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      Man Utd ‘ready to offer Alex Telles to Sporting Lisbon on loan in player-plus-cash transfer for full-back Nuno Mendes’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to offer Alex Telles to Sporting Lisbon on loan in a player-plus-cash deal for Nuno Mendes, reports say. Telles was signed from Sporting’s rivals Porto this summer for £15.3million to provide competition for Luke Shaw.
      Man Utd are ready to offer Alex Telles on loan in a player-plus-cash deal for Nuno Mendes, reports say.Credit: Getty
      Nuno Mendes is seen as a prodigy in PortugalCredit: Rex
      But Shaw’s form has been so impressive, Telles has only played seven times in the league, with his other 14 appearances coming in cup competition.
      It leaves his Old Trafford future up in the air, and according to Portuguese newspaper Record, United are willing to see the left-back leave.
      They are understood to be plotting a deal for Telles, 28, to be used as ‘a bargaining chip’ to sign fellow full-back Mendes.
      The offer could include a £33.9million fee for Sporting and a season-long loan of Telles.
      United would still need to cover at least part of the Brazil international’s wages.
      The deal is believed to be partially driven by Bruno Fernandes, a friend of Mendes and the pair share an agent.
      Mendes, 18, is seen as a prodigy in Portugal, having made 26 appearances for Sporting this season.
      United’s Manchester rivals City have also been linked with the defender in the past.

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      And Liverpool even saw a reported bid of around £19m for Mendes rejected in December.
      Shaw’s performances have not only seen him keep Telles out the side, but he is also nailed on for a spot in England’s squad for Euro 2020.
      He started against Albania in a World Cup qualifier at the end of March, providing an assist for skipper Harry Kane, as England won 2-0.
      Gareth Southgate says Luke Shaw’s passes are beautiful after England win More

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      Man Utd will have to ‘hand de Gea huge pay-off’ to get rid of him this summer – with Solskjaer to pick Henderson as No1

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      DAVID DE GEA is set to receive a huge pay-off to leave Manchester United, reports say. It comes following speculation manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will put his faith in Dean Henderson as No1 next season.
      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and David de GeaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      According to the Daily Mirror, United will have to pay out a large slice of De Gea’s £36.4million contract to get him off the wage bill.
      The Spaniard still has two years left on his £350,000-a-week deal signed in 2019.
      De Gea, 30, has largely been selected as Solskjaer’s stopper this season, missing only five league matches.
      Henderson, 24, has made 19 appearances in all competitions but found most of his game time has come in cup matches.
      With the England international looking ahead to the future, it is believed he has made it clear he wants regular first-team football next season.
      And despite De Gea’s experience, he could find himself sacrificed in favour of Henderson’s youth and potential.
      United currently spend £570,000 a week on five senior goalkeepers – and are looking to cut costs.
      Henderson sealed a five-year contract worth £100,000 a week last summer to fend off transfer interest elsewhere.

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      Sergio Romero, 34, is on £70,000 a week but is running down the last few months of his contract back home in Argentina.
      He was all-but ready to move to Everton last summer until United blocked the move right at the last.
      Third-choice Lee Grant, 38, and Joel Pereira, 24, are on £30,000 a week and £20,000 a week respectively but become free agents at the end of the season.
      Huddersfield are paying a percentage of Pereira’s salary having signed the ex-Portugal Under-21 stopper on loan.
      Dean Henderson expects to be Man Utd No1 next season as he fights for England place More

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      Man Utd star Jesse Lingard has better goal or assist ratio at West Ham than Di Canio after record start to loan spell

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      JESSE LINGARD has smashed West Ham’s record for most goals and assists after his flying start. The playmaker joined the Hammers from Manchester United on loan in January, has since revived his career.
      Jesse Lingard is averaging a goal or an assist every 88 minutes
      So much so, that he is averaging a goal or an assist every 88 minutes.
      And according to Opta, it is the best ever ratio by a West Ham player in a single campaign in the competition.
      That is from a minimum of 500 minutes, and Lingard is ahead of club legend Paulo Di Canio at the moment.
      With with five goals and two assists in 617 minutes, Lingard currently leads the way with a contribution every 88 minutes.
      Di Canio averaged one every 90 minutes during the 1999-2000 season.
      Lingard’s form has been so impressive, he earned a recall to Gareth Southgate’s England side for their trio of World Cup qualifiers.
      He started against San Marino and came off the bench in matches with Albania and Poland.
      Lingard, 27, is now competing for a place on the plane for the delayed European Championships in the summer.

      The forward was a fixture in Southgate’s midfield in the 2018 World Cup, even scoring against Panama.
      And it was his past performances which Lingard turned to for motivation during the nation’s first lockdown last year.
      He revealed: “There was a time in lockdown when I just looked back at some old England games, and games that I played well in for United, just to get the fire in my belly again.
      “Since coming here I’ve had targets written down on a board and until I hit them, I won’t be fulfilled.”
      Martin Keown says that Phil Foden should be ahead of Jesse Lingard for England More

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      Inside the life of Man Utd legend Roy Keane – from 20-year marriage to wife Theresa to his controversial playing career

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      ON the pitch, he was the enforcer at Nottingham Forest, Man Utd and CelticOff it, he’s a milder family man, loyal husband of wife of 20-years Theresa, father of five kids and a generous son.
      Off the pitch, Roy Keane, pictured with wife of 20-years Theresa, is a mild family manCredit: Getty – Contributor
      On the pitch, Keane was the hardman of British football at Manchester UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      In recent years, Roy Keane, 49, has reinvented himself as a TV pundit on Sky Sports – championed for his sharp analysis, rapport with Micah Richards and wicked sense of humour.
      He has now thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant Celtic manager’s job, and is one of the hot favourites for the role.
      But, away from football, the Ireland legend lives a very private life.
      THERESA DOYLE
      Last month Keane surprised us all when he set up an Instagram page, where he’s uploaded pictures of his family, including his grandchildren.
      Still missing from it, though, is his wife of 20-years, Theresa Doyle.
      The pair met in 1992, when the midfielder was playing for Forest under Brian Clough.
      “I spotted a beautiful girl in a club in town. Her name was Theresa Doyle but she blanked me,” Keane once revealed of his encounter with the Nottingham-born beauty.
      “She was in a steady relationship and didn’t seem at all impressed by Roy Keane, the great footballer. In fact, I think my reputation was as a downer for all kinds of reasons.
      “From time to time we ran into each other around Nottingham. I knew some of her friends, who told me Theresa was a dentist’s assistant.

      Theresa Doyle, far right, has been married to Keane for 20-years and he describes her as his ‘rock’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Family man Keane joined Instagram and has been sharing pictures of his grandchildrenCredit: Instagram / @officialkeane16
      Since setting up an Instagram account in February, Keane has amassed 1.3m followersCredit: Instagram / @officialkeane16
      “Eventually, after her relationship broke up, she relented and we went out together. I was in love.”
      They got married in a private ceremony at the Church of Our Lady Crowned in Mayfield, Cork, where Keane is from.
      Keane rarely mentions his wife in public, but once opened up about their relationship in a revealing interview with the Sunday Times in the early 2000s.
      “I don’t really mention her in public, but in fairness to her, she has been a rock in my life. Just brilliant. She reads me better than I read myself,” Keane said.
      “I wouldn’t say Theresa likes every part of the package. She knows I haven’t got a halo over my head. Actually, that’s what she likes about me. She also knows I am not the nastiest person in the world.”
      FIVE CHILDREN
      Keane and Theresa have five children together, Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah and Alanna.
      Even though the former footballer has tasted plenty of success on the football pitch, nothing comes close to spending time with his family.
      Even though he enjoyed plenty of success at Manchester United, Keane longed for family time instead of celebrating with team-matesCredit: Reuters
      Keane has five children with wife TheresaCredit: SNS
      In his autobiography, when writing about winning the Champions League in 1999, Keane said he “longed to go home to Theresa and the kids” and wasn’t interested in celebrating with his team-mates.
      However, despite his wish to spend more time with them after hanging up his boots, he previously admitted that they wanted him to get back to work after just two months.
      “My plan when I first stopped was, we’re going to go on some family trips, we’re going to be like the Waltons,” Keane joked.
      “We’re all going to spend time together, go walk in the park and after a month or two they didn’t have the same plan as me so I think they were kind of missing me going to work.
      “I got offered the job at Sunderland and I was away on a family holiday and my family were looking at me… not saying it directly but going we kind of enjoy your company but not too much of it so when the job came back up they were saying you should go for it.”
      MEET THE PARENTS
      Roy’s late father Maurice ‘Mossie’ Keane met his mum Marie at a local dance, and they married in 1963.
      They moved to the Mayfield suburb in Cork, where they raised five children, Denis, Johnson, Hilary, Roy and Pat.
      Keane shared a tight bond with his parents Maurice and MarieCredit: Sky
      Generous Keane bought his parents a home in the countryside in RathpeaconCredit: Instagram / @officialkeane16
      Keane always shared a close bond with his parents and regularly made sure they had tickets to watch his games at Forest and United.
      The generous son also bought them a home in the countryside in nearby Rathpeacon.
      In 2019, Keane was devastated when his Maurice passed away after battling illness. He was 79.
      AS A PLAYER
      When Keane was a schoolboy, he began playing football for local side Rockmount AFC.
      From there, he moved to Irish First Division team Cobh Ramblers of County Cork in 1989.
      Keane was spotted by ex-scout Noel McCabe, who immediately recommended the talent to Brian Clough.
      After impressing on a trial, he moved to Nottingham in 1990 and blossomed into one of the best young midfielders in the country.
      At Nottingham Forest Keane blossomed into one of the country’s best midfieldersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      In 1993 Manchester United paid a British transfer record fee of £3.75m to buy KeaneCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Sir Alex Ferguson brought Keane to Manchester United in 1993 for a British transfer record fee of £3.75million.
      Keane went on to become one of the Premier League giants’ greatest captains – winning seven Premier League titles, a Champions League, as well as four FA Cups.
      He retired in 2006, after one season in Scotland at Celtic where he played 10 times.
      IRISH FALLOUT
      Keane’s career has been rocked by scandal over the years.
      But nothing hurt more than missing the greatest football competition in the world in 2002.
      Keane played 65 times for Ireland between 1991-2005, but his international career is unfortunately remembered for his fallout with Mick McCarthy before the 2002 World Cup.
      Keane wasn’t happy with the Irish team’s set-up ahead of the prestigious football tournament and left the training camp.
      Keane’s international career is best remembered for his epic fallout with Mick McCarthyCredit: Reuters
      After he returned home from the 2002 World Cup, Keane was seen walking his dogs nearby his homeCredit: Reuters
      After a confrontation with McCarthy at the team hotel, he flew home and was famously quizzed by reporters about his acrimonious exit while walking his dog near his home.
      Without him, Ireland managed to reach the last-16 before they were beaten by Spain on penalties.
      AS A MANAGER
      Now linked with Celtic, Keane has had previous experience managing a club – all with varied success.
      His first job at Sunderland was actually a success in the light of day. He took over the Mackems in 2006 when they second bottom of the Championship.
      In his first season, they managed to win the league and gain promotion. But he stood down from his post before Christmas – with Sunderland struggling in 18th position in the Premier League.
      Keane has had mixed results as a manager, but could he be the next Celtic boss?Credit: EPA

      Then came a spell at Ipswich, where he failed in a promotion bid and was sacked in 2011.
      Keane returned to the international fold as assistant manager to Martin O’Neill, and was a key member of the coaching set-up that saw Ireland qualify Euro 2016.
      O’Neill and Keane left their jobs after a series of inconsistent results left their jobs hanging by a thread – and reunited briefly at Forest in 2019.
      Niall Quinn says refs were ‘scared stiff’ of Roy Keane as he remembers Man Utd getting an undeserved penalty More

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      Man Utd, City and Chelsea dealt bitter transfer blow as Erling Haaland ‘only wants move to Barcelona or Real Madrid’

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      ERLING HAALAND only wants a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, Spanish reports say. It would come as a massive transfer blow to Chelsea, Manchester United and City, who are all linked with the Borussia Dortmund striker.
      Erling Haaland only wants a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, Spanish reports sayCredit: Getty
      Mino Raiola and Alfie Haaland were in Spain to speak with rivals Barca and Real Madrid
      Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, and dad, Alfie, were in Spain on Thursday to speak with rivals Barca and Real Madrid.
      And according to Catalunya Radio, Raiola told Nou Camp president Joan Laporta, the Dortmund forward is only interested in a move to LaLiga.
      But, it is claimed Laporta also explained they prefer to sign the 20-year-old next season due to his release clause.
      Haaland is available for just £65million in the summer of 2022 per the stipulation.
      But any side looking to sign the Norwegian in the next window can be expected to pay close to £150m.
      Barca are currently battling huge financial debt, believed to be in the region of £1BILLION.
      It leaves them at a disadvantage to Real Madrid, who have the funds to facilitate a deal.
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      But it is believed the Spanish champions are also eyeing a move for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe, 22.
      Raiola and Haaland Sr are now expected to meet with Premier League clubs in the coming days.
      United were linked with Haaland in 2019, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even meeting with the goal machine.
      But he was unable to convince him to make the move to Old Trafford, despite the pair working together at Molde.
      City are on the hunt for a new marksman following the news club legend Sergio Aguero, 32, will leave at the end of the season.
      Chelsea spent close to £150m on attacking talent last summer, but owner Roman Abramovich is rumoured to be a massive admirer of Haaland.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Erling Haaland’s dad and agent land in Barcelona and whisked off to transfer meeting with president Joan Laporta More

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      Inside the life of Man Utd legend Roy Keane – from 20-year marriage to wife Theresa to controversial playing career

      by

      ON the pitch, he was the enforcer at Nottingham Forest, Man Utd and CelticOff it, he’s a milder family man, loyal husband of wife of 20-years Theresa, father of five kids and a generous son.
      Off the pitch, Roy Keane, pictured with wife of 20-years Theresa, is a mild family manCredit: Getty – Contributor
      On the pitch, Keane was the hardman of British football at Manchester UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      In recent years, Roy Keane, 49, has reinvented himself as a TV pundit on Sky Sports – championed for his sharp analysis, rapport with Micah Richards and wicked sense of humour.
      He has now thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant Celtic manager’s job, and is one of the hot favourites for the role.
      But, away from football, the Ireland legend lives a very private life.
      THERESA DOYLE
      Last month Keane surprised us all when he set up an Instagram page, where he’s uploaded pictures of his family, including his grandchildren.
      Still missing from it, though, is his wife of 20-years, Theresa Doyle.
      The pair met in 1992, when the midfielder was playing for Forest under Brian Clough.
      “I spotted a beautiful girl in a club in town. Her name was Theresa Doyle but she blanked me,” Keane once revealed of his encounter with the Nottingham-born beauty.
      “She was in a steady relationship and didn’t seem at all impressed by Roy Keane, the great footballer. In fact, I think my reputation was as a downer for all kinds of reasons.
      “From time to time we ran into each other around Nottingham. I knew some of her friends, who told me Theresa was a dentist’s assistant.

      Theresa Doyle, far right, has been married to Keane for 20-years and he describes her as his ‘rock’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Family man Keane joined Instagram and has been sharing pictures of his grandchildrenCredit: Instagram / @officialkeane16
      Since setting up an Instagram account in February, Keane has amassed 1.3m followersCredit: Instagram / @officialkeane16
      “Eventually, after her relationship broke up, she relented and we went out together. I was in love.”
      They got married in a private ceremony at the Church of Our Lady Crowned in Mayfield, Cork, where Keane is from.
      Keane rarely mentions his wife in public, but once opened up about their relationship in a revealing interview with the Sunday Times in the early 2000s.
      “I don’t really mention her in public, but in fairness to her, she has been a rock in my life. Just brilliant. She reads me better than I read myself,” Keane said.
      “I wouldn’t say Theresa likes every part of the package. She knows I haven’t got a halo over my head. Actually, that’s what she likes about me. She also knows I am not the nastiest person in the world.”
      FIVE CHILDREN
      Keane and Theresa have five children together, Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah and Alanna.
      Even though the former footballer has tasted plenty of success on the football pitch, nothing comes close to spending time with his family.
      Even though he enjoyed plenty of success at Manchester United, Keane longed for family time instead of celebrating with team-matesCredit: Reuters
      Keane has five children with wife TheresaCredit: SNS
      In his autobiography, when writing about winning the Champions League in 1999, Keane said he “longed to go home to Theresa and the kids” and wasn’t interested in celebrating with his team-mates.
      However, despite his wish to spend more time with them after hanging up his boots, he previously admitted that they wanted him to get back to work after just two months.
      “My plan when I first stopped was, we’re going to go on some family trips, we’re going to be like the Waltons,” Keane joked.
      “We’re all going to spend time together, go walk in the park and after a month or two they didn’t have the same plan as me so I think they were kind of missing me going to work.
      “I got offered the job at Sunderland and I was away on a family holiday and my family were looking at me… not saying it directly but going we kind of enjoy your company but not too much of it so when the job came back up they were saying you should go for it.”
      MEET THE PARENTS
      Roy’s late father Maurice ‘Mossie’ Keane met his mum Marie at a local dance, and they married in 1963.
      They moved to the Mayfield suburb in Cork, where they raised five children, Denis, Johnson, Hilary, Roy and Pat.
      Keane shared a tight bond with his parents Maurice and MarieCredit: Sky
      Generous Keane bought his parents a home in the countryside in RathpeaconCredit: Instagram / @officialkeane16
      Keane always shared a close bond with his parents and regularly made sure they had tickets to watch his games at Forest and United.
      The generous son also bought them a home in the countryside in nearby Rathpeacon.
      In 2019, Keane was devastated when his Maurice passed away after battling illness. He was 79.
      AS A PLAYER
      When Keane was a schoolboy, he began playing football for local side Rockmount AFC.
      From there, he moved to Irish First Division team Cobh Ramblers of County Cork in 1989.
      Keane was spotted by ex-scout Noel McCabe, who immediately recommended the talent to Brian Clough.
      After impressing on a trial, he moved to Nottingham in 1990 and blossomed into one of the best young midfielders in the country.
      At Nottingham Forest Keane blossomed into one of the country’s best midfieldersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      In 1993 Manchester United paid a British transfer record fee of £3.75m to buy KeaneCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Sir Alex Ferguson brought Keane to Manchester United in 1993 for a British transfer record fee of £3.75million.
      Keane went on to become one of the Premier League giants’ greatest captains – winning seven Premier League titles, a Champions League, as well as four FA Cups.
      He retired in 2006, after one season in Scotland at Celtic where he played 10 times.
      IRISH FALLOUT
      Keane’s career has been rocked by scandal over the years.
      But nothing hurt more than missing the greatest football competition in the world in 2002.
      Keane played 65 times for Ireland between 1991-2005, but his international career is unfortunately remembered for his fallout with Mick McCarthy before the 2002 World Cup.
      Keane wasn’t happy with the Irish team’s set-up ahead of the prestigious football tournament and left the training camp.
      Keane’s international career is best remembered for his epic fallout with Mick McCarthyCredit: Reuters
      After he returned home from the 2002 World Cup, Keane was seen walking his dogs nearby his homeCredit: Reuters
      After a confrontation with McCarthy at the team hotel, he flew home and was famously quizzed by reporters about his acrimonious exit while walking his dog near his home.
      Without him, Ireland managed to reach the last-16 before they were beaten by Spain on penalties.
      AS A MANAGER
      Now linked with Celtic, Keane has had previous experience managing a club – all with varied success.
      His first job at Sunderland was actually a success in the light of day. He took over the Mackems in 2006 when they second bottom of the Championship.
      In his first season, they managed to win the league and gain promotion. But he stood down from his post before Christmas – with Sunderland struggling in 18th position in the Premier League.
      Keane has had mixed results as a manager, but could he be the next Celtic boss?Credit: EPA

      Then came a spell at Ipswich, where he failed in a promotion bid and was sacked in 2011.
      Keane returned to the international fold as assistant manager to Martin O’Neill, and was a key member of the coaching set-up that saw Ireland qualify Euro 2016.
      O’Neill and Keane left their jobs after a series of inconsistent results left their jobs hanging by a thread – and reunited briefly at Forest in 2019.
      Niall Quinn says refs were ‘scared stiff’ of Roy Keane as he remembers Man Utd getting an undeserved penalty More

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      Man Utd wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri, 18, has been compared to icons Beckham and Keane – but dad wanted him to be a doctor

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      WITH a name like Hannibal, Premier League clubs could be forgiven for fearing Man United’s new teenage wonderkid.But the only thing terrifying about Hannibal Mejbri, the frizzy-haired 18-year-old midfielder, is his talent.
      Hannibal Mejbri is the £9.3m wonderkid starring for Man United
      United recently secured his services long-term with a new contractCredit: Getty
      Mejbri has been compared to Man Utd legends Roy Keane and David Beckham for his leadership qualitiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mejbri arrived at Old Trafford in 2019 on a £9.3million move after a mystery fallout with former club Monaco.
      But Monaco’s loss is United’s gain, as the playmaker, who also drew interest from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, with the ace already enjoying a number of training sessions and a promising cameo for the first-team.
      HE CAME OF AGE
      It was during an FA Youth Cup clash with Leeds at Old Trafford that he really came of age two years ago.
      Targeted by the away fans, with chants like ‘Sideshow Bob is f****** s***’, a reference to the chief villain in The Simpsons, Mejbri was on the end of some tough challenges during the game.
      But what doesn’t break you, only makes you stronger and Mejbri survived the test – putting in an accomplished performance on the ball.
      Neil Ryan, the United Under-18 coach, told The Times afterwards: “He is a talented boy and like all good players he will get targeted by any opposition.
      “That is what he has to learn, how to channel and focus his energies and not to get caught up in that, and I thought he did that well.”
      Nicky Butt, who looks set to join Wayne Rooney at Derby County after being United’s head of first team development, has been impressed by the qualities he’s seen in Mejbri, comparing him to legends Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and David Beckham.
      Butt told the Manchester Evening News: “Leaders are always looked at like a Roy Keane, a Steve Bruce, a Bryan Robson, those kind of verbal, real aggression, real leaders.
      Mejbri found himself on the end of some tough tackles from Leeds youngstersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “And then you’ve got leaders like Paul Scholes or David Beckham or Ryan Giggs, who’s quiet but really leads by example of how they play and how they work hard.
      “We’ve got the old-fashioned leaders, if you like, who are going to talk to the players and drive the team,” he said.
      “Hannibal (Mejbri)’s a leader. The way he plays his football is 100mph, he’s non-stop running up and down.”
      He followed that up with a brilliant double in a pre-season friendly for the first-team against Salford last summer and was soon being tied-down to a new long-term deal.
      FALL OUT BOY
      Back in August 2019, Manchester United pounced on Mejbri after he was embroiled in a disagreement with Monaco.
      “Something bad happened,” his father Lotfi Mejbri, a former Tunisian footballer, told Le Parisien.
      “For our family, it was very hard to live. It’s a real shock, a trauma.
      “There were mistakes made and, from there, I consider the relationship of trust between the club and our family destroyed.”
      His future always looked positive given the identity of his agent, Jorge Mendes, the man dubbed ‘the super agent’ who represents Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho.
      And yet, if it were up to his father, the boy would be battling in courts rather than midfield or performing in a hospital theatre rather than stadiums.
      Despite being a footballer himself, Mejbri Snr insisted his hope was to see his son go into a career as a lawyer or doctor.
      He once said: “Even if he does [make it as a pro footballer], I do not want him to have a chickpea for a brain in his head.”
      Mejbri’s footballer father came from Tunisia but he has represented France at youth level
      Hannibal with his mum and dad, Lotfi, signing for Monaco in 2017Credit: Instagram @HannibalMejbri
      Mejbri is one of the most sought after teenagers on the continentCredit: Instagram @HannibalMejbri
      Mejbri had other suitors in the Premier League.
      At the age of 14, he trained with Arsenal and had an offer from Liverpool but ended up in Monte Carlo.
      Lotfi said: “It has never been a question of money. If we were in for that, we could have got a lot more than what is being claimed in the press.
      “I will give an anecdote: after signing for Monaco whilst on holiday in Tunisia, a lawyer with a mandate from Liverpool called me with an enormous offer.
      “But I only had one word for him.”
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      After the success of United signing Bruno Fernandes for £56m last year, Mejbri could find his path to the first team blocked for the time being.
      However, Butt thinks that given time he will flourish for the club.
      “He’s a very, very talented boy but he’s still very immature,” he said. He’s still a baby. He’s not got anything on him just yet, he needs to build up his size and build up his physicality.”

      Sir Alex Ferguson claims Wayne Rooney could not handle his booze and he was powerless to stop the player having affairs More

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      Man Utd and City target Dembele, Grealish agent teases move, Haaland LATEST, Raiola SLAMS Ferguson – transfer updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will face hot competition for Erling Haaland’s signature as Manchester City want him to replace Sergio Aguero.Meanwhile, Jack Grealish’s agent Jonathan Barnett has teased the Villa forward could leave this summer.
      Stay up to date with our blog, below, for all the latest from Old Trafford…

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      MOR THE MERRIER
      Barcelona are prioritising sealing a new deal for Manchester United target Ilaix Moriba over signing Georginio Wijnaldum, according to reports.
      Boss Ronald Koeman is set to try and reshape his squad this summer, as Barca aim to rebuild following a tumultuous 18 months.
      But according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s limited funds are more likely to be allocated elsewhere.
      Club chiefs, with Koeman’s blessing, are desperate to renew wonderkid Moriba’s deal in the coming months.
      At 18, the supremely gifted midfielder has already become a trusted member of Koeman’s squad, having made his LaLiga debut last month.

      GDANSK ALL NIGHT
      UEFA chiefs are ready to let travelling fans into the Champions League and Europa League finals.
      And that is potentially great news for supporters of the five English teams left in Europe.
      A meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee formally lifted the 30 per cent capacity cap on fans that was put in place in October, allowing local authorities the right to set stadium limits for the rest of this season.
      Away fans remain banned for the remaining games in the last eight and semi-final stages of both competitions, which resume next week.
      But Uefa will review the measures ahead of the two finals, due to be played in Gdansk and Istanbul at the end of May.

      DAN THE MAN
      Dan James revealed the best advice he’s ever been given is to just “be himself” by Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.
      🎙️ “When people ask me what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given, it would probably be from Giggs.” 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿After he found the net for @Cymru last night, why not listen to @Daniel_James_97’s recent UTD Podcast! 🎧#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 31, 2021

      BRAVE MANC
      Manchester United have been sensationally linked with a stunning free transfer swoop for Sergio Aguero.
      SunSport exclusively revealed that LaLiga giants Barcelona are set to go all-out to try and land the legendary City forward.
      Inter Milan have also emerged as contenders to bring the veteran striker to Italy.
      But should United somehow win the race – and Aguero risk his reputation on the blue half of the city – he would join a select group of players to represent both Manchester clubs.
      We take a look at seven of those who have done so HERE.
      RETURN OF THE POG
      A fresh report in Italy has claimed Paul Pogba is set to leave Manchester United as early as this summer with Juventus keen to re-sign him.
      The French midfielder is still the Red Devils’ record signing after his £89.3million return from the Old Lady in 2016.
      Pogba’s deal expires in June 2022 and Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed Juventus remains the star’s ‘preferred destination’.
      Despite the Serie A giants attempting to lower their wage bill, with Cristiano Ronaldo rumoured to be available, they hope to thrash out a deal for the 28-year-old.
      Tuttosport has claimed Pogba is still in touch with his former team-mates at Juventus through a WhatsApp chat.

      DAN THE MAN
      Lovely little interview with Man Utd winger and Wales’ hero from last night Dan James on the Utd podcast today.
      🎙️ “When people ask me what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given, it would probably be from Giggs.” 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿After he found the net for @Cymru last night, why not listen to @Daniel_James_97’s recent UTD Podcast! 🎧#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 31, 2021

      MIL-ING IT OVER
      Striker Arkadiusz Milik could be heading to the Premier League and Manchester United – but it won’t happen just yet.
      The 27-year-old hitman made a name for himself at Ajax between 2014 and 2016, scoring 47 goals in 76 appearances, before then signing for Napoli.
      Milik – along with plenty of team-mates – has fallen out with the Italian club and is now on an 18-month loan at Marseille, who have an obligation to make the deal permanent in 2022 for £10.6million.
      But Manchester United, Everton, West Ham and Tottenham have all showed interest and impressive form in 2021-22 could see Marseille sell up to an English club for an easy profit.

      PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE
      As we approach the end of the international break, here’s a reminder of what the Premier League table looks like. We’re entering the business end.

      NANI INSPIRED RASHFORD’S FREE-KICK TAKING
      Marcus Rashford has revealed ex-Man Utd man Luis Nani inspired him to ‘knuckle-ball’ free-kicks.
      Speaking on Twitter, Rashford said: I used to love to watch @luisnani he was one of the only ones that could knuckle ball.”
      Nani then replied: “Thanks, mate we’ve got to do a shoot around together sometime.”
      To which Rashford added: “Bro, you know where I am x.”
      And Nani finished: “You can count on it!”

      LUK-ING FOR A NEW CLUB
      Romelu Lukaku next club odds – Betfair:

      Chelsea 6/1
      PSG 7/1                
      Bayern Munich 8/1
      Juventus 10/1
      Real Madrid 14/1
      Man City 14/1
      Man Utd 25/1

      For more info check out our in-depth piece on the potential new clubs Lukaku could move to here.
      Credit: Reuters
      RIO ON SCHOLES
      Rio Ferdinand has backed Paul Scholes as his ‘favourite ever team-mate’ in a debate over the top England midfielders of his generation.
      The 42-year-old said: “Scholes is the hardest player to keep back because he’s probably my favourite player that I’ve played with.
      “He’s going to be my man because he’s done everything. I used to thank him for letting me be on the same pitch as him when we scored goals.
      “I’d say, ‘Thanks man, it’s been a pleasure’. He used to think I was mad, I’m sure.
      “I used to run up to celebrate all the time, I used to sprint up there after he’s done something, set up a goal or scored.
      “And I’d go, ‘Scholesy! Thank you man, I love you man. Thanks man, thanks for letting me play with you’. I’d say mad stuff, Giggsy the same.”
      Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      MAN UTD FANS
      Question for Man Utd fans. Who is the one person you would like to see the club sign in the summer? Get in touch on Twitter.
      GIGGS ADVICE TO JAMES
      Dan James has revealed the crucial piece of advice he received from Wales boss Ryan Giggs.
      “When people ask me what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given, it would probably be from him [Giggs]. It was just ‘be yourself’,” he told the UTD podcast.
      “I relate back to maybe the end of last season, I came away from that and tried to be like other players, I looked at other players and thought I need to be like him and be like that.
      “It was this season and I kind of thought I’m here for a reason and I looked back at loads of old clips of me being me and then looked at my new clips [and thought] I’m not doing that [anymore].
      “It was a reality to check for me in that you can take from him and you can take from different players around you but ultimately, you’re here because of what you do, and it goes back to what Giggsy said to me to just ‘be yourself’, that was so important.”
      Credit: Reuters
      REMEMBERING CHARLTON’S CAREER
      It’s a special day for Man Utd legends.
      Not only is it the anniversary of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final goal for the club, it’s also 48 years to the day since Bobby Charlton hit the back of the net for the final time as a Red Devil!

      BLOODIED RONALDO
      Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo was left dripping with blood from his face after being taken out by three Luxembourg players during Portugal’s 3-1 win on Tuesday night.
      He took an arm to the nose when three Luxembourg players attempted to stop him in his tracks.
      He drew blood from his nostril and had it checked from the medics but they didn’t appear overly concerned.
      Ronaldo went on to score the second goal for Portugal as they came from behind to beat the international minnows.
      It’s been an eventful few days for Ronaldo following his antics in the dramatic draw with Serbia.

      14 YEARS ON
      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored his final goal for the club on this day in 2007.

      RED DEVILS FOR ENGLAND
      Which Man Utd players could feature for England tonight against Poland?
      Here are the United players in Gareth Southgate’s squad:
      Dean Henderson, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard (on loan at West Ham).
      Marcus Rashford was selected by withdrew from the squad through injury.
      Credit: Getty
      MARTIAL INJURY UPDATE
      France manager Didier Deschamps has given an update on Man Utd forward Anthony Martial’s injury that forced him off against Kazakhstan earlier this week.
      And it is good news for fans of the Red Devils.
      Deschamps said: “Anthony has a small issue on his knee. Nothing is decided yet [as to whether he can face Bosnia-Herzegovina].
      “He won’t be taking part in the training session a bit later. We’ll see tomorrow (Wednesday). Anything serious has been dismissed.
      “We’ve run some tests, but there’s still the pain, and having travelled as long as we have, that hasn’t helped.”
      Credit: AFP
      BALE HAILS JAMES STRIKE
      Gareth Bale has praised Dan James’ ‘massive’ goal after the Man Utd forward scored in Wales’ crucial 1-0 win over Czech Republic last night.
      “It was a massive result. We didn’t get off to the best start against Belgium, so it was massively important to get the win,” Bale told Sky Sports.
      “We showed a lot of heart and desire to match a very physical team.
      “It was very chaotic, especially second half, but we were ready and kept going until the end and the most important thing is to get that winner.
      “We need to win games to qualify and we want to win every game. Football doesn’t always go the way you expect it to.”
      Credit: Getty
      SERG-SENSATIONAL
      A sensational report has claimed Manchester United have offered Sergio Aguero a deal to make a controversial free transfer move from neighbours City.
      The Argentine striker, 32, is leaving the Etihad in June when his contract expires and already has a host of clubs chasing his services.
      Now French outlet Foot Mercato claims Aguero could stay in England as both United and Chelsea have already made an offer for his services.
      And they also claim PSG are keen to land him with countryman Mauricio Pochettino and Parc des Princes boss desperate to add him to his attacking ranks.
      Credit: PA
      DELIGHT FOR DAN JAMES
      Manchester United forward Dan James scored the crucial winner for Wales in their 1-0 win over Czech Republic last night.

      MOURINHO’S SHAW CRITICISM WAS PERSONAL
      Luke Shaw’s agent Jonathan Barnett has described Jose Mourinho’s criticism of the left-back at Manchester United as ‘personal’.
      “My job in that situation is to make sure the player’s spirits are kept up. We try behind the scenes to help them understand what’s gone wrong,” Barnett told The Athletic.
      “A lot of it is personal. We had to rebuild his confidence, which we did. We took certain steps. But Luke is a very strong man. He never got too down.
      “His family had to be there for him and we had to be there for him. We didn’t force Luke Shaw out of Man United. He wanted to stay there. And that’s what he’s done. And today, he’s a great, great player.”
      Credit: Getty – Contributor
      NICKY BUTT FOR ENGLAND UNDER-21S?
      Nicky Butt is being tipped to take over from Aidy Boothroyd as England Under-21 boss, according to The Times.
      England have lost their first two games at the European Championships against Switzerland and Portugal.
      Could the Man Utd legend be poised to take over the role Boothroyd describes as ‘impossible’?
      Credit: Reuters
      ED IN THE GAME
      Manchester United remain in the race to sign Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, according to AS.
      The Red Devils will have to fend off Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid if they are to secure his services in the summer.
      Camavinga, 18, has played 32 times for the French side this season, scoring one goal.
      Credit: Getty
      QUESTION FOR MAN UTD FANS
      Man Utd fans, would you rather see Kane or Haaland at your club this summer?
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