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      Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo became the player he is thanks to Walter Smith – who left him ‘tearing hair out’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO became the player he is today courtesy of former Manchester United assistant Walter Smith, according to Darren Fletcher.Portuguese superstar Ronaldo and Scottish midfielder Fletcher were team-mates at United for six years between 2003 to 2009.
      Cristiano Ronaldo (right) is the player he is now thanks to Walter Smith, according to former team-mate Darren Fletcher
      Boss Sir Alex Ferguson was briefly assisted by former Rangers and Scotland manager Smith at Old Trafford in the 2003-04 season.
      Fletcher has divulged the unusual technique the late Scottish coach used in training to bring on Ronaldo’s play.
      Ronaldo joined the Red Devils and the Premier League from Sporting Lisbon as an 18-year-old in 2003 with his talent immediately clear to see.
      But during his first season in England, Smith would deliberately not blow for fouls on the Portuguese winger in training, aiming to make Ronaldo better at using the ball more efficiently.
      Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Fletcher said: “For me it was Walter Smith. Walter Smith joined as assistant manager around Christmas time, New Year time.
      “With Ronaldo, you could see the talent and the ability.
      “The players were part of the reason he signed in that pre-season game against Sporting Lisbon when he tore us apart.
      “We’d just arrived off an aeroplane, jet-lagged from America. That’s John O’Shea’s excuse!
      “But you could see the talent. You could see this charismatic kid, you could see he had that drive to be the best player in the world – but he frustrated the life out of everybody.

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      “Eventually, Walter Smith came in and decided not to give fouls in training. I think the sole purpose was for Ronaldo.
      “So when Ronaldo was doing his skills, not passing the ball and taking the mick, the lads were fouling him.
      “For two weeks, Ronaldo was tearing his hair out – and he was going bananas!
      “What happened after a few weeks? Ronaldo starts moving the ball because he’s sick of being kicked.
      “Now he starts playing one or two-touch and running, now he starts getting more goals and it’s clicking in his head, he’s having more of an impact on games. That was the beginning of Ronaldo’s transition.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo has left Juventus for Man UtdCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ronaldo has gone on to have a stellar career since both he and Smith left Old Trafford.
      The 36-year-old won five Ballon d’Or awards – second only to arch rival and Barcelona captain Lionel Messi who has six – and his success may all have been kick-started by Walter Smith 17 years ago.
      And now he’s back at United where it all began. More

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      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney reveals his best goal ever – and it’s not THAT iconic overhead kick for Man Utd against Man City

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney revealed his best goal ever – and it’s not THAT iconic overhead kick against City.Rooney won 12 major honours during his 13 years at Old Trafford, including five Premier League titles and is the club’s all-time leading goal scorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances.
      Wayne Rooney scored a sensational overhead kick against City in 2011
      Wayne Rooney’s best goal is this strike against Wigan, according to the Manchester United legend
      The goal the former Red Devils ace,  now 36, is perhaps most known for his sensational overhead kick against Manchester City in 2011.
      Nani whipped the ball into the box before the ex-England skipper found the net with an incredible bicycle kick to win the match 2-1.
      But Rooney previously revealed in The Sunday Times that while that is his favourite goal, his strike against Wigan in December 2009 is the best in terms of craft.
      In his column he said: “When asked my favourite goal, I always say the overhead kick versus City — but we’re talking, here, about the craft of goalscoring, how it’s about teamwork, movement, control and timing and a goal that probably few people remember sticks out for me.
      “It came versus Wigan, when Rafael crossed from the right and my timing was literally perfect. I got across the centre back, got a nick on the ball and the keeper had no chance.”
      The Manchester United legend, who now manages Derby in the Championship, revealed that former Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson, taught him how to stay sharp up until the dying moments of a game.
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      He revealed: “You learn little things along the way. The best advice I received was from Fergie.
      “He’d say, ‘You’re working too hard,’ and at first I thought, ‘What do you mean? Isn’t that what you want?’
      “But I used to try to run as hard as I could for 90 minutes and in the last ten minutes be tired. The manager wanted his strikers to keep a little bit in the tank, because that match-winning chance might not arrive until the 90th minute — Fergie time!
      Rooney also gave credit to current United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for teaching him valuable tricks of the trade during his time at Old Trafford.
      He said: “Before joining United, I’d seen Solskjaer scoring all these goals by shooting through defenders’ legs — incredible. I watched him in training, I spoke to him: ‘How do you know what the defender is going to do?’
      “It was quite simple. Ole explained that when you shape to shoot, defenders tend to stick their leg out to try and block and that makes a gap.
      “He perfected the technique. And it’s harder for the keeper because they don’t see the ball when it leaves your foot. I scored one past Joe Hart against Manchester City that way.” More

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      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney and close friend Cristiano Ronaldo were Man Utd pranksters who played jokes on Sir Alex Ferguson

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      WAYNE ROONEY has revealed that he and former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo were the squad pranksters who were always pulling jokes on legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.Rooney and Ronaldo were close pals during their time together at Old Trafford and the Derby manager has revealed the pair used to get up to their fair share of mischief.
      Wayne Rooney has revealed that alongside his old Manchester United pal Cristiano Ronaldo they used to prank Sir Alex Ferguson
      Writing in his Sunday Times column, Rooney said: “It was always the two of us doing pranks on the manager or other players.”
      Rooney was describing how their relationship survived the drama as England went out to Portugal in the 2006 World Cup.
      Ronaldo was pictured winking after protesting to the referee that Rooney should be sent off in the two sides’ quarter-final clash in Germany but the duo’s friendship was unharmed.
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      The former DC United frontman admits it even brought them closer and despite what the press said at the beginning of the 2006/07 season they were back to their old tricks both on and off the pitch.
      Whether it was trying to pull one over their fellow players or the United staff, it appears the two footballing superstars did not mind as they expressed themselves with and without the ball.
      Former Three Lions hero Rooney and Ronaldo shared a dressing room for the best part of five years between 2004 and 2009, beating Chelsea in the final of the Champions League on penalties in Moscow in 2008. More

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      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney backtracks on claims he ‘wanted to hurt someone’ vs Chelsea after FA demand explanation from Man Utd legend

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      WAYNE ROONEY has tried to cool the temperature over his claim he ‘wanted to hurt someone’ while playing for Manchester United against Chelsea.The United legend found himself in hot water after revealing he changed his studs for the fiery April 2006 clash so his tackles would do extra damage.
      Wayne Rooney was asked to explain comments he madeCredit: Alamy
      He clashed with John Terry at Stamford Bridge back in 2006Credit: Getty
      The FA demanded an explanation from the current Derby manager, although former Blues skipper John Terry appeared to see the funny side.
      Now Rooney has rowed back on his comments, which were made in an interview to promote a new documentary about his life.
      Rooney said: “I have given my response to the FA as asked and I will wait for what comes back from that.
      “What I said to the FA is private, but I’m sure if you look at how I’ve said things, you will have an idea.
      “I’ve been very open about my state of mind. That was a feeling.
      “I didn’t go onto the pitch and say, ‘Right, I’m going to hurt and injure someone’, that was a feeling I had.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      “Obviously I had a tackle with John Terry, which was a good honest 50-50 tackle between two players. No issues.”
      Rooney was referring to an explosive tackle he made on the Chelsea skipper, who left Stamford Bridge on crutches that day.
      The pair were long-time international team-mates with the Three Lions and it appears there were no hard feelings.
      Terry tweeted a series of laughing emojis at Rooney on Monday with the message: “Is this when you left your stud in my foot?”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho was ‘jewel’ of Atletico’s academy, and is obsessed by Cristiano Ronaldo

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho announced himself to fans with a wonder strike in the FA Youth Cup.The rapid left winger, 17, ran from his own half down the left flank to score against Everton with an astonishing solo goal that draws memories of Gareth Bale shaming Barcelona’s defence with his speed.
      Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho cuts a dashing figure and is excelling in the club’s academCredit: Instagram / @garnacho7

      The fleet-footed forward was the third La Liga starlet join the club in 2020 from LaLiga, after the arrivals of Marc Jurado from Barcelona and Alvaro Fernandez from Real Madrid.
      Garnacho was called the ‘jewel’ of Atletico’s academy, and is working hard to emulate his hero at Old Trafford.
      He is obsessed by Cristiano Ronaldo, and even wore the same shirt number – No7 as his idol, although he’s had to accept No11 with the Red Devils.
      Still, that didn’t stop him celebrating that goal against Everton with CR7’s famous ‘SIUUU!’ roar.
      STIFF COMPETITION
      The Red Devils were said to have fought off Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to secure Garnacho’s signature.
      Described as a ‘goalscoring machine’, the Madrid-born teenager was highly rated by Atletico, who were devastated he left.
      He joined the club in 2015, impressing all with his killer instinct in front of goal.
      In 2016, whilst playing for Atletico’s Infantil B, he was Spain’s top scorer – destroying opposition defences with his natural knack for finding the back of the net.
      Garnacho, who had been with Atletico since 2015, was said to be the ‘jewel’ of the club’s academyCredit: La Liga promises
      Talented Garnacho is said to be a goalscoring machineCredit: La Liga promises
      Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund were also reportedly interested in GarnachoCredit: Instagram / @garnacho7
      QUICK AND NIMBLE
      Blessed with a flawless technique, Garnacho boasts attributes including close ball control that make it difficult for defenders to rob the ball off him.
      In the penalty area he’s intuitive and clinical, preferring to shift the ball onto his right foot before calmly slotting the ball home.
      A real predator in front of goal, Garnacho is also adept at finding space in the penalty box, and is an instinctive poacher.
      Moving to Old Trafford was said to be an easy decision for him, because it has allowed him to follow in the footsteps of his Portuguese hero.
      READY FOR STARDOM
      From a young age Garnacho’s potential has seen him primed for the top.
      At 15, he already found himself enjoying run-outs for Atletico’s U19 team.
      Garnacho wants to emulate his idol Cristiano RonaldoCredit: La Liga promises
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      This campaign he has thrived with United’s academy, playing for both the U18 and U23 sides.
      In all competitions, Garnacho has managed seven goal in 21 matches – as well as four assists.
      And with pace like that, you can certainly see him getting many more in the future. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd icon Roy Keane reveals he downed ‘six or seven pints’ night before his Nottingham Forest debut against Liverpool

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane he drank ‘six or seven’ pints the night before his Nottingham Forest debut more than thirty years ago.But the former midfield hardman claims it was just a ‘quiet night’.
      Roy Keane revealed he drank six or seven pints the night before his Forest debut
      Roy Keane played over 150 times in three years at ForestCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Having only just signed from semi-professional football in Ireland, the teenage midfielder was getting used to reserve football when the iconic Brian Clough gave him the call-up in 1990.
      Speaking on Monday Night Football back in 2019, Keane recalled: “I went over pre-season and was obviously doing a lot of training with the reserves.
      “Forest had played their first league game at home on the Saturday against QPR and I went to watch it, and I was on the bench for the reserves on the Monday night.
      “I got on for the last ten minutes and the first team were playing Liverpool on the Tuesday night.
      “Went out that night with the players, as you do after a reserve match, I didn’t drink too much – maybe six, seven pints after the game. Came in on the Tuesday and was told ‘get dressed up’.”
      Keane would go on to enjoy an excellent three years at the City Ground, reaching the FA Cup and League Cup finals before signing for United.
      “Didn’t drink too much – 6 or 7 pints.” 🍻Roy Keane reveals how he found out he was making his debut for Nottingham Forest at Anfield…🤣 pic.twitter.com/62WzYyq9qO— Sky Sports Retro (@SkySportsRetro) September 30, 2019

      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}mOST READ FOOTBALL NEWS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      But his ascendancy was turbocharged by Clough’s willingness to give youth a chance and the player-turned-pundit, 50, revealed a key piece of advice handed down to him by his boss ahead of the 2-0 defeat.
      Keane continued: “What Brian Clough did a lot of the time, for the younger players, bring you with the first-team just as an experience. Carry the skips, help the kitman, so I went up [and] met some of the players in the hotel.
      “[I] was putting the gear out with the kitman and Brian Clough says ‘what are you doing’ and I said I was putting the gear out – he says ‘no no, put that top on’.
      “He gave me a bit of advice before the game which I’ve basically made a career out of. He said: ‘I’ve seen your pre-season, you can control the ball, you can pass it and you can move’.
      “I said I can do those three things and he just told me to do that tonight. And that was my career in a nutshell: control, pass it and move.
      “And people always nod their head when I say that, because as a professional footballer you should be able to do those three things. But believe it or not, a lot of players can’t.”
      Another United legend and one of Keane’s former team-mates has also admitted playing while under the influence.
      Rio Ferdinand has revealed he had sunk three drinks prior to his West Ham debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Rio Ferdinand was drunk playing for West Ham after downing three brandies.
      The then 17-year-old was not in the squad for the game at Arsenal in 1996.
      But he was found by the kit man in the Highbury lounge and told he was on the bench.
      Rio, now 42, said: “I had a brandy and Coke in my hand. ‘Put it down’.
      “I was like, ‘Rah, had three brandy and Cokes and about to play at Highbury’.”
      He added: “I was on the bench thinking, ‘Please don’t let me come on, three brandy and Cokes, I can’t come on this pitch’. And then I came on.”
      He replaced Slaven Bilic after 87 minutes in the 2-0 defeat. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd stars including Ronaldo and Pogba arrive at hotel ahead of first match since Mason Greenwood arrest

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED were pictured arriving at their pre-match hotel as they prepare to play for the first time since Mason Greenwood’s arrest. United host Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes were all snapped arriving at The Hyatt Hotel.
      Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at The Hyatt HotelCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Paul Pogba could return to the Man Utd sideCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Captain Harry Maguire arrives at the pre-match hotelCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Bruno Fernandes ahead of the FA Cup tieCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      As SunSport revealed, midfielder Pogba, 28, made a late bid to be in the squad for the fourth-round tie.
      He has not played since the 2-2 Champions League draw away to Atalanta on November 2.
      He picked up a thigh injury the following week while training with the French squad.
      The initial prognosis was that he would be out for eight weeks but it has been three months now.
      Should Pogba feature, it would be his first appearance under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
      Ahead of the cup game, Rangnick on Thursday spoke for the first time since Greenwood’s arrest and subsequent suspension.
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      Greenwood, 20, spent three nights being quizzed by police on suspicion of rape, GBH, sexual assault and threats to kill.
      He was released on bail pending further investigation, but has not been seen since.
      Greenwood was suspended indefinitely by United hours after the allegations surfaced on social media.
      Manager Rangnick touched on his striker’s arrest at a press conference ahead of tonight’s FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough.
      He suggested players have been discussing the incident when asked if it had been “distracting”.
      Rangnick said: “We had a good normal week of training with five training sessions including today’s training.
      “Obviously it was a topic within the team but they’re human beings and Mason was part of the group before we had our break.
      “It was a good week of training, we could train under normal circumstances and we are looking forward to the game tomorrow.”
      Ralf Rangnick and Mason Greenwood in JanuaryCredit: PA More

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      Watch Gary Neville’s impression of Prison Break villain ‘T-Bag’ as he reveals nickname from ex-Man Utd team-mates

      by

      GARY NEVILLE revealed Wayne Rooney nicknamed him ‘T-Bag’ and performed an impression of the Prison Break villain. The Manchester United legend made the revelation on the latest episode of his Sky Sports series The Overlap, which starred West Ham’s Declan Rice.
      Gary Neville revealed Wayne Rooney nicknamed him ‘T-Bag’ after the Prison Break villain
      Prison Break villain T-Bag

      Rice revealed his favourite TV series was Prison Break – which sparked a hilarious reaction from Neville.
      He said: “You’re gonna come up with the joke abut me now, aren’t you? Do you know they call me T-Bag?”
      Neville, 46, added: “Yeah, Rooney called me that for years.”
      Derby boss Rooney, 26, later tweeted: “We call @GNev2 T-Bag because he is a ringer of T-Bag in Prison Break. For everyone asking.”
      Rice, 23, told Neville: “Do you know what? He’s a great character, though. He’s a great character.”
      The England international later in the episode talked about being a boyhood Chelsea fan as a youngster.
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      He said: “Yeah, growing up the whole family was Chelsea.”
      Neville then asked: “How does that go down with West Ham fans? Do you just keep it quiet?”
      But Rice replied: “I feel like it’s out there, everyone knows, it’s well documented.
      “But I feel like when you play for a club like West Ham you become really affiliated to it, and there’s part of me now – and my family as well – that is a massive West Ham fan.”
      Rice has been linked with the likes of United, City and Chelsea but admitted he wants to stay close to his London home.
      He said: “Yeah, I’m here all the time. I’ve always wanted to stay close to this place, I feel like I don’t want to lose my roots.”
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      Declan Rice was a Chelsea fan growing upCredit: Getty More