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      Man Utd star ‘NOT going to AFCON’ in order to seal January transfer move despite talks over new deal being ‘underway’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Hannibal Mejbri is NOT heading to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, according to reports.That is because the Tunisian midfielder, 20, will use the start of 2024 to search for a loan move away from Old Trafford.
      Hannibal Mejbri is looking to seal a loan move away from Old Trafford in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      Hannibal has already been capped 27 times for his country since making his debut in 2021.
      But he was not included in Tunisia’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers in November.
      And according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he will miss the Africa Cup of Nations – which gets underway in Ivory Coast on January 13.
      Hannibal has made 10 appearances for Man Utd so far this season – four of which have been starts.
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      His first goal for the Red Devils’ senior side came in September in a 3-1 defeat to Brighton.
      Now he is set to search for more game time amid interest from three European clubs – while talks over a new deal with Man Utd get underway.
      The trio of sides monitoring Hannibal are Sevilla, Lyon and Freiburg.
      The midfielder, whose Man Utd deal runs until the end of the season with the option of an additional year, spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Championship side Birmingham.
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      He played 41 games for the Blues, scoring one goal and providing six assists.
      After returning to Old Trafford in the summer, he did not feature until he came off the bench to score against Brighton.
      That cameo earned him back-to-back starts against Burnley in the Premier League and Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
      But he has played just 15 minutes of league football since September. More

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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hints at huge tactical change as he reveals new position for captain Martin Odegaard

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has hinted at a huge tactical change that could see Martin Odegaard play in a deeper midfield position.The skipper has been crucial for the Gunners this term, and has been at his best further back lately.
      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted at a position change for captain Martin OdegaardCredit: Getty
      Odegaard who usually plays a more attacking role could play a defensive positionCredit: Alamy
      Odegaard, who signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal in September, has made an impressive start this term.
      In his 23 appearances, the skipper has scored seven goals across all competitions.
      But in those games, the Norwegian who typically plays in an attacking position, has proved himself useful closer to the back four.
      Ahead of Arsenal’s clash against West Ham on Thursday night, Arteta hinted he could stay further back.
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      He said: “Well there are certain games that require certain things from certain players.
      “We have used Martin to accommodate the needs of the team to make us better against certain behaviours and challenges that the opponents put for us. That’s a big quality of his.
      “He also the defensive part which I’m really impressed with and I’m really happy with that because it’s a part of the game that we want to transform and keep evolving.”
      Since the departure of Granit Xhaka and the absence of Thomas Partey due to injury, Odegaard has taken over the defensive roles they both provided.
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      And he has seemed to excel in his new role in the victories against Wolves, Brentford and Brighton.
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      Starting 15 of his 16 league appearances this term, the Norway captain will be expected to lead his side at the Emirates on Thursday evening.
      The Gunners, who currently sit second in the league, must secure a win against the Hammers if they are to go ahead of frontrunners Liverpool.
      Their last match ended in a draw with the Reds in which boss Jurgen Klopp blasted Odegaard, who clearly struck the ball with his hand after Trent Alexander Arnold’s free-kick deflected.
      Liverpool were denied a penalty, sparking an uproar amongst players and fans. More

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      Ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair wanted to relocate Premier League team to Belfast according to newly-declassified files

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      TONY BLAIR wanted to move a Premier League team from London to Belfast, government papers reveal.The former Prime Minister labelled the idea to relocate Wimbledon to Northern Ireland as “excellent”.
      Tony Blair wanted to move Wimbledon from London to Belfast in the late 1990sCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The Dons won the 1988 FA Cup but were struggling financially within the next decadeCredit: Getty
      Previously classified notes from 1997 – the year Blair moved into 10 Downing Street as he started his ten-year stay – highlighted the ex-Labour leader “following up earlier informal discussions about the possibility of an English Premier League football club relocating to Belfast”.
      Amid continued trouble in the Northern Irish capital, some thought having a football team playing in the Premier League would be a “significant breakthrough”.
      The document said: “[It] should be able to build up strong cross-community support and provide a positive unifying force in a divided city.”
      It also named struggling Wimbledon as the club that would switch cities – with the team being called Belfast United.
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      Blair was in full agreement and responded: “It would be excellent if Wimbledon were to move to Belfast and we should encourage this as much as possible.”
      Plans were even drawn up for a new privately-funded 40,000-seater stadium either on Queen’s Island or in North Foreshore.
      The Belfast Telegraph reported Secretary of State Mo Mowlam also threw her support behind the notion which would increase investment into the country.
      However, the suggestion was not universally popular amid fears it could “kill off the game in Northern Ireland”.
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      There were further suggestions that Wimbledon owner Sam Hammam “explored the possibility of moving Wimbledon to Dublin”.
      Further updates in July and August 1998 – soon after the Good Friday Agreement – demonstrated Blair’s willingness for the relocation to go through but it remained “delicate” in the face of strong opposition.
      However, despite a Bring Premier League Soccer To Northern Ireland campaign and plenty of negotiations, eventually the proposal was scrapped.
      Hammam looked into options which would have seen Wimbledon move to Basingstoke, Cardiff, Manchester, Wigan, Bristol, Scotland or near Gatwick Airport.
      The Dons were relegated from the top flight in 2000 and two years later, a deal was struck to move the 1988 FA Cup winners from Plough Lane to Milton Keynes.
      They first played at their new home in September 2003 and at the end of the season changed their name to MK Dons while furious fans continued to build up a new team, AFC Wimbledon, from scratch.
      The Wombles returned to their old home in 2020 and now play their football in League Two.
      Another government idea – made public by the declassified documents – saw chief press secretary Alistair Campbell put forward arranging an Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic in Belfast.
      Campbell suggested the two teams swap into their rivals’ kits and was willing to use Sir Alex Ferguson to speak to contacts at Ibrox but the match did not take place.
      An Old Firm clash in Northern Ireland wearing each others’ kits was put forward as another ideaCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      Darts sensation Luke Littler, 16, copies Man Utd star’s celebration after landing biggest pay-day at World Championship

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      DARTS wonderkid Luke Littler copied Manchester United star Marcus Rashford’s celebration as he cruised to the Last 16 of the PDC World Darts Championship.Littler has taken the sport by storm with some incredible exploits on the Ally Pally stage that saw him beating the likes of Andrew Gilding and Matt Campbell despite his young age of 16.
      Luke Littler copied Manchester United star Marcus Rashford’s celebrationCredit: Getty
      Rashford performs that celebration every time he scores for Man UtdCredit: Alamy
      Littler punched his ticket to the Last 16 of the PDC World Darts ChampionshipCredit: Rex
      The Runcorn protege punched his ticket to the Round of 16 by beating Campbell on Wednesday in his debut tournament and paid homage to his favourite United star Rashford.
      The schoolboy pointed his finger on his head like the forward does every time he scores a goal for the Red Devils.
      Littler shared a picture of the pose on Instagram and accompanied it with a photo of the England international doing the same.
      The teenager’s post attracted over 17,000 likes and a raft of comments from his 55,000 followers.
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      One fan posted: “Rashford copying Luke it seems.”
      Another commented: “What a boy.”
      A third wrote: “Well played what a performance.”
      This fan said: “Go on Luke, lad smashed it.”
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      And that one stated: “Keep it up mate.”
      Littler broke down in tears after his latest PDC World Darts Championship victory won him a whopping £35,000 and told his mum: “The dream is on.”
      And he then tucked into a late-night kebab, dreaming of the £500,000 top prize. More

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      Man Utd icon Robin van Persie reveals why he was in stands for Villa win just days after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3bn deal

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      ROBIN VAN PERSIE has revealed why he was at Old Trafford just days after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover was confirmed.The Manchester United legend watched his former club from the stands as they secured a 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa.
      Robin van Persie and Edwin van der Sar both cheered on United as they beat Aston Villa 3-2Credit: Twitter @ManUtd
      It was the first game since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment was confirmedCredit: PA
      Van Persie was spotted in the stadium sitting alongside former Red Devils goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.
      Fans believed the timing of the duo’s return perhaps hinted at Ratcliffe giving them a role at the club.
      Van der Sar previously worked as CEO at Ajax and Van Persie is currently a youth-team coach at Feyenoord.
      But the retired striker shut down any chances of returning to Man Utd.
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      He told MUTV: “Obviously, it was a bit of a coincidence that I’m here now with my wife and friends.
      “When I looked at the schedule I was like if I can pick that game, I will pick that game because of course our sort of shared memories we have against Villa.”
      Van Persie famously scored a hat-trick against the Midlands club in 2013 to seal United the Premier League title.
      He continued: “It was one of the most special nights personally as a Manchester United player.
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      “Villa are doing well this year so it’s a nice game to watch.
      “It’s always nice to be back. I feel that not only in the stadium but I feel it in the streets. 
      “This afternoon I was walking in Deansgate and the love the fans still give me is incredible.”
      Van Persie reportedly rejected an offer to work on Erik ten Hag’s coaching team last year because he wanted to stay in Holland. More

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      Man Utd flop Anthony Martial ‘set to be part of huge player swap transfer’ with Inter Milan

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are looking at swapping Anthony Martial for Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco, a report claims.With the January transfer window looming the Frenchman has been tipped for a move away from Old Trafford.
      Manchester United are lined up for a transfer swap deal with Anthony MartialCredit: Alamy
      The deal involved Inter Milan forward Federico DimarcoCredit: Getty
      The uncertainty over Martial’s future has grown with the club still not extending his contract, which is set to finish in June 2024.
      A transfer has been rumoured to be on the cards for the forward, who has failed to impress this season.
      According to Gazzetta dello Sport, a move that may benefit Man Utd is Martial heading over to Inter Milan.
      The Serie A giants see Martial as a back-up choice for their frontline and want to send Dimarco, 26, as a part of a swap deal.
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      With Inter valuing the Italian star at £50million this would be out of Man Utd’s budget despite the financial backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the report claims.
      However, an option for a swap could ease the hefty transfer fee.
      Martial has struggled for form this term, having only scored once in 13 Premier League outings.
      The Frenchman was available for sale in the summer but stayed at Old Trafford despite interest from clubs such as West Ham and Fenerbahce.
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      But Erik ten Hag may have already begun to adapt to life without Martial as the forward has not featured in the matchday squad for United’s last three fixtures.
      In 2018 Inter exercised their buy-back clause to bring back Dimarco for a second spell at the club from Sion.
      After two loan moves at Parma and Hellas Verona, the Italian has made 113 appearances for the Milan-based side.
      This term so far he has scored three goals and made five assists in 16 appearances.
      But despite Dimarco’s recent muscle strain, the report claims United are still interested in the star.
      Injuries have not deterred the Red Devils in the past as they signed Rasmus Hojlund even with his back injury.
      The Dane has shown Ten Hag’s side how to bounce back from a hit after scoring his first goal and the winner against Aston Villa on Tuesday night. More

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      Andre Onana gets AFCON call as fans claim ‘season starts now’ and ‘advantage Man Utd’ with star set to miss crunch games

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      ANDRE ONANA has been called up to the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.The tournament begins on January 13 and the final is on February 11.
      Andre Onana is set to miss a crucial period for Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Onana is set to miss at least one match against Tottenham and potentially as many as six, depending on when he leaves for the tournament and how far Cameroon progress.
      Erik ten Hag will put his trust in summer signing Altay Bayindir while his No1 is away.
      The Turkey international signed from Fenerbahce for £4.3million and he is yet to play for Man Utd.
      Veteran Tom Heaton is an alternative option – but he has also never featured for the club since joining in 2021.
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      Onana has had a tough start to life at Old Trafford and has made several mistakes leading to goals.
      Fans have mixed views on the ex-Ajax and Inter Milan keeper being unavailable.
      One said: “Advantage Manchester United.”
      Another added: “The season starts now.”
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      A third joked: “United might break into the top four now.”
      Others commented: “It’s time for Altay Bayindir to cook.”
      Until a few weeks ago, Ten Hag was unsure whether he would lose Onana to AFCON.
      The 27-year-old retired from international duty following the 2022 World Cup after being sent home early due to a dispute with manager Rigobert Song.
      Which games could Onana miss?
      January 8: Wigan (A) FA Cup
      January 14: Tottenham (H)
      January 27: Potential FA Cup tie
      February 1: Wolves (A)
      February 4: West Ham (H)
      February 11: Aston Villa (A)

      His decision was then reversed in August this year and he was back in the national team fold.
      Cameroon’s first game is against Guinea on January 15.
      They then face Senegal four days later and Gambia on January 23 in the group stage. More

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      Man Utd legend Roy Keane aims brutal three-word dig at Joey Barton leaving Gary Neville and Ian Wright in stitches

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane took aim at disgraced ex-midfielder Joey Barton with a hilarious dig that left Ian Wright and Gary Neville in hysterics.Barton, 41, who lost his job as manager of Bristol Rovers in October, recently launched a bizarre attack on women’s football and female broadcasters in the sport.
      Roy Keane and Ian Wright were asked who had spent longer in their jobs – Emma Hayes at Chelsea Women or David Moyes at EvertonCredit: YouTube @The Overlap
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      Manchester United legend Keane joked Joey Barton might know the answerCredit: YouTube @The Overlap
      Keane’s response left Wright in stitchesCredit: YouTube @The Overlap
      Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher also enjoyed the jokey remarkCredit: YouTube @The Overlap
      Barton has been slammed for his comments about women’s football and female broadcastersCredit: Alamy
      The former Manchester City and Newcastle player has received widespread criticism for his comments.
      And Red Devils icon Keane, 52, continued the mockery of Barton during a Stick to Football quiz on The Overlap YouTube channel.
      Keane and Arsenal legend Wright, 60, took on fellow Premier League stalwarts Neville and Carragher in an episode hosted by comedian Paddy McGuinness.
      One question posed to Keane and Wright asked who had spent longer in their jobs – Emma Hayes at Chelsea Women or David Moyes at Everton.
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      As the pair pondered their answer, Neville suggested they use their phone-a-friend option.
      To which Keane hilariously replied: “I might call Joey Barton.”
      He then added a superb three-word follow-up: “Joey would know.”
      The remark left Wright, Neville and Carragher in fits of laughter.
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      And those on social media were loving Keane’s brutal put-down.
      One said: “That Joey Barton comment from Keane on the overlap quiz was exceptional to be fair 😂.”
      Another replied: “Yes Keane! Get innnn!”
      While a third responded: “You tell that mouthy, talentless no nothing, Keano 👍👏.”
      Wright ended up calling Chelsea boss Hayes, 47, who confirmed she will be entering her 12th year as Blues boss in 2024, before she leaves to take over the USA national team in the summer.
      Keane and Wright went with Hayes as their answer and it was correct – with Moyes having left Everton in 2013 after 11 years at the helm. More