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      Harry Maguire singled out by defensive legend over ‘out of the norm’ attributes that make Man Utd star world class

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      ITALY legend Leonardo Bonucci has waxed lyrical about “nasty and tough” England defenders John Stones and Harry Maguire.And, let’s face it, he would know.
      Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci heaped praise on two England defendersCredit: Getty
      The Juventus icon hailed Harry Maguire for his intelligence and mental toughnessCredit: Alamy
      Bonucci and the recently-retired Giorgio Chiellini helped to deny the Three Lions glory in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
      Chiellini famously fouled Bukayo Saka as he got away from the defender — then Bonucci scored Italy’s equaliser and taunted England fans after his side’s victory on penalties.
      But he likes the pairing of Stones and Maguire, even if they may never be as successful together as the Italian duo.
      The centre-back, 36, told SunSport: “There are moments during the game when you have to go to war and be ready to battle in the box as if a burglar was stealing in your house.
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      “But I struggle to find a deficiency in players like Stones, who have won what he did.
      “He’s a leader, reads the game well, has rhythms and is intelligent.
      “He’s a technical player and  a nasty defender. At City, Guardiola saw a perfect role for him, to be more of a ball-playing defender. He makes mistakes but who doesn’t?
      “He’s still young and has a lot of time to improve and keep winning.
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      Bonucci believes John Stones is one of the best defenders in the worldCredit: Getty
      “In the end, who decides if someone is the best in the world? The fans, but with all due respect, it’s really whether they like you or not.
      “Stones has done great things and I like him a lot. He’s one of the best in the world.”
      Maguire has come in for lots of criticism but Bonucci says he deserves credit for his reluctance to let the b*****ds grind him down.
      And the legendary defender even praised ‘Slabhead’ for his football intelligence.
      Bonucci, who joined Union Berlin in the summer after 12 years over two spells at Juventus, said: “For me, Harry is an example. After all the stick and attacks he’s received, he still plays at Manchester United and is a regular for England. That’s indicative of his mental strength.
      “Maguire is a rocky and tough defender.
      “His problem is that he was paid an infinite amount of money when he joined Man United. But just because of that, can’t he occasionally drop a clanger?
      “He has shown that he’s mentally tough, has leadership skills, personality and intelligence out of the norm.
      “Just like all of us, he may have some limits but he’ll be aware of them and iron them out to improve.”
      Bonucci reckons Luke Shaw’s early opener in the Euro 2020 final actually helped Italy as it made England sit back.
      That meant the Italians could keep the ball and wait for their opportunity to equalise, which eventually was scored by Bonucci.
      Stones and Maguire both played for England at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World CupCredit: Getty
      He added: “Taking the lead so early backfired on England because they stopped playing and asking questions.
      “They were content with what they had done. Maybe they were also scared of Italy’s quality?
      “We were aggressive, monopolised possession and created a flurry of chances.
      “England thought that by conceding us spaces, we’d run riot.
      “In the first half we were frightened by what was happening around us but then we had a pep talk at half-time and raced out of the traps.
      “We were ourselves again, had a different energy and I scored.
      “We deserved to win the final a lot more than England based on what we produced.”
      Bonucci trolled England fans by  screaming ‘It’s coming to Rome’ and urging them to “eat more pasta” after collecting his winner’s medal.
      This was in reaction to feeling ‘belittled’ by criticism.
      He said: “Many people attacked us during the Euros, saying we were not good enough to win and that we ‘only’ faced Turkey, Switzerland and Austria.
      “My reaction was a response to those who belittled our achievements.
      “Also, some of the things English players said touched our pride and motivated us to get revenge and win.”
      Bonucci is no stranger to being accused of arrogance and that apparent lack of sportsmanship at Wembley just added fuel to the fire.
      But the veteran said: “I have always been very confident in my ability and direct. Some people see it as having personality, for others it’s arrogance.
      “People can think and say whatever they want.
      “My ‘It’s coming to Rome’ and ‘You need to eat more pasta’ were triggered by adrenaline.”
      The Three Lions’ future is bright according to Bonucci — as long as Jude Bellingham stays fit.
      Having faced the Real Madrid star in the Champions League this season, he knows England have some player on their hands.
      Read more on The Sun
      Bonucci said: “Jude’s adaptation period at Real Madrid shows that he’s out of this world.
      “He is something else and will give Haaland and Mbappe a run for their money for future Ballons d’Or.”
      Jude Bellingham has been outstanding for club and country this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool are ‘serious candidates’ to land Mbappe as Real Madrid may have shot themselves in foot with transfer approach

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      LIVERPOOL have emerged as “serious candidates” to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.The 25-year-old has entered the final six months of his contract in the French capital.
      Kylian Mbappe has entered the final year of his contractCredit: Rex
      Mbappe possesses a player option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, although last summer he wrote to club chiefs informing them that he had “no intention” of doing so.
      The forward was subsequently exiled from PSG’s pre-season tour, with the Ligue 1 champions even accepting a world-record £259million bid from Al-Hilal for their star man.
      After snubbing a move to Saudi Arabia, Mbappe later returned to PSG’s first team and has been in electric form ever since.
      His future remains in the balance, with Liverpool and Real Madrid both showing “credible” interest in signing him.
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      According to Le Parisien, the Reds pose the biggest threat to PSG’s hopes of convincing Mbappe to stay.
      Jurgen Klopp has long been a huge fan of the French superstar, with Liverpool having reportedly dreamed of signing him for nine years.
      The Reds’ long-term admiration hasn’t gone unnoticed by Mbappe, who could be intrigued by a move to Anfield.
      Kop chiefs would love to sign him in a bid to consistently compete with Manchester City.
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      And with Mohamed Salah attracting strong interest from Saudi Arabia, Mbappe could even be a long-term replacement for the Egyptian.
      Real Madrid were long thought to be in the driving seat to sign Mbappe.
      But latest reports suggest that he has been unimpressed by the Spanish side’s “hardball tactics” in negotiations.
      Mbappe could yet still perform a U-turn from his stance last summer and decide to extend at PSG again.
      It’s claimed that he would struggle to find conditions as “tailor-made” for him at other potential suitors as they are at Parc des Princes.
      Mbappe has scored 18 goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season.
      He has also added a further three in the Champions League. More

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      Ghana boss reveals why Arsenal star Thomas Partey has NOT been called up to squad for Afcon 2024

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      ARSENAL have received a boost this month with the news Thomas Partey will NOT join up with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations.The Gunners midfielder has been out since October following surgery on a thigh injury – one that Ghana boss Chris Hughton has described as “substantial”.
      Thomas Partey has been left out of the Ghana squad for the Africa Cup of NationsCredit: Getty
      Chris Hughton described the midfielder’s injury as ‘substantial’Credit: Getty
      There were hopes Partey, 30, would be back this week to be involved in Sunday’s FA Cup third round clash with Liverpool – in time to join up with his Ghana team-mates at AFCON ahead of their opening group game against Cape Verde on January 14.
      However, the decision has been made between the Arsenal medical team and Black Stars head coach Hughton not to risk Partey out in the tournament’s host country Ivory Coast as he continues recovering from the “biggest injury” of his career.
      In a press conference announcing his 27-man squad, Hughton explained: “Thomas Partey for sure, and I say this not in a detrimental way to the squad that we have, but he is one of our most important players.
      “This we know and, withstanding his injury, he certainly would be in the squad. We know the quality of player that he is. This is a player that has a substantial injury.
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      “I’ve spent a lot over this period of time with Thomas and also engaging with the medical staff at Arsenal Football Club. 
      “They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is a big injury for him and the biggest injury that he’s had.
      “The most important thing for me as head coach and our association is to give him the support that he needs through this period of time. 
      “From all the information that we’ve been given, the timelines of his recovery and the caution that will be taken, will not meet our timelines for the AFCON.”
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      Partey has recently returned to light training and was due to be in contention to make the squad to face Jurgen Klopp’s Reds at the Emirates this weekend.
      It would be his first appearance in all competitions in an Arsenal shirt since October 8 – the 1-0 victory over Manchester City.
      He will then have further time to recover and get up to speed with Arsenal’s next clash not until January 20 when they take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
      Arsenal have also welcomed back Takehiro Tomiyasu from a calf injury, but Fabio Vieira (groin) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) remain out. More

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      Six players Arteta could sell to boost Arsenal’s January transfer kitty including England trio and struggling newbie

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      THE January window provides an opportunity for Mikel Arteta to breathe new life into his struggling Arsenal side.The Gunners have won just one of their last five Premier League games, and have fallen from being top on Christmas day down to fourth after successive losses in the capital.
      Mikel Arteta wants to add to his squad in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      Last week they had 30 shots on goal at the Emirates but still managed to lose 2-0 to West Ham before a dismal 2-1 defeat away to goal-shy Fulham.
      Arteta is in need of some spark, and fresh faces could be the key, but the Spaniard has suggested the club need to sell first before considering splashing the cash this month.
      Alongside sporting director Edu, Arteta has several game plans depending on who they can shift and how quickly they can act in the market.
      Here, SunSport assesses six options the Arsenal boss has in adding to his transfer kitty:
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      CEDRIC SOARES
      The 32-year-old Portuguese full-back has been deemed surplus to requirements in North London for some time now, having spent the end of last season on loan at Fulham.
      His contract expires in the summer, with the club very unlikely to extend his deal after initially signing on loan in January 2020 from Southampton before making it permanent that summer.
      Cedric Soares has made just two first team appearances this seasonCredit: Reuters
      Arteta has previously spoken of Cedric’s positive influence in the dressing room and in training, but game time has been seriously limited – just 65 minutes this campaign.
      Turkish sides Besiktas and Trabzonspor are interested in a loan plus an obligation to buy. Arsenal would rather sell now, but may be left with little choice if offers come in.
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      It could be seen as a gamble by Arteta, given Arsenal’s injury issues in that position, but Takehiro Tomiyasu returned to action at Craven Cottage while Jurrien Timber is expected to make his long-awaited comeback in mid-February.
      EDDIE NKETIAH
      The future looked bright for the England striker when he signed a new long-term deal at Arsenal in the summer of 2022 – taking on Thierry Henry’s famous No.14 shirt.
      But since then, despite an impressive goal-to-game ratio – mainly from the bench – Nketiah has struggled to convince Arteta he can lead the line for an entire season.
      Eddie Nketiah has been linked with a January move to Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      As it stands, Arteta wants to keep him at the club, a useful squad player who is currently Arsenal’s joint-top Prem scorer with five goals in 10 starts so far.
      There has been interest around the 24-year-old for some time now, and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs this month on a potential move.
      With his contract not expiring until 2027, Arsenal would be looking for an extraordinary offer to let Nketiah leave. Until then, he will remain in Arteta’s plans.
      EMILE SMITH ROWE
      Despite still having his minutes managed since coming back from injury, it was a surprise to see Smith Rowe an unused sub as Arsenal pushed for an equaliser against Fulham.
      During the early days of Arteta’s reign, he was one of catalysts for their upturn in form, providing goals, assists and energy.
      Emile Smith Rowe has suffered several injury issues in the last 18 monthsCredit: Alamy
      Now, since his last new contract in July 2021, he has made 51 Prem appearances across three seasons, yet has made just one Prem start across the past two seasons.
      He may be a fan favourite, but Arteta could see this as the time to cash in on a young player who still has potential to make his mark in this division.
      Tied up until 2026, Arsenal will again be waiting for a significant offer before making a decision.
      Newcastle have previously been interested but are only looking at loan deals with an obligation to buy during this window, and have their eyes on Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
      AARON RAMSDALE
      The player who more than most has his eyes on the exit door with the Euros approaching in the summer, having been ousted as No.1 by the arrival of David Raya in the summer.
      Ramsdale was bought for £30m including add-ons from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021. His contract expires in 2026 with an option to extend until 2027.
      Aaron Ramsdale is no longer Arsenal’s No1Credit: Getty
      Arsenal will want to at least get back what they put in should he leave, but again, Arteta has been insistent in his desire for Ramsdale to fight for his place from the bench.
      Yet Ramsdale knows his Three Lions chances are slipping away week by week. He has made just five Prem appearances this season, the last one coming in November.
      Chelsea and Newcastle are keeping tabs on the situation, both clubs suffering from injuries to their first-choice keepers currently.
      JAKUB KIWIOR
      The Polish defender only signed last January in a £20m five-and-a-half-year deal from Italian outfit Spezia, but is already fighting to stay in North London.
      Kiwior was axed at half-time against Fulham having struggled in an unfamiliar left-back role, just his eighth Prem appearance of the season.
      Jakub Kiwior has failed to impress so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      Like Cedric, it would be a risk to sell him without bringing in a like-for-like given Arsenal’s injury worries at the back, as well as Kiwior’s flexibility in defence and holding midfield.
      It could be a departure that makes sense given Tomiyasu, Timber and Thomas Partey are all expected back within the next month.
      However, Tomiyasu is set to join up with Japan for the Asian Cup and Kiwior may be needed as cover.
      REISS NELSON
      One of Arteta’s most loyal servants and a player the Spanish coach still feels he can get more from, Nelson has been on the periphery of the starting XI for some time.
      The issue for the 24-year-old academy graduate is that he is attempting to break into a crowded position – one that already has Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
      Reiss Nelson signed a new four-year deal in JulyCredit: Alamy
      The four-year deal he signed back in July will help keep his price high should Arteta feel, like Smith Rowe’s situation, that now is the time to cash in and move on.
      Read more on The Sun
      Again, it would be a risk to see a valued squad member depart. Wolves have been interested in the player in the past, and Nelson is sure to attract further Prem suitors should offers begin to flood in.
      For now, Arteta is happy with Nelson’s position in the squad, but his impacts off the bench this season have been underwhelming at best. More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘sad it didn’t work out’ as forgotten man seals loan transfer with £12m option to make move permanent

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      DISAPPOINTED Manchester United fans expressed their sorrow at Donny van de Beek’s failed Old Trafford spell.The Dutch midfielder, 26, joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan within hours of the January transfer window opening.
      Donny van de Beek failed to live up to the billing at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      He has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the rest of the seasonCredit: INSTAGRAM @eintrachtfrankfurt
      The deal with the Red Devils includes an option for the Bundesliga side to sign Van de Beek permanently in the summer for up to £12million.
      That may well mean he has played his final game for United.
      And supporters took to social media to share their feelings on his three-and-a-half-year stint in Manchester.
      One said: “Had high hopes for him when he came but sadly never worked out.”
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      Another wrote: “Disappointed that it didn’t work out.”
      A third added: “Feel sorry for him, a panic buy from Ole reign.”
      A fourth replied: “What a shame he didn’t make it here.”
      And a final user commented: “Best of luck, Donny.”
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      Van de Beek arrived at United from Ajax in a £40m deal in 2020 but has managed just two goals in 62 appearances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick and now Erik ten Hag, his boss in Amsterdam.
      His poor form for the Red Devils led to the midfielder being dropped from the Netherlands squad, failing to add to his 21 caps since 2021.
      Van de Beek also got shipped out on loan to Everton in 2022.
      And he earned just two substitute appearances in September this season, totalling 21 minutes of action, as it became clear he needed to move elsewhere to resurrect his career.
      Now, though, he will be desperate to prove his worth in Germany in the hope of getting on the Dutch plane to Euro 2024 – and maybe even force his way back into contention under Ten Hag next season. More

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      Fulham extend Tom Cairney’s contract by 12 months as performance against Arsenal caps off stunning resurgence

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      FULHAM have extended Tom Cairney’s contract by one more year.The Scottish midfielder, who would have been a free agent this summer, is now tied to the club until 2025 meaning he will complete a decade of service at Craven Cottage.
      Fulham have extended Tom Cairney’s contract by one more yearCredit: Rex
      This is because Fulham have triggered their option of giving Cairney an extra 12 months after some impressive recent performances for Marco Silva’s side.
      The 32-year-old was impressive in his team’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday and he made his 300th club appearance in the 5-0 thrashing of West Ham last month.
      A £2.8million signing from Blackburn in 2015, he missed the start of this season with a knee injury but has worked his way back into the team.
      His contract extension follows the news that Tim Ream has extended his stay at Fulham until 2025. He also joined the club in 2015.
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      Also revealed by SunSport, Tosin Adarabioyo has told Fulham he wants to leave at the end of the season as a free agent.
      The Cottagers have offered the centre-back, 26, a new deal with his current terms due to expire in the summer.
      But Tosin, who attracted interest from Tottenham and Monaco during the last transfer window, is expected to snub it as he wishes to move on for nothing when the campaign ends.
      Spurs have made signing a new centre-back their top transfer priority in January.
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      At present, Fulham still expect the Manchester City academy product to stay in January despite there only being months remaining on his deal.
      Tosin will be able to agree a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from the start of next month.
      Silva is believed to have not given up hope that Tosin will have a change of heart before the season ends.
      Tosin Adarabioyo has told Fulham he wants to leave at the end of the seasonCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea hold talks over transfer for Germany U17 World Cup winner dubbed ‘the next Antonio Rudiger’

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      CHELSEA have held talks over a move for Germany’s Under-17 World Cup winner David Odogu.The Blues are among a number of English clubs keeping tabs on the Wolfsburg defender.
      David Odogu helped Germany win the U17 World Cup last yearCredit: Getty
      Odogu was part of the team which beat France in the U17 final in Indonesia in December.
      The Germany sensation has already been compared to former Chelsea man Antonio Rudiger because of his physical ability and presence.
      Runaway Championship leaders Leicester City are also keen on the 17-year-old, who has never played a senior game for the Bundesliga side.
      Odogu is keen on a move to England.
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      Any Chelsea deal is thought to be at an early stage, but there have been encouraging discussions with the player’s camp.
      Boss Mauricio Pochettino will have more involvement in deals during the January window, with a striker a priority for the West Londoners as well as investment at the back.
      Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli forward Victor Oshimen have both been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
      The Blues may have to sell players to raise funds for any spending this month.
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      And academy graduate Ian Maatsen is now thought to be a target for German giants Borussia Dortmund having also been linked with champions Manchester City.
      Speaking about his involvement in January, Pochettino said recently: “It’s obvious that the head coach, coach or manager is crazy to think he won’t be involved in any decisions for the future in my area.
      “Of course, we will share with the owners, the sporting director and I cannot conceive the idea of not being involved.
      “There is very good communication, we talk every single day and we will take decisions because we are all agreed.”
      He has drawn comparisons to Antonio Rudiger for his styleCredit: Alamy More

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      Ten Hag enjoys New Year’s Eve dinner with wife Bianca and family as Man Utd boss looks to get back on track in 2024

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      ERIK TEN HAG ended 2023 on a high as he headed out for a swanky meal with his family.The Manchester United manager endured a mixed year in charge of the Red Devils.
      Erik ten Hag headed out for a meal on New Year’s Eve with his wife BiancaCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      It was an enjoyable end to a mixed 2023 for the Red Devils bossCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Erik ten Hag looked in good spirits as he went out to celebrate New Year’s EveCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      He helped the club end their six-year trophy drought as they won the Carabao Cup and got the club back into the Champions League.
      But his injury-hit side were dumped out in the group stages and have struggled for consistency throughout the current campaign – while off the field there are ongoing spats with the likes of Jadon Sancho.
      And United finished the calendar year in disappointing fashion with a 2-1 defeat away at Nottingham Forest to leave themselves seventh in the table and nine points adrift of the top four.
      However, Ten Hag put all that aside as he enjoyed some family time in Altrincham on New Year’s Eve.
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      Ten Hag was joined by his wife Bianca and several family members at The Con Club.
      The high-end restaurant serves various meat and sushi dishes – with a special menu on offer for New Year’s Eve.
      Ten Hag, 53, was snapped wearing a dark coat, trousers and trainers with a flat cap on his way in while Bianca was in a beige jacket and scarf.
      The Dutchman dad-of-three appeared to speak to a few members of the public before tucking into his dinner inside.
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      Earlier on New Year’s Eve, Sir Dave Brailsford had his first official day at Manchester United as he spent the day at Carrington.
      Brailsford is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s right-hand man and will join the football board at Old Trafford when the Ineos chief’s 25 per cent purchase of the club is ratified by the Premier League.
      Brailsford is said to have spent New Year’s Eve getting a tour of the training ground and undergoing various meet and greets with staff.
      He attended the matches against Aston Villa and Forest.
      But the Ineos’ director of sport and former Team Sky cycling boss is yet to have a formal meeting with Ten Hag, the coaches or the recruitment team.
      The manager, though, does not fear for his job – despite the incoming investors’ interest in Graham Potter.
      Speaking after the Villa comeback win on Boxing Day, Ten Hag said: “They (INEOS) know me and they know when I have a squad what is available the results will be there. We already proved against the top teams we can go head to head.
      “I am convinced and have a strong belief we (can) get more progress, consistency in this team. This is part of a project.
      “We were overperforming last year, this year we are underperforming, we have to step up and I have to lead that process.”
      The family headed to The Con Club in AltrinchamCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Ten Hag appeared to chat to a few members of the the publicCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Sir Dave Brailsford was sat next to Sir Alex Ferguson at the Nottingham Forest gameCredit: Getty More