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      Man Utd kid Lee Roche made his Champions League debut against Deportivo La Coruna in 2003, but now works as a builder

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      ON March 18, 2003 Lee Roche was thrown in at the deep end – handed his Champions League debut against Deportivo La Coruna in a 2-0 defeat.Some five years later, he was left on the football scrapheap and now works on building sites installing cavity wall insulation, and is a trained plumber.
      Former Man Utd youngster Lee Roche made his Champions League debut in 2003Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Today, Roche is a builder and trained plumber

      Now 40, Roche was given a free transfer two months after his bow in Europe’s premier club competition.
      And when a football career petered out – after spells at Wrexham, Burnley and Droylsden, the youngster had to come up with a different plan in life with the help of the PFA.
      COMING TO AN END
      At the age of 27, Roche was admittedly fed up of the game.
      He’d bounced from a loan deal at Wrexham to Burnley, then back to Wrexham again.
      Injuries began to take their toll, and the former England U21 star lost his hunger for playing.
      “I was coming home and not wanting to even watch football on the TV, he told Planet Football.
      After he was released by the Welsh club, he trained with Royal Antwerp and former United youth Warren Joyce.
      But when a move failed to materialise, he signed for non-league Droylsden in 2007.
      It was there he started to think about a life after the beautiful game.
      Promising youngster Roche was released by Man Utd in 2003 and after bouncing around at different clubs needed to find a different careerCredit: Getty
      Roche, chatting to PFA member Don Goodman, was helped by the organisation to retrain in a new careerCredit: Twitter @PFA
      With the help of the PFA, Roche now has his own cavity wall insulation business
      The PFA supported the lost talent and helped him retrain in another profession.
      Today, Roche is a qualified plumber and has his own cavity wall insulation business.
      “I have had a few fellow workers on the building sites asking me about United and how have I ended up here,” he revealed.
      “It can get pretty tiresome so I don’t go shouting about that I played for United. I do think young players today should be made to train as something, so they know about the real world.
      “Most of them probably don’t have a plan to fall back on if they don’t make it as a professional.”
      BAPTISM OF FIRE
      Roche made two starts for United, but it was always in scratch sides.
      His debut came in 2001 in a Worthington Cup tie against Arsenal – a 4-0 thrashing in a team that featured mainly reserve players.
      In 2001 Roche appeared for Man Utd for the very first time against Arsenal in a Worthington Cup tieCredit: PA
      Roche, up against Arsenal striker Kanu, couldn’t believe the size of his opponents feetCredit: PA
      “Sylvain Wiltord scored a hat-trick and I remember Kanu being a massive handful – I couldn’t get over the size of his feet,” Roche joked.
      “At one point, he flicked the ball over my head and volleyed it, but it went just over the bar, thankfully, otherwise it would have been one of those goals which would have been shown forever.
      “There was no hairdryer from Sir Alex afterwards because he knew we had been up against it. I took what I could from that game and tried to learn from it.”
      A year later, Roche came on as a sub against Newcastle United in front of a packed house at Old Trafford in a 5-3 win.
      “It was unbelievable, coming on in front of 75,000 fans at Old Trafford,” he said.
      “I did okay, but I remember Sir Alex talking to me afterwards because Alan Shearer had beaten me at the far post to win a header, so he told me to get up first and not let the forwards do that to me.”
      THE BIG LEAGUE
      Roche’s third and final performance for United was in the Champions League.
      Roche made his final appearance for United against Deportivo La Coruna in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      At half-time Roche was hauled off as United lost 2-0 to the LaLiga sideCredit: PA
      He appeared against Deportivo, who at the time were LaLiga challengers to Real Madrid and Barcelona.
      Playing in a back three with Laurent Blanc and John O’Shea, the Red Devils look disjointed in a different formation.
      Roche, himself, was hauled off at half-time with the Premier League giants trailing 1-0 at the break.
      “I was up against (Albert) Luque and thought I had done alright, but I wasn’t going to come off and start arguing with Sir Alex,” he said.
      “Giggsy told me to keep my chin up and that I had not done anything wrong. Sir Alex didn’t tell me why I had been substituted, but I didn’t want to overthink it.”
      ‘NO REGRETS’
      Despite how his football career turned out, Roche is thankful for his time at Manchester United.
      Although he doesn’t have any regrets, there is one thing perhaps he might’ve done different.
      “I don’t have any regrets,” Roche revealed.
      Despite his career not panning out how he had hoped, Roche was no regretsCredit: Rex

      “The only thing I would point out is that I was known at United for being really quiet, so perhaps I should have been more assertive and mingled more with the lads.
      “I’d be straight off home after training to hang out with my own group of friends. I look back now at team-mates like John (O’Shea) and Darren Fletcher and think I should have been more like them and gone out and socialised.
      “I think it would have gone down better with United.”
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he’s very disappointed after Man Utd loss against Leicester in FA Cup More

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      Leicester 3 Man Utd 1: In-from Iheanacho punishes dreadful Red Devils to fire Foxes to Wembley clash with Southampton

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      WELL, there will be no ego boost for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the FACup after this.The Manchester United boss had downplayed the significance of winningknock-out competitions – then backed up his words by benching his bestplayer, Bruno Fernandes.
      Kelechi Iheanacho terrorised United all game and finished with two goalsCredit: Getty
      It was a real head-in-hands game for United boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Paul Marriott
      And the result was a comprehensive defeat by an outstanding Leicesterside, who booked their first FA Cup semi-final for 39 years thanks toa double from their in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
      It was United’s first domestic away defeat for 14 months and it was ahorror show for midfield man Fred, as well as skipper Harry Maguire,who produced a car-crash showing on his return to the King Power.
      Solskjaer had claimed that league form is the true measure of progressand that winning Cups can often be used to boost managerial egoes -and we all wondered which Portuguese predecessor of his he could havebeen referring to.
      But, really, after four semi-final defeats in the past two seasons,who was he trying to kid?
      When the winners of this quarter-final were paired with Southamptonduring the half-time draw for the semis, both would have come outsmiling, knowing they have thrashed the Saints 9-0 in the recent past.
      Yet Leicester dominated for the opening hour, Iheanacho benefittingfrom a horrible mix-up between Maguire and Fred, then Youri Tielemansnetting a classy second after Mason Greenwood’s equaliser.
      The Foxes weathered a brief storm after the introduction of Fernandes,before Iheanacho wrapped it up, unmarked from a set-piece to sum upUnited’s dozy overall performance.
      Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has never reached a major Cup Final inEnglish football – with semi-final defeats against Aston Villa withboth Liverpool and Leicester.
      United were all at sea after Fred’s shocking pass presented the ball to IheanachoCredit: AFP
      Iheanacho is in brilliant form and proved too hot for United to handleCredit: Reuters

      But he will fancy his chances now. Despite a raft of injuries,Leicester are enjoying a hell of a season – on roure for ChampionsLeague qualification and an FA Cup Final.
      Solskajer had taken the bold move of benching his great creativeinfluence Fernandes, giving a rare start to Donny Van de Beek – akaVan de Bench – at the front of a midfield diamond.
      The United boss also dropped his in-form left-back Luke Shaw – newlyrestored to the England squad.
      Rodgers was ballsy from the off, with a front three of Jamie Vardy,Iheanacho and Ayoze Perez.
      And Vardy had the first clear sight on goal after 17 minutes forcingDean Henderson to plunge and push out a shot after Fred sloppilyconceded possession to Iheanacho.
      United’s defence – and Fred – discuss the shocking error that led to the game’s opening goalCredit: Getty
      Then another Fred slip and Vardy was bursting forward again – thistime having a shock blocked by his old mate Harry Maguire.
      And on 25 minutes, the third scoring opportunity of the match – andthe third provided by a Fred mishap – brought the opening goal.
      As United attempted to play it out of their own area, Maguire sentsomething of a hospital ball to Fred – under pressure from Tielemans.
      The Brazilian panicked with a weak back-pass, snapped up by Iheanachowho rounded Henderson to tap home.
      It was a shocker for United but Iheanacho’s sixth goal in four gameswas no more than Leicester deserved for the tempo and intent of theirplay.
      Mason Greenwood some hope when he equalled things up in the first halfCredit: Paul Marriott
      Maguire was then booked for bringing down Iheanacho, who had kipperedhim on the edge of the box.
      United were floundering in defence and devoid of inspiration goingforward – until they suddenly levelled on 38 minutes.
      Paul Pogba neatly turned Wesley Fofana on the left and his centre wasdummied by Van de Beek, allowing Greenwood to lash home first time.
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      Youri Tielemans scored the goal of the game to fire Leicester 2-0 aheadCredit: Getty
      Solskjaer almost looked embarrassed, such had been the paucity of hisside’s play until that point.
      After another wildly mistimed attempt at a tackle from Fred, Perezcurled a powerful shot narrowly wide.
      After the break, Leicester were straight back at United’s throats.
      Tielemans drove forward, exchanged passes with Iheanacho, taking out asluggish Nemanja Matic in the process then steering home pastHenderson from the edge of the box.
      There had been a failed attempt at a tackle from – you guessed it – Fred.
      20 – Alongside Sergio Agüero (21), Kelechi Ịheanachọ is the only other player within the English game to have netted 20+ goals across the two domestic cup competitions since his debut for Manchester City in August 2015 (12 in the FA Cup, 8 in the League Cup). Leading. https://t.co/NlebcmNO2X— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 21, 2021

      Alex Telles thundered a shot narrowly wide as United showed a littleattacking intent.
      But Vardy should have buried United soon after, Wilfried Ndidi winningpossession, Iheanacho releasing last season’s Golden Boot winner, whoskinned Maguire but shot wide and kicked the goal-post in frustration.
      Vardy has scored just once since Christmas, the idea that he carriesthis team is old hat.
      Then a quadruple substitution from Solskajer – Fernandes, Shaw, ScottMcTominay and Edinson Cavani on for Pogba, Telles, Matic and Van deBeek – Fred somehow escaping the cull.
      Iheanacho sealed Leicester’s safe passage into the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: Reuters
      United instantly livened up – Fernandes pinging crossfield balls, Shawrampaging, McTominay commanding and Cavani menacing.
      But after they’d enjoyed their best spell of the match, United fellasleep at a set-piece and conceded the third.
      Marc Albrighton delivered the free-kick from the left and Iheanachosnuck in behind McTominay and beyond the far post, to head home.
      The Foxes are on their way to Wembley – as United look to end afour-year trophy drought, it is the Europa League or bust.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Mason Greenwood did his bit by scoring – sadly his team-mates were well off the paceCredit: Getty
      Man Utd outcast Sergio Romero returns home to Argentina having not played for Solskjaer in seven months More

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      Man Utd boss says new sponsor TeamViewer were ‘not the highest bidder’ and club had bigger offers than their £235m deal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S new sponsor TeamViewer were ‘not the highest bidder’ and the club had bigger offers than their £235million deal. United recently announced a five-year deal with global technology company TeamViewer.
      Man Utd’s new sponsor TeamViewer were ‘not the highest bidder’Credit: Manchester United
      Man Utd recently announced a five-year deal with global technology company TeamViewer
      It followed as Chevrolet part company with the Premier League giants at the end of the season.
      United’s partnership with TeamViewer is the biggest shirt-only deal in Premier League history, worth £47m each year.
      But Old Trafford managing director Richard Arnold revealed the tech firm did not even offer the biggest package deal.
      Arnold said: “They weren’t the highest bidder. What they bring to us is way beyond money.”
      The partnership plans to introduce United’s ‘1.1billion fans and followers around the world to exciting new technology drawing on TeamViewer’s expertise in remote connectivity services’.
      Arnold, added: “We are tremendously proud to be establishing this partnership with one of the most exciting and dynamic global software companies.
      “The ability to connect and collaborate has never been more important to the world and our community of 1.1billion fans and followers.
      “We are looking forward to working with TeamViewer to bring to life our vision for a partnership built on smarter ways of connecting people and businesses.”

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      TeamViewer have a blue logo, but that will be switched to white on United’s red kit next season. 
      United, who in 2014 signed a ten-year deal with Adidas worth £750, are currently second in the table and on course to qualify for the Champions League.
      It marks a significant turnaround for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who continues to have the backing of the board.
      Arnold said: “Ole is the ultimate exemplar of… someone in Manchester United who has tremendous character, is incredibly well connected with the culture and history of the club.
      “No one in the world is happier than me with the phenomenal success he is bringing.
      “When you’re inside (the club) and you are seeing the work of the man and the character, it just makes you so happy.
      “He deserves to succeed, and he is, and that makes me very happy.”
      Man Utd outcast Sergio Romero returns home to Argentina having not played for Solskjaer in seven months More

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      Man Utd chief Darren Fletcher accepts offer on plush £3m mansion with pool and games room after slashing £250k off price

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Darren Fletcher has finally accepted an offer on his plush mansion after slashing a quarter of a million pounds the asking price.The retired midfielder, who has returned as a first team coach at United, put the six-bedroom property at the start of last year for £3.25million.
      Darren Fletcher has finally accepted an offer on his plush mansionCredit: Gascoigne Halman
      The Man Utd legend slashed £250,000 off the asking priceCredit: Gascoigne Halman
      Darren Fletcher put the six-bedroom property at the start of last year for £3.25mCredit: Gascoigne Halman
      The stunning home even boasts an indoor swimming poolCredit: rightmove
      However after eight months with no sale, Fletcher decided to reduce the price to £3m in September.
      And estate agent Gascoigne Halman has announced the luxury mansion is now sold subject to terms and conditions.
      It is thought the buyer must have offered around the asking price.
      Scot Fletcher, 37, has lived in the property with wife Hayley and twin sons Jack and Tyler since July 2009, when he paid £2.45m.
      The ex-midfielder moved from his previous home in Bowden, Gtr Manchester, after armed robbers raided the house while he was playing abroad in the Champions League.
      They forced Fletcher’s then fiancee Hayley to hand over her engagement ring, before holding a knife to her throat and demanding more loot.
      The family moved five months after the horrific attack.
      The house is situated in plush Hale, Greater Manchester, near to United legend Nicky Butt and current star Paul Pogba.
      Darren Fletcher currently works as technical director at Man UtdCredit: Getty
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      It is only a short drive from Old Trafford and the team’s training base in Carrington, where Fletcher currently works as technical director.
      The 8,000 square ft pad has four reception rooms, six double bedrooms and five bathrooms.
      In a games room with a poker table, Fletcher had hung up shirts of famous opponents including Real Madrid and France legend Zinedine Zidane.
      The bottom floor of the four-storey house is a deluxe leisure suite, with a swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna.
      The pad has all of the mod-cons footballers favour, including a gym, cinema room and games area.
      There is a gated entrance with a garage and parking courtyard – to store the flash motors Premier League stars love.
      Estate agent Gascoigne Halman said: “A stunning, bespoke detached family home which is arranged over four floors with a lower ground floor leisure suite including a swimming pool.
      The 8,000 square ft pad has four reception roomsCredit: Gascoigne Halman
      The mansion has six double bedrooms and five bathroomsCredit: Gascoigne Halman
      The pad has all of the mod-cons footballers favour, including a gym, cinema room and games areaCredit: Gascoigne Halman
      “Four main reception rooms, contemporary kitchen, six double bedrooms and five bath and shower rooms.
      “Secure gated entrance, attached garage and landscaped gardens to the front and rear.”
      The garden has a sign hint of the star’s occupation with a football net out back.
      Fletcher’s sons Jack and Tyler appear to be taking after their dad – with both currently starring for the Manchester City’s Under-14s.
      The midfielder appeared 342 times for Manchester United between 2002 and 2015, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League.
      Fletcher, who is originally from Dalkeith, in Midlothian, made 80 appearances for his native Scotland.
      He made a further 118 Premier League appearances for West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City before hanging up his boots in 2019.
      The house is situated in plush HaleCredit: Gascoigne Halman
      Darren Fletcher has lived in the property with wife Hayley and twin sons Jack and Tyler since July 2009Credit: Gascoigne Halman
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer comments on John Murtough and Darren Fletcher as new Football and Technical Directors More

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      Jesse Lingard in line for shock England call-up after incredible career turnaround on loan at West Ham from Man Utd

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      JESSE LINGARD is in line for a shock England call-up after his incredible career turnaround on loan at West Ham. Manager Gareth Southgate will tomorrow name his squad for the forthcoming qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
      Jesse Lingard is in line for a shock England call-upCredit: Reuters
      Jesse Lingard’s last England cap came against Switzerland in the Uefa Nations League finals in June 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Southgate also has a number of injury concerns in midfield which could see him turn to Lingard, 28, who has excelled during his stint on loan after leaving Manchester United.
      And this would be a major turnaround for a player whose 24th and final international appearance came against Switzerland in the Uefa Nations League finals in June 2019.
      Southgate will name a large squad for the qualifiers which starts against San Marino in eight days.
      The Three Lions boss has a number of injury problems with James Maddison, Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, Harvey Barnes, Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka all struggling.
      Some of those players could still make the squad but Southgate’s numbers will be depleted.,
      Lingard dropped out of the England squad as his form with United suffered.
      However, the FA have asked both West Ham and United for Lingard’s medical records.
      Equally, Hammers David Moyes rang Southgate for a reference before deciding on a loan move for Lingard in January.
      How England could line up at Euro 2020
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      Southgate’s squad tomorrow is also set to include John Stones who has played just once in nearly two years.
      And in-form defender Luke Shaw is hoping to be picked after his bright form for United.
      His eighth and final cap was against Spain in September 2018.
      Watch Jesse Lingard in hysterics at West Ham team-mate Michail Antonio’s hilarious drawing of Cheltenham Festival horse More

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      Former Man Utd star Febian Brandy set up the Skouted app, the LinkedIn of football, and helps talent get spotted

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      SKOUTED is the revolutionary tool that could help clubs inside and outside of the Premier League find the next big thing.The free app, co-created by ex Manchester United footballer Febian Brandy in 2019, is designed to put footballers in the shop window.
      Skouted is a new app that will revolutionise how scouts work
      HOW IT WORKS
      Players can build up a profile that includes video clips of them in action and scouts will be able to search the Skouted database featuring hundreds of players that can be filtered down to position, player style and even their location.
      But it won’t be all professional… in fact, the Skouted’s founders hope they will be able to create a social media community for the football community.
      Brandy created the app with Loughborough University student and rugby player Keita Orelaja, entrepreneur Raj Sharma and CTO Harjot Singh.
      “At the moment there is a big gap between players and clubs,” Orelaja told SunSport.
      “There’s a high number of talented players that can be missed by clubs and scouts due to time or geographical location.
      “So that means a lot of players aren’t able to play at the level that their talent will allow them.
      “With Skouted we hope to bridge that gap, where players can come on the platform, create a detailed profile of themselves and can upload highlights of their playing career.
      “Our verified registered scouts, all the way from Premier League down to non-league, British universities and even American colleges will be able to search for talent through key filters.
      “Location, position, playing style, etc. A drop down list of players that match their search criteria will show.”
      With Skouted we hope to bridge that gap, where players can come on the platform, create a detailed profile of themselves and can upload highlights of their playing career.”Skouted co-founder, Keita Orelaja
      FEBIEN BRANDY’S VIEW
      Brandy is adamant that this is what the game needs at this time, citing his own personal experience in the youth set up at the Red Devils.
      “My time at Manchester United, I was there from the age of eight to about 21, so you can imagine how many players I saw come and go,” he said.
      “For me, I was quite fortunate to be there for as long as I was.
      “But I saw players there that might not have had the ability to play for Manchester United, but they could’ve gone to a club like a Bury, Blackburn or Oldham.
      “They just didn’t have the connection then to reach those teams. But if they had Skouted, all their videos will be uploaded and all the teams from Premier League to non-league would be able to see that individual’s qualities.”
      So far the interest in Skouted has reached fever pitch, with a large number of clubs confirming they will use the app.
      WHO WILL SKOUTED BENEFIT?
      Orelaja said: “We’ve got a lot of different opportunities for players on various levels – Premier League clubs, Championship clubs and non-league.
      “As you go lower down, you really start to see the value in it.
      Ex Manchester United star Febian Brandy is a co-founder of SkoutedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Hundreds of players will be at your fingertips on Skouted
      Skouted are aiming to create a football community through their app
      “League One, League Two clubs don’t necessarily have the same scouting budget that someone like Manchester City has.
      “And scouts could be traveling 45 minutes to watch one game, you’re there for 90 minutes, then you’ve got to travel another 45 minutes to get back… that’s 3 hours to see one player.
      “In that time, you could assess hundreds of players on Skouted, save them and track their progress on our app.
      “It allows lower clubs more access to a lot more talent that otherwise they may not have been able to reach because of funding.”THERE WILL BE OTHER USES FOR SKOUTED TOO
      But Skouted isn’t just for pros looking for new clubs. In fact, Orejala and Sharma believe it’ll be a hub for the football community as a whole.
      “Skouted will be used as a tool for players, not just professionals, but anyone who wants to get scouted,” Orejala continued.
      “And we’re also building a social community with a real social media aspect and feel.
      “Finding a teammate, for example… all of us here have received a text message asking us if we’re free to play 5-a-side because a mate has dropped out at the last minute.
      “One of the features of Skouted is to be able to put out a notification for a social player to play that night.
      “It allows lower clubs more access to a lot more talent that otherwise they may not have been able to reach because of funding.”Keita Orelaja
      “We really want to be a hub for social communication and interaction in football, but we also want to provide an avenue for players who are more serious to make it at a higher level.
      Sharma added: “The social element is key for us, because some users might not necessarily need or want to be scouted.
      “They could instead set up a profile to be liked or followed.
      “It could be used for entertainment purposes, best skills or goals, etc.
      “We want to make it a go-to place for everything football and we’re going to try and make a football community.”
      Brandy concluded: “I want Skouted to be accepted into the football industry.
      “I’m still an active footballer at the moment, but now I’m working with Skouted it’s hard to juggle the two.
      “I see Skouted as my longterm project, but haven’t hung up my boots just yet!”
      Skouted is available to download from the App Store and Google Play. You can also follow Skouted on Instagram.

      Keita Orelaja played rugby before he became an entrepreneur
      Raj Sharma said Skouted will also be a social media tool
      Febian Brandy hasn’t retired yet, but admitted Skouted is his longterm projectCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could turn to Amad Diallo amid striker injury crisis More

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      Chelsea to battle Man Utd for Ilaix Moriba transfer after ‘missing out on Barcelona wonderkid’s signature in 2019’

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      CHELSEA and Manchester United are both battling for Ilaix Moriba after missing out on the Barcelona wonderkid in 2019, reports say.
      Moriba is the latest youngster to burst into Ronald Koeman’s team this season.

      Chelsea and Manchester United are both battling for Ilaix Moriba, reports say.Credit: Rex Features

      The 18-year-old has made six appearances in all competitions and scored his first-ever goal in their 2-0 win against Osasuna this month.
      But Moriba came close to joining Pep Guardiola at Man City two years ago when doubts emerged over a new Barca deal.
      He ended up staying at the Nou Camp, but according to Sport, Chelsea and United are still tracking the midfielder.
      So too are Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, with clubs said to have asked ex-Barca club director Eric Abidal to take Moriba on loan in the past.

      City were so close to signing the Spaniard, he had even booked a plane ticket to the Etihad as he searched for his first professional contract.
      But at the last minute, his dad Mamady Kourouma cancelled the ticket on the morning of the flight after a breakthrough in contract talks with Barca.
      Mamady said: “With Barcelona, the negotiations did not advance.
      “We met with Txiki Begiristain [City’s sporting director] and he explained his entire project to us.

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      “We liked it because they bet a lot on him. A few weeks later we had the tickets to travel to Manchester and sign the contract.
      “I cancelled it the morning that we had to go there. I wanted Ilaix to be an example and a reference for the next generations of Barcelona.
      “His friends were gone. If he stayed, it was proof Barca was betting on the youth players.
      “We managed to reach an agreement where we all came out winning.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Barcelona looks back at Ilaix Moriba’s career from child to teenage superstar More

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      John Murtough is Man Utd’s first ever Football Director who was in charge of Everton’s academy when David Moyes was boss

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      BETTER the Red Devil you know.
      Manchester United have appointed John Murtough, 48, as their first ever Football Director.

      John Murtough, left, has been named as Man Utd’s first ever Football DirectorCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But Murtough isn’t an unknown – having already established his name at Old Trafford.
      He joined the club in 2013 as Head of Football Development, after a recommendation by former United boss David Moyes.
      In his seven years, Murtough has completely overhauled the Premier League side’s academy and recruitment department.
      The Liverpudlian was a former Toffee…

      WORKING WITH MOYES
      When Moyes was manager of Everton, Murtough started out as a sports scientist.
      He worked his way up to the role of Head of Performance, before leaving in 2012 to become Head of Elite Performance for the Premier League.
      In November 2013, Murtough joined United as their first ever Head of Football Development – just months after Moyes was appointed as manager.

      Phil Neville chats with Murtough while the pair were at Everton togetherCredit: PA:Press Association

      Murtough worked his way up from a sports scientist to Head of Performance with the ToffeesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Crucially, he focused on the club’s youth policy, expanding their recruitment process and building their academy.

      Under Murtough, young prospects including Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood blossomed into first team starters.
      And he had the ear of Ed Woodward, who became a close confidant.
      HANDS ON
      Murtough’s hands-on approach at United showed his dedication to the job.
      Before the club signed talented youngster Hannibal Mejbri from Monaco for £9million, he joined French scout Mathieu Seckinger on a trip to Norway to watch the kid play.
      Murtough is also a forward-thinker, who considers new ways of acquiring football knowledge.

      Murtough was involved in overhauling United’s academyCredit: MuTV

      Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay and Brandon Williams have been blooded into the first team under Murtough’s watchCredit: Reuters
      Last year, with fears the club were falling behind the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, he began to develop the club’s data science strategy.
      In 2018, Murtough also understood the emergence of women’s football and played an integral role in launching Manchester United’s women’s team.
      CHALLENGING ROLE
      Murtough will be tasked with overseeing operations and strategy across all football functions at Manchester United.
      Previous reports suggested that former goalie Edwin van der Saar, who works in the same role at Ajax, was being considered.
      And it was also said that United wanted to make a Football Director appointment earlier, but were swayed by ex-manager Jose Mourinho who was against the idea.
      But Murtough is the man who will carry the mantle.

      Former Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho, who was opposed to the idea of a Football Director, shakes hands with MurtoughCredit: MuTV

      Murtough has the ear of Manchester United Chief Executive Ed WoodwardCredit: PA:Press Association

      He said: “This is such an exciting time for everyone at Manchester United with the first team, Academy and Women’s team all performing strongly, and plenty of development still to come. 
      “It’s a privilege to be part of that process, and an honour to lead Manchester United’s football department, working alongside Ole, Casey and so many other truly outstanding staff all dedicated to delivering success to this club.”
      And that’s the key word United fans will hope for if Murtough proves to be a good appointment… success.

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