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

    ON the pitch, he was the enforcer at Nottingham Forest, Manchester United 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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    Former Man Utd star Febian Brandy set up the Skouted app, the LinkedIn of football, and helps talent get spotted

    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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    How Man Utd could line up with Haaland up front if they land Dortmund goal machine this summer

    MANCHESTER UNITED are being strongly linked with a sensational swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to be handed a summer war chest – and Haaland could well top his shortlist.

    United were in the hunt for Haaland, the most wanted striker in Europe, before he joined Borussia Dortmund last January.
    A £65million release clause only kicks in next year, meaning anyone wanting to sign the 20-year-old before then will have to pay an inflated premium.
    The striker has been in sensational form this season, scoring 17 Bundesliga goals in as many games.
    Haaland made the headlines yesterday after scoring a stunning scissor kick against bitter rivals Schalke.

    Manchester City and Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for the 20-year-old.
    If United win the battle, Haaland could be the long-term replacement for Edinson Cavani.
    The Uruguayan has impressed since he joined in the summer but he is 34 and is yet to agree an extension to the one-year deal he signed.
    Haaland could well be joined by another of Europe’s in-form players this summer.

    Jack Grealish is starring as captain at Aston Villa, and despite being a boyhood fan he could well leave in the search of big trophies.
    BETS OF THE DAY: DON’T MISS TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS

    Erling Haaland is one of the most in-form strikers in EuropeCredit: AFP or licensors

    United have still shown some weaknesses at the back, with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly hardly proving themselves just yet alongside Harry Maguire.
    Real Madrid centre-half Sergio Ramos is one big name linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
    The Spaniard is still to agree a new contract with Los Blancos and at 34-years-old he might fancy one last challenge.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Man Utd transfer target Haaland has ‘verbal agreement’ to leave Dortmund More

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    Man Utd kid Joe Hugill, 17, is 6ft 2in striker likened to Harry Kane and tipped by Solskjaer to play in the first team

    MESSI, Salah, Maradona… Joe Hugill is in good company.
    Like those star forwards, the Manchester United wonderkid is blessed with a magical left foot capable of hurting the opposition.

    Joe Hugill scored the winning penalty – with his right foot – against Rochdale in the EFL TrophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    It’s one reason why the Red Devils paid Sunderland £300,000 for the 17-year-old in 2020.
    Hugill impressed earlier this season with United’s U21 team in an EFL Trophy win over Rochdale, coming close when he hit the woodwork and scoring the winning penalty (with his right foot) in a shootout after the sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes.
    The 6ft 2in star showed he is a capable target man – as comfortable receiving the ball on the deck as he is leaping for a long ball in the air.
    And boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now revealed Hugill is closer to a first team start than £36million signing Amad Diallo, after dazzling with four goals in a 6-3 win over Liverpool for the U23 side.

    Asked whether Diallo was pushing for his chance, the Norwegian responded: “We’re going to give him the time to settle in.
    “If we go from that game [vs Liverpool], I’d pick Joe Hugill.
    “Four goals by Hugill, he’s a top striker as well, we’re looking forward to seeing his development.”
    Here’s why the Old Trafford hierarchy moved quick to secure Hugill’s services, beating off competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

    A TRUE MACKEM
    Born and bred in Sunderland, Hugill spent his entire youth career at his boyhood club.
    In recent years, the Black Cats have produced an incredible array of talent.
    England goalie Jordan Pickford and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson have risen to the top after coming through the ranks in the North East.
    Josh Maja made waves in the Sunderland first team before he was signed by Bordeaux, where he thrived in France before joining Fulham in the most recent transfer window.

    Hugill was born and bred in Sunderland

    Last summer United paid Sunderland £300,000 for Hugill’s servicesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And Sam Greenwood earned rave reviews for Arsenal’s youth sides, after joining the Gunners in 2018 from the EFL League One side, and recently earned a £3million move to Leeds United.
    Like those mentioned, Hugill shone at the ‘Academy of Light’, playing for both the U18s and U23s.
    TECHNICALLY SOUND
    First thing you’ll notice about Hugill’s game is his touch.
    When the ball is played to feet it sticks, and he’s able to bring others into the game with his link-up play.
    But there’s also goals to his game too.
    On his Premier League 2 debut, with Sunderland rock bottom of the table, he scored twice against West Ham in a 4-2 defeat.
    Hugill also scored a hat-trick against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Youth Cup – alerting scouts to his abilities.

    At 6ft 2in Hugill offers a presence in the boxCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Hugill boasts similarities to Harry KaneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Hugill impressed in the EFL Trophy win over RochdaleCredit: Rex Features
    Although more slight in build, he has been compared to England hotshot Harry Kane in terms of his style of play.
    He’s not blessed with pace, but he certainly knows where the goal is.
    UNITED’S YOUTH PUSH
    Hugill is seen as one for the future by Nicky Butt, now head of first team development, but was formerly overseeing their youth set-up.

    The graduate of the ‘Class of ’92’ oversaw the arrivals of Tahith Chong, Charlie McCann, France youth stars Aliou Traore and Hannibal Mejbri, Arnau Puigmal, and Largie Ramazani in that role, until Nick Cox took over the reigns last year.
    And with his recommendation, Hugill was added to that list of promising youngsters.
    Perhaps the class of 2020 can be just as impressive as Beckham, the Nevilles, Scholes and Co in years to come.

    Man Utd fans demand Ed Woodward get out of the club after Rio Ferdinand reveals story of his brutal exit More

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    Man Utd star Axel Tuanzebe’s amazing journey, from arriving from Congo aged 4 to captaining Red Devils at every level

    THE story of how Manchester United star Axel Tuanzebe achieved his dream to play for the Premier League giants is truly inspiring.
    When he was just four, his parents left Congo for the UK in search of a better life for their family.

    Axel Tuanzebe’s remarkable rise is a story of courage and determinationCredit: Rex Features

    They settled in Rochdale, where a young Axel was unable to speak a word of English.
    However, the ambitious youngster was determined to make something of his life and support his family.
    He pushed himself through school, but his dream was to become a professional footballer – ever since he joined United’s Academy at the tender age of eight.
    Last October against PSG in the Champions League, Tuanzebe, now 23, produced a coming-of-age performance and kept Kylian Mbappe at bay.

    He is a man on a mission to succeed at Old Trafford.
    EARLY LIFE
    Tuanzebe was born in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but moved to England when his parents emigrated to the north.
    Football became his passion. Soon he was scouted by Manchester United and joined their youth set-up – just four years after arriving on our shores.
    Despite rising through the ranks at youth level, education was still very important to Tuanzebe, who understood he couldn’t just rely on his football.

    He attended St Cuthbert’s RC High School, where he captained the Year 7 football team to the final of the English National Schools Cup at Stamford Bridge in 2009

    Tuanzebe joined the Manchester United academy aged 8 after arriving from Congo four years earlierCredit: Instagram
    .

    That achievement earned the boy acknowledgement from the Mayor of Rochdale, who honoured him with a Sports Boy of the Year award.
    Tuanzebe was reportedly a model student and when it came to his exams, he passed his GCSE’s with flying colours with A grades.
    But his academic pursuits would take a back seat as his football took centre stage.
    A REAL LEADER
    In 2019, Tuanzebe achieved a remarkable feat.
    When he stepped out for United against Rochdale in a League Cup victory over Rochdale, he was wearing the captain’s armband – ahead of more experienced stars including Paul Pogba, Sergio Romero, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard.
    Not only did he become the youngest player to captain the side since Norman Whiteside in 1985, aged 21.
    He also capped off a wonderful run of captaining Manchester United at EVERY single age level he’s played at.

    In 2019 Tuanzebe led his Manchester United team mates out as captain in a League Cup tie against RochdaleCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Incredibly, Tuanzebe has captained Man Utd at every level he has played atCredit: AFP or licensors
    “Axel is a captain in the making, he’s a leader – why not give to young kids,” boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later revealed to TalkSport after the game.
    “We know we can give it to Sergio and we can give it to Paul, that’s no problem and they’ve been captains before.
    “But it was Axel today and how does he handle it? He was absolutely fine, he enjoyed it.
    “It’s just a way of telling him that we trust him.”
    COMING OF AGE
    After breaking into the United first team, making his debut against Wigan in a 4-0 FA Cup victory in 2017, he started his first senior match in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal four months later.
    But with chances limited, Tuanzebe was sent on loan to Aston Villa, where he became a promotion hero in 2019.
    He returned to Old Trafford – expected to push for a first team spot. A series of niggling injuries put pay to a limited run in the team, and he played just ten times in all competitions in 2019-20.

    Tuanzebe was a promotion hero for Dean Smiths Aston VillaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Tuanzebe enjoyed a coming of age performance against PSG and didn’t give Kylian Mbappe an inchCredit: AFP or licensors
    However, it was on the biggest stage where he proved his undeniable quality.
    Faced with superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Tuanzebe put on his best display in a Manchester United shirt – as the Red Devils shocked PSG to win 2-1 in a Champions League game.
    After the match, Solskjaer said: “We know that when you go away against a team like this, against players like Neymar and Mbappe, top, top players in the world, we know we have to defend well.
    “We know David De Gea will have to make a few saves. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you’ll have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities – he’s a top defender.
    “First game in, I don’t know, 10 months or something, which is just testament to the quality he has.”
    HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS
    Being a gifted footballer isn’t Tuanzebe’s only claim to fame. After all, he features in the Guinness Book of World Records.
    In 2018 he joined his Manchester United team-mates on a pre-season tour in Los Angeles.
    There he was asked to take part in a game of Hungry Hippos for fun.

    Tuanzebe is not just a upcoming footballing star, but also holds a Guinness World Record in Hungry Hippos gameCredit: Instagram @roshaunwilliams

    The Hungry Hippos game is a favourite pastime for many young children, where players have to swallow as many marbles as possible using their hippoCredit: Amazon
    He finished it in just 17.37 seconds – managing to record a world record at the same time.
    For those who missed out on the famous game as a child, it features four hippos in a circle with a handful of balls in the middle.
    Players each choose a hippo and need to use it to collect as many marbles as possible before they are all taken.
    ENGLAND STAR IN THE MAKING
    Although Tuanzebe is still eligible to play for Congo, it appears likely that he will choose to represent England.
    He began his international career in 2017, starring for the Three Lions U17 side against Mexico.
    That same year, Tuanzebe was a part of the U20 side that won all three matches at the Four Nations tournament.

    Tuanzebe is an England youth international, but could still turn out for the country of his birth, DR CongoCredit: Rex Features

    Now 23, Tuanzebe is ready to push for a place in United’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    In 2017, his rapid ascension at international level continued when he was capped by the U21 side against Ukraine.
    Gareth Southgate has been monitoring Tuanzebe closely, and should he get a sustained run in the United side he might just partner his United team mate Harry Maguire at the heart of England’s defence.
    That would be the icing on the cake for his astonishing rise.

    Cavani is deep in conversation with Tuanzebe before Man Utd’s win over PSG as fans joke he leaked inside information More

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    Man United target Arsenal legend Marc Overmars to become club’s first director of football as Luis Ocampos leaves Lille

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly keen to appoint a first ever director of football, with Marc Overmars and Luis Campos part of a five-man shortlist.
    United owners the Glazers, as well as chief-executive Ed Woodward, are eager to hire someone to oversee the club’s recruitment after a string of poor transfers in recent years.

    Marc Overmars and Edwin Van de Sar currently work together at AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Luis Campos has left Lille this week after a restructuring at the French clubCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Luis Campos, the man who unearthed Kylian Mbappe and Anthony Martial, has left his role at Lille, with the Daily Mail reporting United are free to snap him up.
    The 55-year-old also recruited Fabinho and Thomas Lemar on free transfers while at Monaco, as well as bagging £63million for Nicolas Pepe when he was sold to Arsenal.
    The Red Devils have been chasing a director of football for some time, with club legend Edwin Van de Sar previously linked with taking up the role at Old Trafford.
    Van de Sar’s Ajax colleague Marc Overmars is also a name on the Glazers’ shortlist, with Overmars set to leave Ajax at the end of the season.

    Overmars is currently the director of football at Ajax, and is credited for playing a major role in assembling the young Ajax side that reached the Champions League semi-final in 2019.
    That side boasted the likes of Matthijis de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek.
    However, Overmars is also attracting interest from Arsenal, with some Gunners fans not happy with the dealings of current technical director Edu.
    Overmars spent three years of his playing career at the Emirates, and won a Premier League title in North London.

    Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell, who has spent time at Southampton and Manchester United, is also on Manchester United’s radar.
    Despite some successful recruitment in the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial, United’s transfer business in recent years has been questionable to say the least.
    The likes of Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Memphis Depay spring to mind.
    However, the appointment of a director of football could filter out the flops, and potentially find some exciting talent to partner Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford. More

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    David Beckham’s best Man Utd team-mates of all time include Giggs and Keane but no Cantona

    DAVID BECKHAM’s all-time top Manchester United  team-mates have been revealed… but the resulting XI means some shock omissions.
    After coming through the youth ranks as part of the famous ‘Class of ’92’, Becks made his Red Devils debut in 1992 at the age of 17.

    He went on to play 394 games for the club before his exit for Real Madrid in 2003.
    During that time Becks, 44, played alongside some of the greats of the game.
    And now Manchester United have put together an XI based on those he played alongside the most during his career – with some discretion used to factor in positions and the formation.
    Here, we take a look at the side…

    GOALKEEPER – Peter Schmeichel (183)
    Schmeichel and Beckhan played together a total of 183 times.
    The last time was during the 1999 Champions League final.
    When the two were on the pitch together, they rarely ended up the losing side.
    In fact, they didn’t lose any of their final 29 games when they were on the same team.

    Peter Schmeichel won the Treble alongside BecksCredit: PA:Press Association
    DEFENCE – Gary Neville (378), Ronny Johnsen (136), Mikael Silvestre (151) and Phil Neville (275)
    Gary Neville played more games with Beckham that anybody else at Old Trafford.
    They played a staggering 378 games with one another, with 59 of those being with the England national team.
    Johnsen and Silvestre played the least games with former Real Madrid star Beckham in this XI – but they were there for some significant moments.
    Silvestre’s last game alongside Golden Balls was Beckham’s last ever game for United in 2003.
    Meanwhile, Johnson played his first alongside Becks when the-then youngster scored from inside his own half against Wimbledon.

    Gary Neville came through the youth ranks with Beckham with the two best matesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    MIDFIELD – Roy Keane (257), Nicky Butt (290), Paul Scholes (342) and Ryan Giggs (294)
    The formidable Roy Keane shields the defence in this XI.
    Of non-Man Utd academy players, the fierce Irishman has the highest tally of games alongside Beckham with 257.
    All remaining three: Butt, Scholes and Giggs were Class of 92 graduates.
    Butt and Scholes racked up their appearances alongside Beckham through added international caps, with them sharing the field 290 and 342 times respectively.

    Ryan Giggs’ epic shirt-off celebration is part of Manchester United folkloreCredit: Reuters
    ATTACK – Andy Cole (241) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (238)
    Both strikers not only made a ton of appearances alongside Beckham but successfully converted loads of his assists over the years.
    Cole had the chance to play with his former teammate recently during the Treble Reunion game against Bayern Munich.
    When it comes to current United boss Solskjaer, Beckham has always nothing but good things to say about the Norwegian, even admitting he learned a lot from the 47-year-old.

    Now managing Manchester United, Solskjaer (pictured here with Keane) played many games with BeckhamCredit: AFP
    Who didn’t make it?
    Perhaps the most surprising of all is Eric Cantona.
    Cantona joined United in 1992 from Leeds United, just as Beckham was breaking into the side, and would score 82 goals in 185 games for the Red Devils during his time with the club.
    The Frenchman helped them win their first top-division title since 1967 in the 92 season.
    That was the first of four Premier League titles Cantona won at Old Trafford.

    He also won the FA Cup in 1994 and 1996 as well as the Charity Shield on three occasions.
    However the maverick didn’t play with Beckham enough to earn a place in this XI.
    The same goes for Treble winners Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham, as well as Denis Irwin who played a total of 231 games with the former LA Galaxy ace.

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