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      Former Premier League star names manager who could solve Man Utd’s problems but warns Zidane would reject club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED need to bring in Thomas Tuchel as their new manager as he is the “solution” to their problems.That is according to Premier League hero William Gallas, who suggested Tuchel, 51, could succeed at United just like he did at Chelsea.Zinedine Zidane won’t join Manchester United, insists William GallasCredit: GettyGallas claims Thomas Tuchel would be the ‘solution’ at Man UtdCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag is already under fire after a poor startCredit: GettyGallas believes Tuchel would succeed at Man Utd like he did at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are off to a slow start, losing two of their three opening Premier League games and manager Erik ten Hag is already under fire.Ten Hag barely managed to hold on to the top job last season thanks to his FA Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City, but he revealed club chiefs informed him they looked for a replacement.The Dutchman even admitted that Tuchel was among his bosses’ top candidates.Gallas believes the German tactician would be able to turn things around at Old Trafford if he got at least two years in charge.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Bayern Munich boss, who is now a free agent, won the Champions League in his first season with the Blues in 2021 as well as the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.Gallas told Gambling Zone: “Thomas Tuchel could be the solution to Manchester United’s problems.”If he came into the club and was given time, given two years to create his team, the club would be in a completely different position to the one it is in now.”At Chelsea Tuchel was very organised, the players respected him and he won the Champions League as well as a couple of other trophies, you can see why he was a success and maybe he wasn’t given enough time to Chelsea to turn things around.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGallas, though, is adamant that United should completely forget Zinedine Zidane as a potential successor to Ten Hag.The ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham ace insists Zidane won’t be keen on the job because he can’t speak English and has his eyes fixed on France’s national team.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionGallas added: “Manchester United fans should forget about Zinedine Zidane, he won’t take the job and the main reason is that he doesn’t speak English.”He won’t want to put himself in that situation where he would need to learn the language and I think that’s fair. “He needs the players to understand what he expects from them and to have that relationship where he can have fun and joke around. “He won’t accept the job if an offer came in and I don’t think we will see him in the Premier League any time soon.”I think he is still waiting for the France national team job. He won everything there is to win with Real Madrid and he only has one job on his mind now.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Man Utd were chasing alternative to Joshua Zirkzee ‘right up until moment he signed’ in move for in-demand £25m striker’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly explored a £25million move for Jonathan David as an alternative to Joshua Zirkzee.The Dutch striker completed a £36m switch to United from Bologna after Euro 2024.Man Utd pursued a deal for Lille striker Jonathan David this summerCredit: GettyUnited only gave up the ghost after completing a move for Jonathan ZirkzeeCredit: GettyHe’s already made an impact after scoring the winner on his debut against Fulham.And the future looks bright for Zirkzee as he gets finishing tips off compatriot and Old Trafford legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.However, the ace almost didn’t join United this summer.ESPN claims the Red Devils explored several other options while they lined up a deal for Zirkzee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne of those was Ivan Toney, who eventually left Brentford for Al-Hilal on deadline day.But he was deemed too expensive by United’s hierarchy, despite his move to Saudi Arabia only ending up £4m more than Zirkzee’s switch.Another player in Ten Hag’s sights was Jonathan David, who was also linked with Chelsea.The Canadian was valued at £25m by Lille, making him a tempting option.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd United reportedly explored a deal all the way until Zirkzee signed his Old Trafford contract.It remains to be seen if they return for David in January though.Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clashDavid vs Zirkzee – the statsJonathan DavidGames: 189International Games: 56International Goals: 29Trophies: Ligue 1, Champions TrophyJoshua ZirkzeeGames: 161International Games: 3International Goals: 1Trophies: Bundesliga, Champions League, German Cup, German Super Cup x2, Uefa Super CupUnited offloaded Jadon Sancho to Chelsea before the transfer window slammed shut.While Antony is struggling for minutes and Rasmus Hojlund is yet to find full fitness.David is capable of playing across the entire front three.His contract also expires next summer.And it means David could be available for a bargain fee in January should any suitors come forward.Inter Milan and Juventus have already made contact, with the Italians giants ready to offer pre-contracts for a free transfer in 2025.But David could find it hard to resist the lure of the Premier League. More

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      Ex-Premier League star on trial accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine as he’s called ‘major player in drugs world’

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      FORMER Premier League star Ronnie Stam has gone on trial – accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine.And the former Wigan defender is also being investigated for alleged money laundering, together with four family members.Ronnie Stam is on trial accused of smuggling two tons of cocaineCredit: GettyStam was part of Wigan’s FA Cup-winning run in 2013Credit: Action Images – ReutersStam, 40, spent three top-flight seasons with the Latics.  He took part in their FA Cup-winning run in 2013, although missed their 1-0 final win over Manchester City.But Dutch police arrested him in June on suspicion of drug offences in 2021 and 2022.  He has been on remand since then.And a court in Breda on Thursday heard that Stam had been involved in trafficking 2,217 kilos of cocaine.A prosecutor told the hearing: “This case concerns hundreds of kilos of cocaine each time.Read More on Football”I contend that Stam was a major player in the drugs world.”Stam was not in court to hear the accusations.  He must appear before a judge on November 28.The player’s parents, brother and girlfriend were arrested alongside him in June under suspicion of the same offences after police reportedly cracked an encrypted messaging service.Cops later raided six homes and a camper van, finding €100,000 (£85,000) in cash.Most read in FootballThey seized the money, three properties, a yacht, three cars, six luxury watches and jewellery.Stam is the only family member still in custody.  His lawyer asked the court to provisionally release the ex-player.Dream Team Transfer Suggestions for Gameweek 4However the judge refused, voicing fears that Stam will flee to join his brother in Dubai.The footballer won the Dutch Eredivisie title with Twente under ex-England boss Steve McClaren in 2010.That helped him land a £2million move to the Premier League, where he made 73 appearances before leaving Wigan for Belgian side Standard Liege in 2013. More

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      Why Mikel Arteta’s new deal is brilliant for fans in the short-term but Arsenal should start looking for successor now

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      ARSENAL fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief.Mikel Arteta is here to stay, for now at least.Mikel Arteta has penned a new deal with Arsenal, keeping him at the club until 2027Credit: GettyThe Spaniard is determined to win the Premier LeagueCredit: PAArsenal narrowly missed out last seasonCredit: AlamyThe Spaniard has committed his future to the Gunners by penning a new three-year deal that will keep him in North London until 2027 and make him one of the highest-paid managers in England.He said: “I feel extremely proud, very excited and am looking forward to what is coming next. I’m proud to be where I am and have the relationships that I have with everyone at the club.”I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here. I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we’ve already done together.”It is a statement of intent from sporting director Edu Gaspar and Co, with several clubs allegedly having considered poaching Arteta.Read More in FootballReports in Spain earlier this year claimed the 42-year-old was Barcelona’s top managerial target following the announcement of Xavi’s departure.They also suggested he was planning to LEAVE before the end of his contract.However, Arteta swiftly put the rumours to bed and insisted he still has “a lot to do” at Arsenal.In other words, he is determined to win the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Gunners have come agonisingly close to lifting the trophy twice in the last two years.They ended the 2023-24 campaign just two points adrift of champions Manchester City following a dramatic final day.How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s seasonAnd it was a similar story the previous season.But Arteta has gradually built one of the best squads in Europe and established himself as a top coach.He now wants the accolades to match.Should he add to Arsenal’s trophy cabinet in the next three years, whether that be a Premier League trophy or even the Champions League gong, the Spaniard could see that as his job done.He came to the Emirates Stadium following a disastrous term under Unai Emery and, although it took some time, transformed the Gunners back into formidable challengers.But if he manages to achieve everything he initially set out to, what’s to stop him moving on?Although he dismissed rumours linking him to Barcelona, Arteta has admitted he would love to manage in Spain – his home country – one day.Back in May, he said: “I have always thought that one day I will return. “My home draws me a lot, our way of living, of getting together, the culture – and that means I always have it in my head.”But I am happy here, happy with how they treat me, and I really enjoy my job.”Someday I suppose it will come, I’m not going to be away for my whole life.”Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man CityCredit: Getty – ContributorIf he is able to maintain his impressive record, it would be no surprise to see the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid attempt to lure him back to Spain.A return to Manchester City may even be on the cards, even though that would be a nightmare scenario for Arsenal fans.It would be the perfect example of the master passing the baton over to his apprentice.Arteta spent three years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad, winning two Premier League titles.With the 53-year-old’s City contract running down and concerns over his next move arising, Arteta could emerge as a strong target.After all, he would more than likely have Pep’s blessing.But on the other end of the spectrum, there is the risk – however small it may seem right now – that he perhaps outstays his welcome at the Emirates if things start to head south.Although he made history during his time at Arsenal by becoming the first – and only – manager to lead a team through a Premier League season undefeated, Arsene Wenger found himself almost forced out by the end of his 22-year tenure.The Gunners struggled to compete with their rivals in his last few seasons at the club, sparking a huge divide among fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Arteta does eventually step away, he will likely want to do it at the right time – especially if a lucrative offer comes in.Whether that be in 2027 or the years that follow, Edu may want to start earmarking future candidates now.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Meet the private coach and ex-Man Utd graduate trying to get Marcus Rashford back to his best and training legend’s son

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      THIS former Manchester United graduate is now a private coach working with some of football’s biggest names.Ryan Hopper is an ex-Red Devils youngster who played at their academy from the age of 6 to 14 and is now individually coaching Marcus Rashford.Ryan Hopper is a former Man Utd academy graduate now coaching stars like Marcus RashfordCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingHe produces personalised sessions for clients and has worked with other big namesCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingHopper is currently mentoring Wayne Rooney’s son KaiCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingHe went on to have a brief career in the beautiful game, turning out in League 2 for Accrington Stanley.And Hopper is now one of the most respected names in elite-level personal coaching among academy players and senior stars alike.Hopper runs the RH Elite Coaching business in Manchester, where he puts players through their paces with custom training sessions.United stars including Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have employed Hopper’s services.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile he also worked with Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga and England Women’s icon Ella Toone.Hopper is currently coaching two big names, with Kai Rooney his standout academy talent.The son of United and England legend Wayne is making a major splash in the Red Devils’ academy.And after netting 56 goals in his first full season, some are tipping Kai to go on step better than his old man.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Hopper’s biggest client right now is United star Rashford.The forward has seen a massive fall from grace over the last year and was left out of England’s Euro squad.Marcus Rashford releases training video during break after England snub as Man Utd fans say ‘hat-trick incoming’Hopper put Rashford through his paces with some shooting drillsCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingRashford showed off his speed and footwork in another drillCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingKai Rooney has been impressing in United’s academyCredit: Instagram / @rh_elitecoachingLee Carsley continued to ignore Rashford when naming his first Three Lions side.And the star has been using his free time in the international break to link up with Hopper.Rashford could be seen taking part in shooting drills while also showing off his first touch and dribbling.Hopper kept firing balls at Rashford in a bid to keep the striker on his toes.And it appeared to work well as the United star smashed home some beauties.Meanwhile, Rashford also worked on his reaction speeds with an incredible boxing routine earlier this week.And he also showed off his balance as he jumped over a beam before stepping in and out of a hoop.United fans reacted with delight to Rashford’s workout.One said: “Scary hours but not for us.”Another declared: “He’s about to be a nightmare for all the opposing players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “You are gonna have another great season.”Another added: “Almost time to show the world again.” More

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      Liverpool target claims ‘I had my suitcase packed.. there was an issue’ as deadline day transfer for Salah heir crumbled

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      LIVERPOOL almost signed Pumas star Cesar Huerta just before the summer transfer window slammed shut but a late “issue” led to the deal falling apart.Huerta, 23, has been in impressive form in the Mexican league and has already amassed two goals as well as one assist in six appearances.Pumas star Cesar Huerta almost joined Liverpool but a late deal fell throughCredit: GettyHuerta was targeted with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah’s contract running out in JuneCredit: PAThe Reds kept tabs on the winger during the summer with star man Mohamed Salah’s contract running out in June.The Mexico international revealed he came so close to a move at Anfield that he even had a suitcase packed and ready to go.However, negotiations hit a snag and the forward ultimately remained at Pumas.Huerta told AS: “There was an issue.Read More on Football”I had my suitcase ready, but it fell through because of an issue.“I know that sooner or later, if I keep doing things right, I’ll get the opportunity. “I know it’s a train that only comes once and I’m focused on Pumas.”There were rumours suggesting Huerta was going to join Sunderland on loan immediately after putting pen to paper with Liverpool as part of the deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, similar speculation suggests the Black Cats pulled out of the arrangement.Huerta joined Pumas from Guadalajara in 2022 and quickly rose to prominence.Dream Team Transfer Suggestions for Gameweek 4The Mexican has 17 goals and 12 assists in 76 appearances with the club.Five Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More

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      Arsenal fans slam ‘worst take ever’ as club legend Robert Pires slams Bukayo Saka and claims ‘Jeremy Doku is better’

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      ARSENAL fans are raging at club legend Robert Pires after he claimed Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku is better than Bukayo Saka.Saka, 23, has become undroppable for the Gunners and England in recent times, scoring 20 goals and assisting 14 at club level last season.Bukayo Saka has become one of the Premier League’s best playersCredit: GettyJeremy Doku has made a positive impact since joining Manchester City in 2023Credit: AlamyArsenal legend Robert Pires believes Doku has more to his game than SakaCredit: GettyDoku, 22, enjoyed an impressive first season for Man City after arriving from Rennes.He scored seven goals and assisted 11 as Pep Guardiola’s men claimed a record fourth successive Premier League title.Pires, who played for Arsenal between 2000 and 2006, is one of the North London club’s great wingers having won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups under Arsene Wenger.But the Frenchman, who also won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, put his allegiance aside with a brutal assessment of Saka.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to Wettbasis, he said: “Bukayo still lacks a certain level of consistency and experience, especially in the big games.”Perhaps this season, especially in the Champions League, he will show a more convincing face than last season when it counts.”For example, in my opinion Jeremy Doku from Manchester City is a bit better because he is technically stronger, has better dribbling skills and is more imaginative.”Arsenal supporters were left less than impressed by Pires’ comments as they took to social media to vent their frustration.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne said: “Lost the plot.”Another added: “I refuse to believe that there is a single person on the planet who watches football and believes Doku is better than Saka 😭.”How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s seasonA third replied: “Robert Pires claiming Saka ‘lacks consistency’ and in the same breath saying JEREMY DOKU is better is maybe the worst take an ex-player has ever come out with and that is saying something.”While a fourth responded: “You’d have thought Robert Pires would know a thing or two about wing play. His bizarre latest opinion would suggest otherwise.”Saka and Doku could meet on September 22 when Arsenal travel to the Etihad to take on champions Man City.Before that, the Gunners face North London rivals Tottenham and head to Atalanta in the Champions League.Meanwhile, Man City host Brentford and Inter Milan. More

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      Former England and Arsenal star says ‘I will be a different kind of sports pundit’ ahead of Match of the Day debut

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      THEO WALCOTT has promised to bring a new type of analysis to Match of the Day ahead of his debut appearance.The Arsenal legend will be in the BBC studio on Saturday night to provide his insight on the weekend’s games.Theo Walcott will make his Match of the Day debut this weekendCredit: RexWalcott, who hung up his boots last year after a spell at Southampton, said he wants to bring a different outlook on the biggest talking points.He said: “I feel I will be a different kind of sports pundit.”I will always like to bring a positive outlook and the insights of how I as a player would have responded in that way when a certain situation happens.“I would really look at it in depth, the fact that it could be simple, like body position, or shirt pulling, something that could have just really disrupted a certain situation happening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We all look at the TV and say ‘he should have scored that’ – but do we actually really break it down? Then try to take a look at why has he not hit the target?“I am going to be that kind of pundit I suppose and see if it works for me.”Walcott is ready for his role on Match of the Day after helping the BBC with their coverage of the Euros over the summer.The ex-England star has also landed a job on the Beeb’s new Champions League highlights show.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal start their European campaign away at Atalanta on Thursday.But Walcott reckons the Premier League could be where glory lies, explaining: “I have said Arsenal will win the league – and they are going to have to be exceptional to win the league.How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s season“The way Manchester City have started, they have just wiped people to the floor and they have the fear factor now that when they walk on the field, the opposition players and their fans are terrified.“I would be worried as a league that we don’t want it to be a one-horse race.“We have got to be wary of Liverpool as well, they have started exceptionally well.”Walcott’s career2005-2006: Southampton: 23 appearances, 5 goals2006-2018: Arsenal: 397 appearances, 108 goals2018-2020: Everton: 85 appearances, 11 goals2021-2023: Southampton: 59 appearances, 5 goals2006-2016: England: 47 appearances, 8 goalsHonours: 2x FA Cups, 2x Community Shields More