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      A chat with Man Utd’s Sancho left me excited about Carrick… but I never knew I’d be Championship top scorer for Boro

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      THE CHAMPIONSHIP’S top scorer has revealed how a chat with pal Jadon Sancho left him chomping at the bit to work for Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough.Former Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom started the season training with Boro’s Under-21 team.
      Middlesbrough’s Chuba Akpom is the top scorer in the Championship with 23 goalsCredit: Getty
      The striker, pictured with Jadon Sancho, was excited to work for Michael Carrick after a chat with his palCredit: Instagram
      He arrived at the Riverside in 2020 from PAOK but was soon shipped out back to the Greek club first by Neil Warnock and then left on the sidelines by Chris Wilder.
      Manchester United legend Carrick, 41, replaced the axed Wilder in October with Boro sitting 22nd in the table but has since transformed the Teessiders.
      They now sit in third, just three points off automatic promotion, with their incredible rise matched by striker Akpom.
      He has fired 24 goals in all competitions so far for Boro, including 23 in the Championship, making him the division’s top scorer.
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      Akpom has also become the first player since Bernie Slaven 33 years ago to score 20 or more league goals in a season for the club.
      He has now revealed that he knew things would get a lot better for him in the North East under Carrick after a talk with United winger Sancho – although he admits he never expected it to go this well.
      He told Slaven’s Total BS podcast: “No [I wasn’t concerned about Carrick’s arrival], I was actually really excited because a good friend of mine is Jadon Sancho at Manchester United and he had nothing but good things to say about the manager.
      “So I kind of knew already what to expect from the gaffer. But I didn’t know it’d go this well.”
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      Former England international Carrick won the Premier League five times and the Champions League during his Old Trafford playing career.
      He initially joined United’s coaching staff under Jose Mourinho.
      He was then part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom team before then getting a brief taste of management himself after the Norwegian was axed in November 2021.
      Newcastle-born Carrick had a three-game stint as caretaker, with Sancho part of the squad he took charge of.
      He led United to two wins and then a draw against Chelsea but left after Ralf Rangnick’s arrival last season.
      Michael Carrick has transformed Middlesbrough since his arrival in OctoberCredit: Getty More

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      I’m a Leicester title winner turned MMA fighter and am known for strange things like eating WINE GLASSES

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      MARCIN WASILEWSKI demonstrated his hunger for Premier League title glory… by chomping on a WINE GLASS in a posh restaurant.The Polish hardman spent four seasons with the Foxes, helping them to famously lift the 2016 crown against all odds.
      Marcin Wasilewski laughed as he bit into a wine glass, a former team-mate has revealedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Bearded Wasilewski, a fearsome centre-back, was tipped to switch sports and take up cage fighting.
      The now 42-year-old’s former clubmate Ritchie De Laet has revealed the Pole’s bizarre antics during his King Power career.
      Antwerp captain De Laet told Belgian paper Het Nieuwsblad: “Marcin was truly a very nice person – untypical, but likeable.
      “He was the sort of guy you have a laugh with, but who does some strange things.
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      “I remember going for a meal with him at a very smart restaurant.
      “All of a sudden he picked up his glass and literally bit into it, without turning a hair.
      “There were pieces of glass everywhere. He looked at me and started laughing.
      “I just couldn’t understand what he had done at all.”
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      Ritchie De Laet (left) played over 100 games for LeicesterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Wasilewski previously helped Leicester win the Championship in 2014.
      The 60-cap international was not the only member of Claudio Ranieri’s squad to play by his own rules.
      De Laet also revealed how Jamie Vardy would drink entire bottles of port before matches.
      The ex-England striker also regularly asked De Laet’s family and friends to bring him cases of beer from Belgium. More

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      Jose Mourinho backed for shock THIRD spell at Chelsea to replace under-fire Graham Potter by title-winning legend

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      JOSE MOURINHO would be welcomed back to Chelsea with open arms if the club decided to hand him a third spell.That is according to former Blues forward Florent Malouda.
      Jose Mourinho has been at Roma since 2021Credit: Getty
      He managed Chelsea from 2004 to 2007 and then again between 2013 and 2015Credit: EPA
      Manager Graham Potter has struggled at Stamford Bridge since taking over from Thomas Tuchel in September.
      Three wins in a row have alleviated some of the pressure on the former Brighton head coach.
      But Chelsea remain down in 10th in the Premier League table, with European success their best hope of Champions League qualification next season.
      Several names have been linked with replacing Potter if he was to be sacked by owner Todd Boehly.
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      They include Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi and even a return for Tuchel.
      But 2010 Premier League winner Malouda, who Chelsea signed during Mourinho’s first stint at the club, has touted the Portuguese head coach to return for a third spell.
      Speaking to DAZN Bet, he said: “I could definitely see a third spell for Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.
      “It’s home for Jose. He knows the club, the identity and he knows football and the fans love him.
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      “He belongs to Chelsea, and I think he still has his house close to Chelsea. It’s close to his heart.
      “He’ll always be the Special One. Football has changed but he has a love for the core of football.
      “You associate Mourinho most with Chelsea. I don’t think anyone would complain if he came back to Chelsea to get them back to a competitive level.”
      Mourinho won the Premier League title in each of his first two seasons in West London after taking over from Claudio Ranieri in 2004.
      He then departed in 2007 – shortly after Malouda joined – but returned six years later.
      After finishing third in the first season of his second stint, he won the league in the 2014/15 campaign, before being sacked midway through the following term.
      Since then, Mourinho has gone on to manage Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma – where he is still in charge.
      The Italian club sit fifth in the Serie A table, one point adrift of the Champions League places.
      They are also in the last-16 of the Europa League and take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their tie against Real Sociedad on Thursday. More

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      Arsenal handed huge transfer boost ‘as Lazio slash Sergej Milinkovic-Savic asking price in HALF’

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      ARSENAL have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports. The 28-year-old is set to be available for half the previous asking price this summer.
      Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could be available for less than expected this summerCredit: Getty
      Italian outlet Gazzetta Della Sport claim that the Gunners have stepped up their interest in him after finding out Lazio have lowered their demands.
      Milinkovic-Savic was on the market for £88million last year with some rumours even suggesting the Serie A side wanted over £100m for the midfielder.
      But with the Serbian’s contract expiring at the end of next season, Lazio would now reportedly accept bids of £44m.
      His price could further decrease with his representatives looking to bring the figure down to £31m.
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      Milinkovic-Savic is also wanted by Juventus and other sides are set to join the race for him with Newcastle and West Ham recently linked.
      Arsenal are keen on strengthening their midfield after seeing bids for Brighton ace Moises Caicedo rejected in January.
      The club are also keeping a close eye on Hammers captain Declan Rice.
      Mikel Arteta already has Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Jorginho as his options, but this is not thought to stop him wanting another top addition in the middle of the pitch.
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      Milinkovic-Savic has been at Lazio since 2015, playing a total of 328 times for the club.
      The box-to-box ace has scored 64 goals and registered 59 assists.
      He has also captained Lazio ten times this season. More

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      Casemiro laughs in Man Utd training as he prepares for Real Betis clash after being banned for four other games

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      CASEMIRO was all smiles at Manchester United training this morning despite the prospect of his four-match ban.The Brazilian star and his team-mates are preparing to travel to Spain to face Real Betis in the second-leg of their Europa League last-16 clash.
      Casemiro was all smiles at training despite his upcoming suspensionCredit: Reuters
      Marcus Rashford (left) was also grinning from ear-to-ear during the sessionCredit: PA
      Bruno Fernandes worked with the returning Anthony Martial today at CarringtonCredit: Reuters
      Erik ten Hag will provide an update on his squad once they arrive in Sevilla tomorrowCredit: PA
      They go into Thursday’s showdown holding a 4-1 advantage from last week’s first-leg at Old Trafford but for the 31-year-old midfielder it could be his last outing for some time.
      Casemiro was sent off for the second time this season for a reckless tackle on Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday as the Red Devils were held to a goalless draw.
      United have already confirmed that they will not appeal Casemiro’s dismissal – meaning he will serve a four-match ban for his second straight red card of the season.
      That means that the ex-Real Madrid man will miss the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham on Sunday, as well as games against Newcastle, Brentford and Everton.
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      He is eligible for the trip to Betis – but he won’t be available again in the Premier League until the trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday 15 April.
      However, barring a catastrophe in Spain, he could be back in action three days’ earlier in the last-eight of the Europa League.
      But the impending spell on the sidelines could still not wipe the grin off his face as he enjoyed a laugh with youngster Anthony Elanga at Carrington today.
      Marcus Rashford, who will be looking to continue his rich vein of form against Betis, was also grinning from ear-to-ear as the rather more stern looking Erik ten Hag put his men through their paces.
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      Brazilian star Antony was nowhere to be seen during the session as we await confirmation of United’s squad for the trip – while Ten Hag will speak to the media once the team arrive in Sevilla tomorrow.
      Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer was part of the group following his recent lay-off as was defender Victor Lindelof, who was ill at the weekend.
      Alejandro Garnacho has joined Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen on the sidelines, after suffering an ankle-ligament injury against Southampton.
      But forward Anthony Martial looks to be well on his way back to full fitness as he looks to return for the first time since the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg victory over Nottingham Forest.
      Jadon Sancho was practising his heading skills during the workoutCredit: Reuters
      Victor Lindelof, pictured with Elanga, has returned following his illnessCredit: Reuters
      Marcel Sabitzer (centre) alongside Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at CarringtonCredit: PA More

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      Arsenal fan Piers Morgan ‘terrified’ of Erling Haaland after Man City star’s post-match interview

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      ERLING HAALAND “terrified” Arsenal fan Piers Morgan with his interview after Manchester City’s win against RB Leipzig. City headed into last night’s second leg with the tie evenly poised following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
      Manchester City will be hoping Haaland’s goals fire them to a maiden Champions League title.Credit: PA
      Arsenal fan Piers Morgan praised Haaland’s stunning winning mentality.Credit: The Mega Agency
      Pep Guardiola’s men blew their German counterparts away, winning 7-0 at the Etihad and going through 8-1 on aggregate.
      The Norwegian was in rampant form as he scored five times in the 63 minutes he was on the pitch to equal Lionel Messi’s record for the most goals in a Champions League game.
      Speaking to Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards on CBS last night, the striker was disappointed that he hadn’t scored more.
      He said: ” I could have had two more goals in the first half. In my mind I have to always try and reach more and stay hungry because maybe if someone scored five goals they would be happy, you have to be happy but you have to want more of course.”
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      Arsenal fan Morgan took to Twitter with his reaction.
      He tweeted: “The most terrifying thing about @ErlingHaaland is that he’s genuinely p*ssed off he didn’t score more than 5 goals last night, and very self-critical of missing other chances. Just a stunning winner’s mentality.”
      Fans were quick to pile in with their responses.
      One tweeted: ” This is beautiful to watch . Honest footballer . He’s hungry for more . A real mentality . Already a legend.”
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      A second replied: ” Now you’re talking, Piers! Haaland is the best player in the world atm.”
      Another added: “Love his interviews too. Genuine, authentic, unscripted, passionate. Unlike so many Premier league ‘stars’. 22. Wow.”
      A fourth said: “What a mentality wow.”
      Haaland became the fastest player in Champions League history to score 30 goals in the competition, breaking Kylian Mbappe’s record.
      It’s taken the 22 year old just 25 games to score 33 goals and he is now 21st in the all time Champions League top scorers.
      The forward has enjoyed a stunning debut campaign, scoring 39 goals in all competitions so far and is the top scorer in the both the Premier League and Champions League this season. More

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      Man Utd ‘set to launch club-record £105m transfer offer for Randal Kolo Muani’ in bid to beat PSG to France star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly set to bid an eye-watering £105MILLION for Eintracht Frankfurt and France forward Randal Kolo Muani.Erik ten Hag will bid to bolster his squad in the summer as he attempts to mount a Premier League title challenge next season.
      Randal Kolo Muani could be set for a big move in the summerCredit: Getty
      Randal Kolo Muani has been outstanding in the Bundesliga
      Anthony Martial is expected to depart as he enters the final 12 months of his deal.
      And his replacement could come in the form of French international Kolo Muani, 24.
      According to Bild, Frankfurt may allow the forward to leave if they receive an offer in the region of £90m.
      Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in bringing in the World Cup star at the end of the season.
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      However, Man Utd are understood to be preparing the first formal offer in an attempt to rip him away from the Bundesliga side.
      Kolo Muani joined Frankfurt on a free transfer last summer after his Nantes contract expired.
      He has immediately hit the ground running in Germany, contributing 16 goals and 14 assists in 34 games in all competitions.
      Kolo Muani’s sensational form earned him a surprise call-up to France’s World Cup squad.
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      He then scored in their 2-0 semi-final win over Morocco, before coming desperately close to a winning goal in the final but for the outstretched leg of Argentina keeper Emi Martinez.
      He is under contract until 2027, meaning Frankfurt hold a strong position when it comes to negotiating a fee.
      But that may not stop Man Utd as they look to beat PSG to his signature. More

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      Ex-Man Utd star once dubbed ‘next Ryan Giggs’ fundraising in desperate attempt to save his career

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      A FORMER Manchester United wonderkid once dubbed the ‘next Ryan Giggs’ is fundraising in attempt to save his career. Callum Gribbin spent 11 years at the club and was compared to the Red Devils legend due to his speed, dribbling and left foot.
      Callum Gribbin is crowdfunding to save his careerCredit: Getty
      Gribbin played in the Man Utd academy with Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The 24-year-old first made a name for himself in a friendly against Ajax for United’s Under-13s team in Edwin van der Sar’s testimonial.
      Gribbin also reportedly impressed Jose Mourinho while he was manager at the club between 2016 and 2018.
      But after suffering many injuries, he was released in 2019 before joining Sheffield United, which was then followed by spells at Barrow and Radcliffe.
      Now playing for United of Manchester, he is fundraising to save his career as he requires surgery.
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      Gribbin ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, medial ligament and posterior ligament due to a bad tackle.
      The PFA will pay for 50 per cent of the surgery, but Gribbin and his club can not afford the other half.
      His target was to raise £8,000 by the deadline of March 17 and he has met his target with two days to spare.
      The attacking midfielder is set for a 9 to 12 months spell out.
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      An United of Manchester statement read: “Injuries are commonplace but sometimes the injuries are severe, affecting not only the player’s ability to play football, but also their life outside including their family life and their ability to work.
      “These ligaments provide stability to the knee and are devastating for anyone in terms of mobility, not least someone who relies on football as an occupation.
      “We appreciate that times are hard for everyone, but if you can help by chipping in anything you can afford, no matter how small, it would help Callum through an incredibly tough period in his life.
      “He wouldn’t ask for this support himself – but he needs it more than ever.”
      Gribbin thanked fans on Twitter saying: “Thank you so much to everyone who has donated.” More