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      Man Utd Treble winner looks unrecognisable with blond locks long gone after becoming unemployed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s treble-winning stars are somewhat of a distant memory for a lot of Red Devils fans.It’s been 24 years since United claimed the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League – the latter which they won in dramatic fashion.
      Manchester United won a historic treble in 1999Credit: GETTY
      The stars of that 1998-98 squad have been immortalised in club folkloreCredit: Getty
      The stars of that immortalised squad have long hung up their boots, with some of them moving into careers outside of the beautiful game.
      Some went into management – including the now completely unrecognisable Henning Berg.
      The Norwegian spent just over three years at the Theatre of Dreams in the ’90s before returning to Blackburn Rovers on loan and eventually on a permanent deal.
      Burly defender Berg – who was a long-term target of Sir Alex Ferguson’s – is remembered by most Red Devils fans for having bright blonde hair.
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      But Father Time has taken away his once shiny and luscious locks.
      The 53-year-old is now bald and looks almost unrecognisable from his playing days, so much so United fans would struggle to pick him out of a line-up.
      And Berg – the first player to win the Premier League with two clubs – recently joked his balding was the result of Fergie’s infamous hairdryers.
      During an appearance on the UTD Podcast, he said: ” Did I receive the hairdryer?
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      “Yes! I had hair when I came to United!”
      “I’m not sure if it was the first one, but I remember receiving a good one!
      “We played West Ham away. I think I came on at half-time.
      “Then, Joe Cole was a young up-and-coming star. We hadn’t seen too much of him.
      “He was too good, technically, and I made a [foul for a] penalty, so West Ham got a goal from the penalty.
      “Then I think Paolo Di Canio crossed it for them to score the equaliser. I cut out the pass on the inside and then he faked, as he always did.
      “Then he turned and cut it back, and I got blamed for that as well [laughs]!
      Henning Berg was part of the Manchester United Treble-winning team in 1999Credit: PA
      But the Norwegian looks completely unrecognisable from his playing daysCredit: KENNY RAMSAY
      Henning Berg has spent the last few years managing in CyprusCredit: GETTY
      “He [Ferguson] was a little bit angry after the game – this is true.”
      Berg retired from football in the summer of 2004 but soon found himself in management with Lyn FK.
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      Stints with Lillestrom, Blackburn Rovers Legia Warsaw, Videoton, Stabaek and Omonia followed for the Scandinavian.
      Berg was most recently in charge of Pafos FC – who finished fourth in the Cypriot top flight last season – but was relieved of his duties in April. More

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      I won the Premier League with Chelsea but had to leave – I couldn’t do it any longer

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      FORMER Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has revealed the reason behind his departure from Stamford Bridge.The Bosnian shot stopper joined the Blues in an £8million transfer from Stoke in 2015.
      Begovic has revealed why he left ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He made 33 appearances during his two-year stint at Stamford Bridge, winning a Premier League title in the process.
      But he recently revealed that he had to leave west London in order to get more game time.
      In an interview with Ben Foster for the Fozcast Podcast, Begovic said: “It was to early [in my career] for me. I couldn’t get my head around it [not playing as many games].
      “The thing that kept me going was obviously, you’re at Chelsea. Everyday, the training is unbelievable, we’ve got leaders, we’ve got a captain, we’ve got everything there.
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      “You’re competing for trophies, you’re in Europe, the Champions League, so that keeps you going.
      “And the fact is, what I learned from that – even though it was early for me and I only spent two years there because I couldn’t do it any longer, not playing and knowing you’re not playing anyway – was that it taught me how to be a team.
      “It was 20-plus guys, top class internationals, everybody’s an international, everybody’s doing their best, competing at the highest level.
      “But what we had to do was sacrifice. We wanted to win.
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      “One of my best memories ever is winning the Premier League title and not playing many games.
      “Because being in that team, being a bunch of brothers, we had to sacrifice. You know, park your ego at the door. We had a common goal.”
      After leaving Chelsea, Begovic joined Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee.
      He is now playing back-up to Jordan Pickford at Everton. More

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      Eden Hazard’s only transfer offer revealed as details of ex-Chelsea star’s generous Real Madrid gesture emerge

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      EDEN HAZARD has limited options after having his contract terminated by Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.Hazard eclipsed Gareth Bale as Los Blancos’ record signing when he signed from Chelsea for an initial £88.3million in 2019.
      Hazard’s time at Madrid was a massive disappointment after joining as the club’s record signing.Credit: EPA
      His stay in Madrid was miserable however, with injury and form struggles meaning he was never able to justify his lofty price tag.
      The forward made just 76 appearances for Madrid, scoring seven and assisting 12 times.
      The forward did not complete a 90 minute game this season and appeared just six times in the league.
      And according to Marca, the Belgian only has one club interested in his services – the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS.
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      The outlet reports that he is weighing up the move against retiring from the game at the age of 32.
      They also revealed details of his exit from Madrid which was confirmed last week.
      Hazard’s contract was due to run out next summer but an agreement was reached between all parties to let the Belgian become a free agent.
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      Hazard offered to leave without a compensation package for the final year of his deal but Madrid paid a third of his remaining £20m-a-year deal.
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      The Belgian would join a Vancouver team halfway through the MLS season if he were to leave this summer.
      The Canadian side are currently sitting in the MLS final series places with the club in sixth.
      Hazard would become the most high-profile player to ply his trade for Vancouver since local boy Alphonso Davies left in 2018.
      According to reports in Canada, the Whitecaps are struggling to attract fans and have the fourth worst attendance in the MLS. More

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      Chelsea’s transfer negotiations leave European giants ‘bewildered’ but fans slam rivals as hypocrites

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN officials have reportedly been left ‘bewildered’ by Chelsea’s transfer activity in recent months.The Blues have spent almost £600million on 16 new players over the past year.
      Al-Khelaifi was ‘bewildered’ by Chelsea’s spendingCredit: AP
      Blues chief Boehly has spent almost £600m over the past yearCredit: Reuters
      And Todd Boehly is keen to add to his ranks this summer, with new boss Mauricio Pochettino set to take over next month.
      Chelsea attempted to sign top target Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon last week, but they pulled out of the race after their “competitive” offer was gazumped by PSG.
      Despite previous transfer splurges, the Blues refused to pay above what they felt was the market value.
      The Parisians are now set to sign the midfielder in a £52m transfer.
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      PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been left “bewildered” by the fact that Chelsea have suddenly started to consider market value.
      According to The Athletic, Al-Khelaifi was considerably surprised by the amount of money Chelsea spent last summer and in January.
      Blues fans have now started to blast him as a hypocrite, accusing PSG of inflating the market with the £200m transfer of Neymar in 2017.
      One person tweeted: “They literally spoiled the transfer market with the Neymar transfer.”
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      Another added: “They spent 200 mil on Neymar which made the market the way it is today.”
      A third also highlighted the £166m transfer of Mbappe in 2018, adding: “This guy dished out 400 + million on two players.”
      While a fourth wrote: “That’s ironic, PSG spent 800 billion and still not won the UCL.”
      Chelsea also have their sights set on signing Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and Brentford goalkeeper David Raya this summer. More

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      Tottenham CONFIRM Ange Postecoglou as new manager as they finally replace Antonio Conte

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      TOTTENHAM have announced the appointment of Ange Postecoglou on a four-year contract.The Aussie, 57, will officially join the North Londoners from Celtic on July 1 after Spurs agreed to pay the Hoops £5million in compensation.
      Ange Postecoglou has been appointed as Spurs’ new bossCredit: PA
      Postecoglou won five trophies in two seasons in Scotland, having joined Celtic from Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos.
      Upon confirming the appointment, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: “Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play.
      “He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club.
      “We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead.”
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      Spurs were previously linked with Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.
      But after the Dutchman penned a new deal with the Eredivisie champions, Postecoglou emerged as Tottenham’s No1 target.
      Postecoglou is expected to be joined at Spurs by his Celtic No2 John Kennedy and first-team coach Gavin Strachan.
      While SunSport revealed last week that Postecoglou wants to bring prolific Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi with him to North London.
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      Kyogo, 28, is expected to cost around £25-30m – having scored 54 goals in 83 appearances for Celtic.
      In joining Spurs, Postecoglou becomes the first Australian to manage in the Premier League.

      Tottenham had been without a permanent manager since March after dismissing Antonio Conte following his explosive rant.
      They initially appointed Cristian Stellini as acting head coach, before sacking him just four games later following the 6-1 defeat at Newcastle.
      Ryan Mason finished the season as Tottenham’s caretaker boss.
      Postecoglou managed his final game as Celtic boss last Saturday, fittingly winning the Scottish Cup by beating Inverness 3-1 at Hampden.
      Postecoglou is expected to try to bring Kyogo with him to SpursCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      Man Utd fans beg club not to sign ‘German McTominay’ after they are linked with shock transfer for Bayern Munich star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have begged the club NOT to sign Leon Goretzka.The Germany international is reportedly contemplating his future with Bayern Munich, whom he joined in the summer of 2018.
      Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Leon GoretzkaCredit: REUTERS
      But some of the Old Trafford faithful have likened the Bayern ace to Scott McTominayCredit: AFP
      And according to Sky Sports Germany, Manchester United are “closely” monitoring the midfielder’s situation at the Allianz Arena.
      The news, however, hasn’t gone down well with some of the Old Trafford faithful – with some likening him to Scott McTominay.
      One Red Devils fan said: “With Bayern, they don’t let a player leave (ESPECIALLY a German international) without there being a reason.
      “I’d be very wary of the reasons behind him leaving them.”
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      Another said: “Replacing original McTominay with German McTominay.”
      And another said: ” McTominay with 99 body balance.”
      One remarked: “Bayern fans are screaming to get him out, apparently he’s just a German McTominay. No thanks.”
      Another chimed in: “German McTominay.”
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      United boss Erik ten Hag guided the club to an impressive third-placed finish in only his first season at the Theatre of Dreams.
      But the Dutchman plans to make wholesale changes to his squad this summer.
      He said: “If we want to restore Manchester United, we need top players but also double in each position because we want to act in so many competitions.
      “You saw it in the last game how we have, in certain positions, a lack of quality.
      Erik ten Hag plans to make wholesale changes to his squad this summerCredit: GETTY
      “That can’t be if you want to compete for the highest [trophies].
      “I’m here to manage the team, get the best out of them, and of course I have a job in bringing the right players in.
      “There is a lot of communication about that with the board and management of the club.
      “But I am here to achieve the sporting aims and goals, not the finance.” More

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      Paolo Maldini SACKED from AC Milan throwing Chelsea star’s transfer into doubt with meeting cancelled at last minute

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      AC MILAN have allegedly sacked club legend Paolo Maldini as technical director – leaving the potential transfer arrival of a Chelsea star up in the air.The 54-year-old spent 25 years as a player for the club and won the Champions League five times during his iconic career.
      AC Milan have allegedly axed technical director Paolo MaldiniCredit: Reuters
      After retiring in 2009, he returned to San Siro nine years later initially as a development director.
      Maldini was promoted to technical director 12 months later and he has overseen a number of transfer arrivals since then with the likes of Rafael Leao and Fikayo Tomori proving to be huge successes.
      Milan won the Serie A title last term but this season has ended in disappointment with a fourth-placed finish and they were beaten by rivals Inter in the Champions League final.
      Maldini is reported to have met club owner Gerry Cardinale and director of football Ricky Massara on Monday to discuss plans for next term.
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      However, Calciomercato claims that it did not go well as the two parties completely disagreed on what was the best way to take the club forward.
      And the publication claims that both Maldini and Massara have now been fired by Cardinale.

      Former Italian defender Maldini’s exit could also have repercussions for Chelsea.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 27, has one year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge but has struggled to hold down a spot in the starting XI.
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      Now, though, he is said to be exploring the possibility of a move away amid talk he could be forced out to create space in the over-inflated squad.
      Rumours began mounting that Milan were looking to sign the England international.
      Apparently a meeting between the midfielder’s entourage with Maldini and fellow chiefs was also set to take place on Monday at the club’s Casa Milan HQ.
      However, a report from Italy claims that it was “postponed shortly before” it was due amid the row between the top brass.
      Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, is said to be keen on the possibility of moving to the San Siro.
      Should he make the move, the midfielder would link up with ex-Chelsea men Olivier Giroud and Tomori for the Italian giants. More

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      Celtic ace Kyogo tipped for Tottenham transfer as Hoops talisman’s ‘immense’ Ange Postecoglou bond highlighted

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      CONFIRMATION of Ange Postecoglou’s departure from Celtic to become Tottenham manager is expected imminently.And Hoops fans might have some concerns over who the treble-winning boss might want to take with him to the Premier League.
      Postecoglou is on the brink of being confirmed Spurs managerCredit: PA
      Kyogo has been a revelation for Celtic under PostecoglouCredit: Alamy
      As revealed by SunSport, Celtic are set to bank £5million from the North London giants for the popular manager.
      The 57-year old emerged as the leading candidate for the role last week and the announcement if his appointment is expected today.
      Postecoglou is keen to take three members of Celtic’s backroom staff with him, including assistant boss John Kennedy.
      Those plans have left Hoops chiefs unhappy and they’re ready to fight to keep Kennedy, who has a 25-year association with the Hoops, at the club.

      That’s the backroom team – but what about players?
      SunSport revealed over the weekend that Kyogo Furuhashi is a likely target for Spurs.
      The 28-year old has become the Hoops’ talisman after moving to Scottish football from Japan almost two years ago, and bagged 34 goals in all competitions last season.
      Spurs will be looking to bolster their forward options this summer, a task that could become an even bigger priority as star man Harry Kane continues to be heavily linked with Real Madrid.
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      One man who could see Kyogo joining Postecoglou in London is Rangers legend Brian Laudrup.
      He reckons that a reunion at Spurs is possible – and has pointed to what he sees as the “unusual” level of faith Postecoglou has shown towards Kyogo as a reason why the manager may try and link-up with the player once again.
      He wrote in the Daily Mail: “His admiration for Kyogo Furuhashi — as both a player and a person — is clearly immense.
      “Postecoglou has said that, when he was working in Japan, he already knew that he wanted to make the striker his first signing if he ever got a job in Europe. No matter which club or country it was, Furuhashi was coming with him.
      “That level of faith is unusual. And it feels particularly relevant when you consider the wider situation at Tottenham.
      “We don’t know what is going to happen with Harry Kane this summer, although Spurs insist he’s not for sale. He’s been linked with Real Madrid after Karim Benzema’s decision to leave for Saudi Arabia. Manchester United, too, have a long-standing interest.
      “Spurs are going to need a new forward. If not to replace Kane immediately, then at least to give another credible option in that department.
      “I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Furuhashi ended up joining Postecoglou in London at some point. And I could see him being a success, too.
      “With his movement, his intelligence, his finishing and his work-rate, I think he could handle the step up in quality. He would be a handful even for the more switched-on defenders of the Premier League and, crucially, would understand what his manager wanted from him.
      “That’s only part of the equation, of course. Would Celtic let their most prolific goalscorer follow their manager out of the door in the same summer? It would have to be a really significant financial offer for a player who still has two years left on his contract.
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      “In my view, though, Furuhashi has the ability to make an impact at Spurs. And they have the money to try and make a deal happen if it’s what Postecoglou wants.”
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More