we have to play (against Belgrano and Argentinos Juniors).”We also want to let you know that the three supporters who caused the aforementioned incident have been identified and that the corresponding measures will be applied to them.”Most read in FootballBoca added: “Our Club must be a big family, made up of fans, players, employees and directors. “Therefore, we all owe each other mutual respect at all times and be united for the good of the Club, enjoying sport and the competitions in which Boca participates, encouraging and participating together, in peace and harmony.”Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debateRomero claims the fan swore at him but apologised to both the club as well as the supporter.However, the Argentine insists he was “wrong” as the audience have the “right to express themselves”.Romero said: “I want to offer my apologies to the Boca fans for the situation at the end.”When the guy was swearing at me, I lost my mind. “None of us go out to play a game to lose it, we wanted to win it as much as they did and it didn’t happen. I couldn’t think at that moment, I lost my mind.”I apologise to the Boca fan, I was wrong with my reaction, I should have let it go and left. They have the right to express themselves.” More

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      Erik ten Hag ‘couldn’t wait to drop’ Man Utd starter for player who ‘isn’t much of an upgrade’, says Paul Scholes

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      ERIK TEN HAG was champing at the bit to ditch Harry Maguire and replace him with Matthijs de Ligt, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has claimed.Maguire’s long-term future at Old Trafford has been up in the air for the last two years due to a string of inconsistent displays.Matthijs de Ligt has been thrown into the deep end at Manchester UnitedCredit: REXErik ten Hag’s immediate inclusion of his summer signing has come at the expense of Harry MaguireCredit: REXPaul Scholes reckons Ten Hag couldn’t wait to bin off MaguireCredit: REXThe world’s most defensive defender’s struggles prompted a £43million summer swoop for De Ligt, who has been thrown in at the deep end this campaign.And Scholes can’t help but feel De Ligt’s almost immediate inclusion in the starting XI is a telltale sign that binning off Maguire has been on Ten Hag’s mind for some time.During the latest Overlap Fan Debate: ‘He couldn’t wait to get de Ligt straight in ahead of Maguire, he was just waiting for the opportunity.”De Ligt has yet to convince Scholes that he deserves to be in the heart of United’s defence over Maguire, who vowed last year to fight tooth and nail for his place in the team.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe 49-year-old said: “And look, in all honestly, I’m not sure it is that much of an upgrade.”He might be slightly better but he is not a massive improvement where you think, ‘Wow.'”Ten Hag’s decision to integrate De Ligt and his former Bayern Munich team Noussair Mazraoui into the starting XI so quickly has come as a surprise to Scholes.He said: “Manuel Ugarte was announced on the pitch for the Liverpool game.Most read in Football”And then he went away with Uruguay.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And with the South Americans, they don’t come back until a Friday sometimes and then they played at 12:30pm on a Saturday at Southampton.“[Erik] ten Hag’s a bit like that with his new players, he seems to take a little bit of time to bring them in.I was Man Utd ‘teacher’s pet’ but Ferguson told me I’d never play for him again “[Matthijs] de Ligt was the same.”The only one who has come straight in is [Noussair] Mazraoui.”Manchester United will be back in action this evening, welcoming Dutch giants FC Twente to Old Trafford.Paul Scholes was speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet. More