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      Ex-Tottenham star Jan Vertonghen says Premier League clubs need former stars in key roles like at Ajax

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      JAN VERTONGHEN believes putting former players in executive roles is the way forward for Premier League clubs like Spurs.The ex-Tottenham defender envies former Belgium team-mate Vincent Kompany, the Burnley boss who has found his “passion” in coaching and management.
      Jan Vertonghen, now at Anderlecht, is weighing up his options when he stops playingCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      But Vertonghen, after learning how ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar became CEO of Ajax, believes his future could lie in that direction.
      Vertonghen said: “Holland always seems in many ways, in the business and football side, ahead of everyone else.
      “Ajax and Edwin van der Sar are perfect examples, with him coming from the football side going into marketing and then ending up as the CEO. 
      “It would be great, let’s talk about Spurs, to have former players getting involved in the technical side. Not just on the coaching side, but in other areas. 
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      “But it requires a lot of study. We can’t be fooling ourselves and think we can come off the pitch and go straight into a big management job at a big club like Spurs.”
      Vertonghen, 35, is still playing at Anderlecht, but is already studying to try to work out what he wants to do when he hangs up his boots.
      He is among the leading players who have taken advantage of the Career Transition Programme, one of a number of educational opportunities provided by Uefa.
      The CTP course offered a taste of a number of possible roles and it was Van der Sar’s presentation that particularly impressed Vertonghen, who was himself at Ajax as a youth player and then for six years in the first team.
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      Vertonghen said: “Looking at Ajax, they’re very far ahead in terms of marketing and social media and sustainability, caring about the environment. 
      “I have some inside information because I still know people work there and play there. They have to be creative. 
      “They are not a Premier League team but their financial position is so strong because of their off-pitch thinking. 
      “Obviously they do some big transfers and that’s the biggest source of income. 
      “But the way they create their image online and put themselves in the market, that’s something for lots of organisations to look at and take as an example.”
      Vertonghen was speaking before the latest crisis at Tottenham. Manager Antonio Conte left with a bang, and this week managing director Fabio Paratici learned his two and a half year ban from Italian football, for his part in the Juventus financial scandal, would be extended worldwide by Fifa.
      But it is tempting to wonder whether the clear, positive culture and relatively smooth governance of clubs like Ajax owes something to the involvement of ex-players like Van der Sar.
      Vertonghen, as Belgium’s record appearance maker and a player with 17 seasons of experience at the top level in four different countries, is entitled to think he will have plenty to offer a future employer.
      He said: “I hope I can encourage the effort that you put into a group, working towards a certain goal and creating that spirit within an organisation to reach those goals.
      “That’s something you find on the football pitch as well, getting all the noses in the same direction.That’s one of the things I can help with.
      “Lots of football organisations are big businesses and I need to be led by guys with experience.
      “But a mix of people is best. If I can learn from those people during my career, that’s the best way to do it.
      “It’s a benefit for the club and the player to get players involved in the organisation during their career.”
      But Vertonghen, despite having his Uefa A licence, won’t be following Kompany into management – at least not immediately.
      Vertonghen said: “Vincent is one of the guys that I saw during his career who has that passion of waking up at six and opening his laptop until 12 at night, and then probably dreaming about it as well.
      “In a way, I envy him because he has found his passion. “I’m looking for balance in my family life 
      and professional life.
      “I’m convinced that becoming a coach, which is even more demanding than being a player, cannot give me that balance.
      “Not straight after my playing career, in any case. 
      “I cannot do a coaching job 60, 50 or 70 per cent. 
      “You need to commit 100 per cent, like I’ve seen with the coaches I have had , and I cannot give that to the job. 
      “But when I stop playing, I know I can’t sit at home and do nothing. 
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      “I hope I can find the same passion as Vincent and the same passion I have had during my career on the pitch.”
      Applications for the next CTP course are open until April 10.
      Vertonghen envies Vincent Kompany but has no plans yet to go into managementCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka gives bizarre interview using cowboy and moustache filter

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      ARSENAL star Granit Xhaka stunned fans by giving an interview while using a cowboy and moustache filter.The midfielder appeared on a TikTok live stream with content creator Barrelo, who has over 660,000 followers on his page barrelo_live.
      Granit Xhaka gave an interview with a cowboy and moustache filterCredit: TikTok / @barrelo_live
      The Arsenal star appeared to enjoy his time on the TikTok live with BarreloCredit: TikTok / @barrelo_live
      But bizarrely, during the interview Xhaka’s face could be seen with a cowboy hat and a moustache placed over his face.
      The interview itself was far from orthodox as well, with Barrelo appearing to have only a modest knowledge of football.
      One question he asked cued laughter from Xhaka: “To become a footballer, you have to have signed somewhere, with the Illuminati or something. Is that true?”
      Xhaka responded with laughter and with a shake of his head.
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      Later in the interview, Barrelo – who was wearing an Arsenal jacket – asked: “Where do you live exactly?”
      The 30-year-old responded by saying “London.”
      Barrelo then asked about Xhaka’s ability to speak German, with Xhaka promptly reminding him of his time playing in Germany.
      He said: “Yes, but I was born in Switzerland and was in Mönchengladbach for four years.”
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      Following this, Xhaka asked whether Barrelo was actually an Arsenal fan.
      He asked: “Are you actually an Arsenal fan or are you just pretending?”
      To which Barrelo responded: “With TikTok [demands] and so I stopped watching football. 
      “That’s why I didn’t know where you were playing.”
      Xhaka has been a mainstay in Arsenal’s midfield this season, excelling in his new role at left centre mid.
      It has seen him score six goals and add five assists in 38 games.
      And his strong form has helped Arsenal forge an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table as the Gunners target a first league title since 2004.
      They will be hoping to strengthen their position by beating Leeds on Saturday after Manchester City are in action against Liverpool. More

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      I slapped a football manager’s bum on a dare.. but I didn’t realise who it was until it was too late, jokes Abbey Clancy

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      ABBEY CLANCY has revealed that she once slapped a football manager’s bum for a dare.Former Premier League star Peter Crouch, 42, and wife Abbey, 37, were hosting their joint podcast, when the model divulged the story.
      Abbey Clancy revealed that she smacked a football manager’s bumCredit: Getty
      She told the story on her and husband Peter Crouch’s podcastCredit: Rex
      The model and retired footballer have been married since 2011Credit: Getty
      Abbey said that she spanked a well-known manager after being dared by a friend.
      She said on The Therapy Crouch Podcast: “So I actually slapped a football manager’s bottom, by mistake.
      “It was a dare that someone made me do, without telling me it was a football manager.
      “And now every time I see him he’s like [bends over] ‘go on, you know you want to’.”
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      Crouch then jumped in to stop Abbey from saying which cheeky manager it was by telling listeners: “Make your own minds up [as to] who that is.”
      Abbey replied: “You don’t want to expose him, the bumee haha … I’m the bum smacker and he’s the bum smackee.”
      While the identity of the manager remains a secret, the couple did drop one hint.
      The response from the manager and the encouragement would suggest they are English.
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      Crouch spent the majority of his career in English football as he enjoyed successful spells with Southampton, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Stoke City.
      He also had a short loan spell at Swedish side IFK Hasselejolm in 2000, playing eight times and scoring three goals.
      The striker also earned 42 caps for England in which he scored 22 goals.
      The model and Peter are parents to four children, Sophia, 11, Liberty, seven, Johnny, four, and Jack, three.
      They have been married since 2011. More

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      Man Utd have signed just six world-class stars since Fergie retired and THREE of them are Ten Hag transfers says Neville

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have signed just a handful of world-class stars since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, according to Gary Neville.And most of them have come during Erik ten Hag’s reign.
      Gary Neville said in August Man Utd had made just two world-class signings since 2013Credit: Alamy
      Four more players have joined the exclusive list already including Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: PA:Press Association
      Bruno Fernandes was the second star named by Neville after United’s defeat at BrentfordCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils are yet to win a Premier League title since Fergie called time on his managerial career in 2013.
      In that time, United have splashed millions on countless players under bosses David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      But success has been few and far between, with United delivering just a handful of trophies in that time.
      And speaking after United’s 4-0 defeat to Brentford at the start of the season, Neville declared that just two signings made by United since Fergie’s exit could be deemed “world-class”.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Neville highlighted Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Bruno Fernandes as the only two men to make a proper impact at Old Trafford.
      But that list has since risen to SIX since Ten Hag took charge last summer.
      The Dutchman recovered from a tricky start to break United’s trophy hoodoo with victory in February’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
      And the Manchester Evening News has updated Neville’s “world-class” list with four more players.
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      Raphael Varane has proven himself worthy under Erik ten HagCredit: Getty
      Casemiro has shown his class since joining from Real MadridCredit: Alamy
      The first is Raphael Varane, who was signed by Solskjaer but has only really come into his own this term under Ten Hag.
      The other three are all signings made by the Dutchman last summer and have made a huge impact.
      Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen have all played huge parts in United’s rise up the table.
      The list could yet grow, with fellow Ten Hag signing Antony showing glimpses of his potential.
      Earlier aces like Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot are also beginning to show their best after years of inconsistent form.
      And given his track record so far at United, it’s fair to say Ten Hag is capable of bringing more top players to the Theatre of Dreams this summer.
      Christian Eriksen was ever-present before his injuryCredit: Getty
      Lisandro Martinez has been a revelation in defence.Credit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd takeover LIVE: Luke Shaw ‘agrees’ new contract, Qataris bid TWIST, Rashord injury UPDATE – latest

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      MANCHESTER UNITED full-back Luke Shaw has agreed a new long-term contract just THREE months after signing his old one.The England star’s deal was set to expire in 2024 but he has successfully negotiated an extension for a further four years.
      Meanwhile, the Premier League are set to clampdown on rogue owners – but Qatar’s Manchester United bid will be unaffected.
      And Marcus Rashford is winning his battle to be fit for United’s tasty encounter with Newcastle on Sunday.
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      Luke Shaw reminder
      Manchester United ace Luke Shaw has agreed a new contract keeping him at Old Trafford for the next four years.
      Shaw’s current deal was due to expire in 2024 but the left-back put pen to paper on new terms.
      The England international’s stunning form saw him handed a new extension by manager Erik ten Hag.
      And United will now try to tie down Marcus Rashford as well as David De Gea ahead of the summer window.
      Marcus Rashford injury update latest
      Erik ten Hag is confident Marcus Rashford will be fit this weekend.
      That’s after the Man Utd ace missed England’s recent internationals through injury.
      Speaking ahead of the game with Newcastle, Ten Hag said: “I’ve good hope. He had to do some treatment and individual training, but on Friday he joined in with the group.
      “We have one more day to go and there’s good hope he’s available. I think so.”

      Fastest players in Premier League
      Marcus Rashford has been Man Utd’s fastest player this season.
      But he has only just cracked the top 10 in the Premier League.
      Rashford’s recorded a top speed of 35.81km/h this term.
      But that’s some way off fastest man Brennan Johnson, who hit 36.7km/h for Nottingham Forest.

      Rooney talks up Ronaldo exit
      Wayne Rooney has continued his war of words with Cristiano Ronaldo by hailing Man United’s success without the veteran striker.
      Rooney said: “I suppose he got what he wanted.
      “For Manchester United, it was important to move on as quick as possible from that and really refocus on the group of players who were there and wanted to be there.
      “And I think that’s where [Erik] ten Hag has done a really good job in refocusing the players and getting them in a position where they are, obviously, comfortably in the top four, and also winning the [Carabao] Cup.”
      Shaw agrees new United deal
      Luke Shaw has agreed a new contract keeping him at Man Utd for the next four years.
      The left-back’s current deal was due to expire in 2024.
      But Shaw’s stunning form saw him handed a new extension by Erik ten Hag.
      And United will now try to tie down Marcus Rashford and David De Gea ahead of the summer window.

      Shaw agrees new United deal
      Luke Shaw has agreed a new contract keeping him at Man Utd for the next four years.
      The left-back’s current deal was due to expire in 2024.
      But Shaw’s stunning form saw him handed a new extension by Erik ten Hag.
      And United will now try to tie down Marcus Rashford and David De Gea ahead of the summer window.

      Chelsea reveal Mount price tag
      Man Utd will have to pay £70million if they want to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea.
      The midfielder looks increasingly likely to depart Stamford Bridge after failing to agree a new deal.
      And United are one of several teams being tipped to make an offer.
      But Chelsea will not sell for cheap and want a tasty fee for their former academy star.
      Onana lined up by United
      Man Utd are battling Chelsea to sign Inter Milan goalie Andre Onana.
      Gazzetta claims he is being lined up as a replacement for contract rebel David De Gea.
      Onana played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and the pair remain close.
      But Chelsea are ready to offer up three players, with Inter keen on Romelu Lukaku, Trevoh Chalobah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
      Muani a no-go for Devils
      Man Utd have been sent a hands-off warning over Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani.
      Club chief Markus Krosche said: “We have no intention of selling Kolo Muani now.
      “The hype about him is understandable and normal.
      “Another season with us would be good for Randal, we want to continue and not necessarily sell him.”
      Ruud awakening for Van Nistelrooy
      Man Utd legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed how his move to the club almost completely collapsed.
      He said: “I did the whole medical in Manchester and we were driving up to Old Trafford to do the press conference to sign, and the phone rang.
      “I was told by the orthopaedic surgeon from United who saw the MRI that my knee was not right, he said, ‘you have to turn around and go back to your hotel, you’re not going to pass a medical’.”
      READ THE REST HERE

      Good morning Man Utd fans
      Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has dismissed reports he is asking for up to £500,000-a-week in wages to extend his contract.
      Rashford tweeted: “Just before this one starts to do the rounds! It’s complete nonsense.
      “The club and myself have been respectful to one another, and that’s how it will remain.
      “My focus is purely on finishing as well as possible in the league and winning trophies.”
      Meanwhile, United record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has said “it’s a shame how it ended” for Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
      DC United boss Rooney told CNN about Al-Nassr superstar Ronaldo: “I think what he’s done for Manchester United is great. He’s won Premier League titles, won the Champions League, scored many goals.
      “So I think certainly for the fans and certainly for the players, his former team-mates who played with him from my time especially, we’ll never forget what he did for Manchester United.
      “In my eyes, he’ll always be a club legend and it’s a shame the way it ended of course this time round. But I don’t think that takes anything away from his legacy at the club.”
      And Chelsea have revealed their transfer demands to sell United target Mason Mount.
      Mount has been linked with the Stamford Bridge exit door as he has yet to agree to a new contract, with his deal running out next year.
      The likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich have joined the Red Devils in the bidding war for the playmaker.
      However, it now appears the Blues have shown their hand in terms of what they want if they are to let the England international go.
      According to The Athletic, the West Londoners have set a £70million price tag on the 24-year-old.
      Finally, United have received a major transfer boost as Real Madrid have set a limit on how much they will pay for Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham.
      This is also good news for Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, who are all linked with Bellingham.
      According to AS, Real will not fork out more than £88m for the midfielder as they don’t want to overpay.
      It’s thought the reigning Spanish champs hope to persuade the England international to snub a Premier League move and tempt him to the Santiago Bernabeu thanks to the club’s “legendary history”.
      But Real are refusing to enter a bidding war for the 19-year-old on both the transfer fee as well as his salary.
      Ferguson and Wenger friendship
      Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal hero Arsene Wenger have revealed how they have put the past behind them and become good friends.
      Ferguson said: “They became a tough team to compete with and we both wanted to win, which motivated us further.
      “Through the years since retirement, we’d go for dinner together in a little restaurant he knows well in Switzerland.
      “He is a really interesting man and I enjoy his company, but it is still my job to pick the wine!”
      Harry Kane bid
      Manchester United have given manager Erik ten Hag the green light to offer £80million for Tottenham star Harry Kane.
      And United want to wrap up a deal to sign Kane before the end of the campaign.
      The 29-year-old is a long-term target for the Red Devils who desperately want a new centre-forward this summer after axing Cristiano Ronaldo.
      But it remains to be seen if Spurs are finally willing to sell the England international.
      Man Utd fan backlash
      Manchester United fans are furious with the ticket prices announced for the pre-season friendly against Wrexham.
      United will face the non-league side owned by Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in San Diego on July 26 as part of the Premier League giants’ pre-season tour of America.
      But fans will have to cough up some heavy bucks to watch what is likely to be the Red Devils’ academy and fringe players take on the League Two hopefuls at the Snapdragon Stadium.
      The “utterly insane” prices led to a furious reaction by fans with the cheapest ticket costing a whopping $224 (£182).
      Credit: Reuters
      Must Gav him
      Barcelona star Gavi has been stripped of his contract and squad number as the club are unable to register him as a first-team player with LaLiga.
      The midfielder will be able to play for the financially troubled club again this season but will have to be registered as an academy player with his previous contract after two appeals were turned down.
      The 18-year-old wonderkid will also have to wear the No30 instead of the No6 shirt he was given when he was registered as a first-team player.
      This has been confirmed on LaLiga’s website as the Spain international’s profile is displayed with his squad number.
      Man Utd debt
      Manchester United’s debt has risen by a staggering £60million while the Glazers push to sell the club.
      United released financial reports for the second quarter in the period that ended on the final day of last year.
      The findings show US debt has increased to an eye-watering total of £535.7m.
      According to the Mail, the Red Devils’ chiefs are not panicked by the figures and that the jump is accounted for by a shift in the exchange rate between the pound and the dollar.
      The figures also show that the club has overall made a £6.3m profit across the period despite a 10 per cent decrease in turnover.
      The lesser amount has been caused by the World Cup break where United were not in action and by the club having gained less money as they’re competing in the Europa League and not the Champions League.
      Bellingham transfer boost
      Manchester United have received a major transfer boost as Real Madrid have set a limit on how much they will pay for Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham.
      This is also good news for Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, who are all linked with a swoop for Bellingham.
      According to AS, Real will not fork out more than £88million for the midfielder as they don’t want to overpay.
      It’s thought the reigning Spanish champions hope to persuade the England international to snub a Premier League move and tempt him to the Santiago Bernabeu thanks to the club’s “legendary history”.
      But Real are refusing to enter a bidding war for the 19-year-old on both the transfer fee and his salary.
      Ferguson transfer blow
      Brighton are lining up a new deal for teenage star and Manchester United target Evan Ferguson, writes SunSport’s Jack Rosser.
      Despite only agreeing a professional contract in October, the Seagulls are now preparing fresh terms to ward off any interest for Ferguson.
      The striker’s form since making the step up to the first team has caught the eye of the Premier League’s big clubs.
      United, Liverpool and Chelsea all tried to nab the Republic of Ireland international ahead of Brighton when he made the move over from Bohemians two years ago.
      Tottenham have also been linked with a move for the 18-year-old, who scored on his first start for Stephen Kelly’s side against Latvia last week.
      Credit: AFP
      Taking the Mik
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville has hit back at Arsenal supporters after they dug up a clip of him criticising manager Mikel Arteta.
      Neville refused to back down from his comments made a year ago, reminding fans that they themselves wanted Arteta dismissed.
      An Arsenal fan page first said: “One year ago today, Gary Neville said that if Mikel Arteta finished fourth with Arsenal, he’d have to leave as he wouldn’t be able to achieve anything more.”
      Neville responded: “One year ago you lot were asking for him to be sacked!!! Go and look at it!”
      Top of the Mount
      Chelsea have revealed their transfer demands to sell Manchester United target Mason Mount.
      Mount has been linked with the Stamford Bridge exit door as he has yet to agree to a new contract, with his current deal running out next year.
      The likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich have joined United in the bidding war for the playmaker.
      However, it now appears the Blues have shown their hand in terms of what they want if they are to sell the England international.
      According to The Athletic, the West Londoners have set a £70million price tag on Mount.
      More from Rooney
      Wayne Rooney praised Manchester United for moving on quickly after offloading Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Rooney added: “I suppose he got what he wanted.
      “For Manchester United, it was important to move on as quick as possible from that and really refocus on the group of players who were there and wanted to be there.
      “And I think that’s where [Erik] ten Hag has done a really good job in refocusing the players and getting them in a position where they are, obviously, comfortably in the top four, and also winning the [Carabao] Cup.”
      Rooney moving Ron
      Manchester United record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has said “it’s a shame how it ended” for Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
      DC United boss Rooney told CNN about Al-Nassr superstar Ronaldo: “I think what he’s done for Manchester United is great. He’s won Premier League titles, won the Champions League, scored many goals.
      “So I think certainly for the fans and certainly for the players, his former team-mates who played with him from my time especially, we’ll never forget what he did for Manchester United.
      “In my eyes, he’ll always be a club legend and it’s a shame the way it ended of course this time round. But I don’t think that takes anything away from his legacy at the club.”

      Man Utd transfer advice
      Manchester United have been urged to freshen up their attack by replacing Jadon Sancho with Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma.
      Former United star Paul Parker told MyBettingSites: “I would love to see him at Man United but then they have to offload some of their wingers and they could start with getting rid of Jadon Sancho. I would rather have Mitoma in the squad than him.
      “He has proven himself in the Premier League and I doubt that Sancho will ever do that.
      “I think he should go back to Germany and play in his comfort zone where he is best.”
      De Gea future
      Manchester United star David de Gea has turned down a new contract as the club attempts a pay cut on his current £375,000-a-week deal.
      According to The Athletic, United’s opening proposal has been rejected by De Gea.
      Manager Erik ten Hag is keen for the Spain international to remain his first-choice goalkeeper for many more years.
      And while the 32-year-old wants to stay at Old Trafford, he also feels his performances warrant him still being one of the best-paid players in the team.
      Rashford rubbishes claims
      Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has dismissed claims he is asking for up to £500,000-a-week in wages to extend his contract.
      Rashford tweeted: “Just before this one starts to do the rounds! It’s complete nonsense.
      “The club and myself have been respectful to one another, and that’s how it will remain.
      “My focus is purely on finishing as well as possible in the league and winning trophies.”
      Load more entries… More

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      Man Utd ‘accept Mason Greenwood may NOT return to training this season’ after rape case against him dropped

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have accepted that Mason Greenwood may not return to the club until next season at the earliest amid an internal investigation. The footy star, 21, has been suspended from the team since January last year after he was arrested on rape and assault charges.
      Man Utd have accepted that Mason Greenwood is unlikely to return before next seasonCredit: Getty
      He has been suspended from the club since January 2022Credit: Getty
      And while all charges against Greenwood were dropped, Man Utd is carrying out an internal probe.
      The Sun understands that club bosses feel that a return to training for the young star this season is unlikely as the investigation drags on.
      They are understood to have been considering his future for some time, but do not wish to be rushed into a decision.
      In February, Greenwood had all charges against him dropped due to after the CPS found there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.
      READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
      The Manchester United striker was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
      He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      Greenwood was suspended from Utd in the wake of the allegations but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
      The club announced they would conduct an internal investigation into the circumstances around his arrest.
      Most read in Football
      Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against were dropped on February 2 this yearCredit: AFP More

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      Neville says Van Nistelrooy was ‘the only player to try and punch me’ as Man Utd legends finally agree after bust-up

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      GARY NEVILLE and Ruud van Nistelrooy have revealed how they almost came to blows after the Dutchman tried “to punch” his ex team-mate.Sky Sports pundit Neville played alongside the former forward under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and won countless honours together.
      Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gary Neville reunited on the latest episode of The OverlapCredit: Sky Bet The Overlap
      Neville claimed the striker was the ‘only player to try and punch me’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      However, the pair had to be separated by the rest of the squad after an on-field row in an away game at Middlesbrough spilled over into the dressing-room.
      The pair explained exactly what happened as Neville interviewed the now PSV manager on his latest episode of The Overlap.
      And Van Nistelrooy even admitted that now he realises he was in the wrong.
      Here’s how the recollection went:
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Neville: “Do you remember Middlesbrough away? You’re the only player that’s come to punch me at the end of the game.”
      Van Nistelrooy: “Yeah, I do. You gave me a right b*****ing and rightly so.”
      Neville: “You think I was right?”
      Van Nistelrooy: “Yeah, you were right. I didn’t do a lot in that game. That’s what you were going on about.”
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      Neville: “I had the ball at right-back…”
      Van Nistelrooy: “And I didn’t show.”
      Neville: “[Gesturing], I needed that little movement…”
      Van Nistelrooy: “And I didn’t because I had an inflamed big toe. Honestly, it was so red and swollen. I was on flip flops travelling to Middlesbrough and I got into my boot before the game, I couldn’t move.”
      Neville: “I feel sorry for you now.”
      Van Nistelrooy: “You were right, when you play you’ve got to show.”
      Neville: “I put it in and went, ‘F****** move!’ I remember shouting and you went, ‘F*** off.’”
      Van Nistelrooy: “I just snapped, I completely lost it. I was then storming in the dressing room and just came up to you.”
      Neville: “I remember I got substituted, I don’t remember if the manager got angry at me, but I went into the changing room and all of a sudden I heard you shouting coming through the door and you were like, ‘I’m going to…’ and I thought, ‘Oh, Ruud’s snapped!’ Everyone jumped in between us.”
      Van Nistelrooy: “My boots were also half a size too small, to really hit it well… What am I going to say? ‘Gaffer, I cannot play, my toe is sore!’”
      Read More on The Sun
      The pair played alongside one another for four years at the Red Devils between 2001-05 and won the Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup as team-mates.
      The Dutch ace, who scored 95 times for United in 150 Premier League appearances, also hilariously revealed how Roy Keane forced him into cutting his hair during their playing days together.
      The incident occurred after an on-pitch row between the two at MiddlesbroughCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Soccer

      Luke Shaw ‘agrees new long-term Man Utd contract’ in huge boost as Erik ten Hag builds for future

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      LUKE SHAW has agreed a new Manchester United contract.The left-back’s current £150,000-a-week deal expires in 2024.
      Luke Shaw is set to sign a new contract at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      But he has successfully negotiated an extension for a further four years.
      And the news will come as a good boost for manager Erik ten Hag as he continues to shape his squad for the long-term.
      Shaw, 27, only signed a new contract in December.
      That was when United triggered the option to add an extra 12 months to his deal.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But they have wasted no time in tying down the England full-back despite the uncertainty over the ownership of the club.
      David De Gea and Marcus Rashford are also in ongoing talks over new deals, too.
      Defender Shaw joined the Red Devils from Southampton in 2014 in a record £30million move.
      However, injury troubles and fall-outs with previous managers, especially Jose Mourinho, limited his progression.
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      But he is now the first-choice left-back ahead of Tyrell Malacia – though Shaw has also filled in superbly at centre-back when required.
      Ten Hag has also been impressed by his character and personality off the pitch and wants him to be part of the new era.
      England boss Gareth Southgate is similarly pleased with Shaw and was delighted he stuck with the squad during the recent international break despite his red card in Italy ruling him out of the game against Ukraine.

      Shaw has played 35 times for United across all competitions this season, including 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup final win – chipping in with one goal and six assists.
      The Red Devils still have hopes of winning the FA Cup and Europa League while the main aim in the Premier League is to secure a top-four finish.
      Ten Hag’s side face a hectic April with nine matches, starting with a trip to Newcastle on Sunday before facing Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-finals and going away to Tottenham. More