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      Mason Greenwood tells pals he ‘learned so much’ & is desperate to stay at Man Utd after criminal charges dropped

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      MASON GREENWOOD is desperate to stay at Manchester United — and has told pals: ‘I’ve learned so much.’The suspended striker, 21, is said to be thrilled after Adidas backed his return following “positive” talks with the club.
      Mason Greenwood, pictured with Jarrod Bowen, says he is desperate to stay at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Adidas are United’s biggest sponsors after signing a ten-year, £750million deal in 2015. It is believed other sponsors are set to follow suit.
      A final decision on Greenwood’s future is set to be made before the Prem season starts, with the Red Devils opening  against Wolves on August 14.
      But Adidas’ intervention may seal a sensational comeback to Old Trafford after weeks of speculation that he could go out on loan.
      The striker has been suspended since January 2022 amid his arrest for attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
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      But since all the charges were dropped, he is desperate to rebuild his life and wants to resume his Red Devils career.
      A source said: “He’s being encouraged to speak publicly and to have his voice heard.
      “But, privately, he has told those close to him that he has learned a huge amount.
      “He became a father for the first time earlier this month and realises he has to grow up.
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      “He is grateful to Adidas — to have a sponsor like that in his corner means the world.”
      Greenwood remains suspended but a new training regime has been drawn up by United staff and he is being monitored.
      The forward has not kicked a ball for the club since his arrest when a woman made a series of allegations on social media.
      He was suspended and fans with shirts bearing his name were told they could exchange them for free.
      The club also removed all Greenwood merchandise from their website and megastore.
      Nike even ended their multi-million pound sponsorship deal with him, while EA Sports removed the player from the Fifa 22 video game.
      The Prem ace was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial this November.
      But on February 2, prosecutors dramatically dropped charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive controlling behaviour.
      Greenwood hoped it would pave the way for a return.
      But the club announced they were carrying out their own investigation and he was told he remained suspended on full pay, said to be £75,000 a week.
      Any return by Greenwood is likely to spark controversy.
      Earlier this year, it was revealed Manchester United women’s team did not want him back at the club.
      In March, Natalie Burrell, founder of United Women’s Supporters’ Club, said: “I don’t want to see him coming out at Old Trafford again.”
      United have had contact with three Italian teams — Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan — over a loan move.
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      Greenwood, who joined United aged six, has made 129 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 35 goals.
      A club spokesman declined to comment. And last night an Adidas spokesperson said: “As sponsors, we have no influence over team line-ups.” More

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      Marseille stunned by Sheffield United’s sky-high Iliman Ndiaye transfer demand with Blades out to keep striker in Prem

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED want a stunning £30million for star forward Iliman Ndiaye — to the surprise of French giants Marseille.The Blades are holding out for the massive fee for the Senegalese speedster, who is entering the last year of his contract.
      Iliman Ndiaye has one year remaining on his Sheffield United contractCredit: Getty
      Marseille were advised by middle-men that it would only take £11m to get Ndiaye, 23.
      They are also prepared to include a sell-on percentage.
      For all Marseille’s interest, they have made no direct official contact with United — but now know their huge valuation.
      Ndiaye’s boyhood club are also prepared to wait until the end of next season when he will become a free agent.
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      Ndiaye enjoyed a stellar 2022-23 campaign, scoring 14 goals and assisting 11 times as the Blades achieved automatic promotion to the Premier League.
      His form saw him earn a call-up to the Senegalese national team for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
      He made three appearances from the bench at the tournament, registering one assist.
      But Marseille could switch to Strasbourg striker Habib Diallo, who is available for £14m.
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      Ironically, he is on Blades’ wish list if Ndiaye goes.
      Meanwhile, United face an anxious wait for new signing Benie Traore to get a visa.
      The Ivorian forward flew from Sweden to Portugal to sign forms during the club’s tour but is still waiting for his UK papers. More

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      Man Utd legend Louis Saha brutally predicts which Premier League manager will be sacked first

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Louis Saha has made a brutal prediction as to which Premier League manager will be sacked first.Saha said that new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou “is the first name that comes to mind” when he was asked who would be the first Premier League manager to go.
      Saha has said he can see Postecoglou’s reign at Spurs being short-livedCredit: Getty
      Louis Saha spent six months at Spurs in 2012Credit: Graham Hughes – The Times
      Postecoglou signed a four-year-deal with Spurs in June and faces a huge task in attempting to guide the Lilywhites back to Europe.
      It has not been a straightforward start to life at Spurs for the Australian – with the club experiencing a disrupted pre-season.
      Their friendly with Leicester in Bangkok was cancelled due to monsoon conditions.
      And their next game was against local Singapore side Lion City Sailors after Roma pulled out of the friendly – making it difficult for Postecoglou to get an accurate read on his players against such low quality opposition.
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      The North London club are also struggling to find moves for unwanted players as they seek to trim their bloated 30 man squad ahead of the new season.
      One man that could be leaving is arguably their greatest player of all time, Harry Kane, which will not help matters for as the Australian seeks to settle in as Spurs manager.
      And former Spurs striker Louis Saha has said that he can see the multitude of issues being too much for Postecoglou to deal with.
      He told bettingodds.com: “This is a tough question to answer.
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      “I think the Tottenham job is a tough one, and we have seen in the past few years some top managers struggle there. If in the first few games Spurs don’t start well under Postecoglou I could see him being under a bit of pressure.
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      “The Kane situation hasn’t been solved and it’s a new manager with a new system so there is a lot of question marks, so he is the first name that’s come to mind when I think of the first sacking.
      “It is really hard to predict what’s going to happen and in modern football even if you are a manager of a newly-promoted team and you struggle in the first 10 games you could get sacked which I just don’t think is fair at all, so it is hard to say.”
      Spurs fans will also be hoping for a resolution to the club’s search for a new centre-back with moves for Edmond Tapsoba and Micky Van de Ven looking like they’ve stalled.
      Defensive reinforcements are seen as key for Spurs fans if they are to return to European football next year.
      And in an attempt to predict the Premier League’s top seven next year, the former Spurs man said: “I invite anyone to predict the top seven positions in the Premier League this year – it’s impossible!
      “This season will be the greatest Premier League season ever. I’m really excited.
      “City and Liverpool have been great for a long time but now we have Arsenal caught up, United will be up there, Chelsea will be back this year after getting a new manager and making some smart deals.
      “I think Chelsea will finish fourth this year as I think having Pochettino and no European football to worry about should make them a threat but there are will be so many teams battling it out at the top of the league this year and English football can be proud.” More

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      Rasmus Hojlund ‘says his goodbyes’ to Atalanta stars with Man Utd in ‘advanced talks’ over transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED look close to sealing the signature of top target Rasmus Hojlund – after he was spotted shaking hands and saying his goodbyes to Atalanta players after today’s friendly with Bournemouth.Hojlund was an unused substitute during Atalanta’s 3-1 win over the Cherries – with the Bergamo club unwilling to risk an injury to the forward ahead of his expected move to United.
      Rasmus Hojlund was left on the bench during Atalanta’ friendly with BournemouthCredit: Reuters
      Atalanta do not want to risk an injury to the forward as a move gets closerCredit: PA
      Sky Sports News presenter Marc McAdam tweeted that Hojlund: “went to a number of the Atalanta players on the pitch to shake hands; looked like he was saying his goodbyes.”
      He then added: “Only a matter of time before United agree a deal for the striker now…”
      Atalanta have received bids from both PSG and United over the past week, worth £42million and £51m respectively.
      Hojlund’s preference is to join United and the forward has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils.
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      Atalanta were originally holding out for a club record fee for the striker – valuing him at £68m.
      But after it became clear that he wanted to leave, and both PSG and United appeared unwilling to meet Atalanta’s asking price, the Italians have sought a quick resolution to the saga.
      United are desperate to sign a new No9 – with injury-prone Anthony Martial the only striker currently available in their squad.
      Erik Ten Hag grew tired of the Frenchman’s injury struggles and made Hojlund his top priority signing after it became clear United would not have the capacity to sign Harry Kane.
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      Ten Hag wants a deal for the forward to be wrapped up “as soon as possible” as he looks to have his team ready for the start of the upcoming Premier League season.
      And while United are keen to get a deal over the line – they have made it clear to Atalanta that they will not pay over £60m for his signature.
      In terms of outgoings, United rejected a £20m offer from West Ham for Harry Maguire last night.
      The England centre-back looks certain to leave United this summer after being stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag.
      Boss David Moyes is now expected to return with a bigger offer and work on convincing Maguire to move to the Europa Conference League champs. More

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      Premier League star slammed for time-wasting in a FRIENDLY as fans blast ‘pathetic’ dark arts

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      NEWCASTLE star Nick Pope has been slammed for time-wasting during a pre-season friendly.The Toon were in action against Brighton in New Jersey last night.
      Nick Pope kicked a stray ball onto the pitchCredit: SKYSPORTS
      Brighton had been trying to take a quick throw-inCredit: SKYSPORTS
      During the match, Pope came rushing out of his goal to clear the ball into touch.
      With a multi-ball system being utilised, Brighton looked to take their throw-in quickly in order to catch Pope off his line.
      But the wily goalkeeper put paid to that, by kicking another stray ball onto the pitch – thus making Brighton have to re-take their throw.
      This enabled Pope to get safely back to his line, but Brighton fans on social media were not impressed.
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      One wrote: “In a friendly? What a joke.”
      A second tweeted: “Imagine wasting time in friendly.”
      And a third fumed: “Pathetic in a meaningless game.”
      Newcastle fans defended their stopper, with one gushing: “Best keeper in the Prem. Prove me wrong.”
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      Another called him an “intelligent goalkeeper”.
      And a further Toon fan swooned: “Nick Pope rattling fan bases up and down the country… and the season hasn’t even started yet! Gotta love him.”
      Newcastle were criticised for their so called time-wasting antics last season.
      Stats emerged in May that the ball has been in play for just 52 per cent of the Toon’s matches, the lowest number in the Premier League.
      Boss Eddie Howe hit out against accusations of the dark arts last season.
      In April, he said: “I think our first intention is to always play the game. We want, as I said after the game, the ball in play.
      “I encourage my players all the time to get the ball back in play very quickly. We want to play at a high tempo and want to wear teams down physically. That goes against what was said about us.
      “Of course, there’s been times in games where we have to manage the game. We have to use experience, we have to do whatever we can to get a positive result.
      “I’m not saying we won’t do that either. Certainly that’s not our first intention.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Newcastle found themselves 1-0 down on Friday night courtesy of a 49th minute Danny Welbeck strike.
      But a late double by youngster Elliot Anderson saw the Toon come out 2-1 winners against Brighton.
      Eddie Howe has defended his side’s ‘dark arts’Credit: Getty
      Toon fans love goalkeeper Nick PopeCredit: Getty More

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      Who is Manchester City and England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck?

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      ELLIE Roebuck had her breakthrough at the 2018 season with Manchester City.But who is she and when did she joined the England squad?
      Ellie Roebuck signed her professional contract with Manchester City at the age of eighteenCredit: Getty
      Who is Manchester City and England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck?
      Ellie Roebuck is a professional football player.
      She was born on September 23, 1999, in Sheffield.
      From a young age she was playing for Sheffield United’s girlhood club.
      While training at Manchester City’s training academy, she attended Connell Sixth Form College to complete a sports qualification.
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      What other teams has Ellie Roebuck played for?
      Ellie played for Sheffield United’s girlhood team until the age of 15.
      In 2016 she left Sheffield to join the youth team of Manchester City.
      In January 2018 Ellie signed a professional contract with Manchester City, after impressing on the senior stage in Karen Bardsley’s absence.
      On May 23, 2019, she extended her contract with the club for another two years, after she won both the FA Cup and League Cup with City.
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      She was awarded the inaugural Barclays FA WSL Golden Glove at the end of the 2019/20 season.
      Due to a calf injury she missed a lot of the 2021–22 season.
      During the whole season she only appeared in ten matches out of the twenty two games.
      How long has Ellie Roebuck played for England?
      Ellie has played for England since 2018 and was an unused substitute in the U20 World Cup in France.
      In October 2018, she joined the England squad after manager Phil Neville invited her in.
      On November 8, 2018, she made her senior team debut as a 79th minute substitute for Mary Earps.
      Five months later in April 2019, she debuted as a first starter, before getting replaced during half time.
      In July 2021, she debuted for the Great Britain women’s Olympic football team for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
      One year after the Olympics, she was included in the England squad for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
      Ellie said in an interview about winning the Euros 2022: “Seeing all the young girls in the crowd and boys too was certainly inspiring for us because I’ve never experienced anything like that growing up.
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      “Going forward, we want to get as much visibility in women’s sport as we can, but also to grow the opportunities for young people coming through from school.”
      In May 2023, it was announced that Ellie was joining the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia. More

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      Chelsea ‘agree £23.5m fee with Rennes for 19-year-old next Vieira Lesley Ugochukwu with midfielder set for medical’

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      CHELSEA have agreed a £23.5million deal to sign Rennes wonderkid Lesley Ugochukwu, according to reports.The 19-year-old has impressed since breaking through with his hometown team.
      Lesley Ugochukwu is set to leave Rennes for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Ugochuwku has drawn plenty of interest with his displays in Ligue 1 – but Chelsea have won the race for his signature.
      According to The Athletic, the midfield wonderkid is set to undergo a medical ahead of signing a long-term contract with the Blues.
      Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with the French youth international.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side have undergone a huge midfield clear out this summer.
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      Mason Mount departed for Manchester United, while Mateo Kovacic joined Manchester City.
      N’Golo Kante penned a lucrative contract to move to the Saudi Pro League – leaving Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea’s only senior midfielders.
      Andrey Santos and Carney Chukwuemeka could also look to force their way into contention.
      It is not yet clear whether Ugochuwku will go straight into Chelsea’s first-team squad.
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      Should they decide to loan him out, they could look to send him to sister club Strasbourg, who were taken over by Todd Boehly’s BlueCo consortium earlier this year.
      Rennes-born Ugochuwku is already fluent in English.
      Speaking to The Athletic last month, the teenager cited two French Premier League icons as his midfield idols.
      He said: “When I was small, I would watch the skills of players like [Paul] Pogba and [Patrick] Vieira on YouTube.
      “They inspired me a lot because of the way they play. When I grew up, my academy coach sometimes called me ‘Vieira’ because they could see some techniques that he had before. I kind of see myself in both players.”
      On Vieira specifically, he added: “It’s an advantage being tall and powerful. People like Vieira inspire me a lot because of what he did for Arsenal.
      “It’s something that I want to do during my career, to live like that and for people to say, ‘Lesley was that kind of player’.”
      The 6ft 3in starlet has already made 60 first team appearances for Rennes, following in Eduardo Camavinga’s footsteps as a teenage midfielder to come through the club’s esteemed academy.
      Patrick Vieira has been cited as one of Ugochukwu’s idolsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      I’m a Premier League icon and earned 100 caps for my country… now I’m a rice and noodle baron worth £20million

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      ASAMOAH GYAN has gone from tearing up the Premier League to a multi-millionaire rice and noodle baron.The former Sunderland ace has made the most of his time since he last played in 2021.
      Asamoah Gyan was a cult hero while at SunderlandCredit: Getty
      He has since built up a net worth of £20mCredit: Getty
      Despite only announcing his retirement earlier this year, Gyan has not featured on the pitch since his spell at Ghanaian outfit Legon Cities.
      He has since built up a reported fortune of £20million through multiple business ventures.
      Gyan’s vast empire consists of investments in real estate, petroleum, boxing promotions as well as food.
      In the food business, the former striker has made a fortune from rice and noodles.
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      He initially launched products back in 2012 under the name Mama Vits Noodles and Rice.
      He also is said to have made an investment in the music industry by founding Asqa Band in 2015.
      Gyan also featured on Castro’s hit single African Girls.
      In October 2017, Gyan launched an airline called Baby Jet Airline along with Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, however it ceased operations two years later.
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      Gyan joined the Black Cats from Ligue 1 side Rennes and after leaving the Stadium of Light played for several teams.
      He stayed at Al-Ain in Abu Dhabi until 2015 before moving to Chinese club Shanghai SIPG before returning to the UAE on loan to Al-Alhi Dubai in 2016.
      He then had a two-year spell with Turkish side Kayserispor before turning out for NorthEast United in India and then Legon Cities.
      Gyan featured 109 times for Ghana and netted 51 goals but famously missed a penalty kick in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay after Luis Suarez’s infamous handball.
      He had recently teased that he could have made a comeback for the national side at the 2022 World Cup, but it did not come to fruition.
      When he retired, he said in a statement posted to social media: “I want to take this great opportunity, a stage that is difficult in every footballer’s career.
      “A moment all footballers do not wish, but when nature dawns, that thin voice will keep echoing into the ears, it is time.
      “That voice has been clear in my ears, and I have succumbed to it, it is time.
      He retired from football earlier this yearCredit: AFP
      “It is time to hand the jersey and boots in glory as I officially retire from active football.
      “But then again, I am minded by views shared by great businessmen and sporting gurus, ‘you do not leave your love’, together with my management.
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      “We will continue encouraging and pushing young talents.”
      He then hinted that he wants to use his knowledge and experience to enter the fields of coaching, football business, and scouting. More