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      Man Utd ‘hand trial to Danish wonderkid Lasse Abildgaard with 16-year-old heading to Old Trafford NEXT WEEK’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to take Danish wonderkid Lasse Abildgaard on trial.The 16-year-old plays for Silkeborg but has caught the eye of scouts across Europe.
      Manchester United are set to take Lasse Abildgaard on trialCredit: Instagram / @lasse_abildgaard
      Abildgaard had a two-week trial at Ajax last November and he is now set to be given the chance to impress coaches at United.
      He will reportedly spend a week on trial at Carrington starting on Monday.
      Representatives from Silkeborg are believed to be joining the youngster in Manchester.
      Abildgaard turned 16 in February and is still yet to feature for Silkeborg’s first-team, and has instead been part of the Under-19 set-up.
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      The right winger has also appeared seven times for the Danish Under-16 national team, scoring three goals.
      The Red Devils took another youngster on loan last November – former Reading ace Princewill Ehibhatiomhan.
      The 17-year-old striker rejected a contract offer with the Royals to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
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      As well as United, he also had a trial at Chelsea and scored in pre-season matches against Leeds and Coventry.
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      He then went to Southampton, where he hit the target against Crystal Palace and Fulham. More

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      What happened to Chelsea right-back Branislav Ivanovic and where is he now?

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      BRANISLAV Ivanovic was recognised as one of the Premier League’s best defenders during his time at Chelsea.He left Stamford Bridge in 2017, but where did he go and what is he doing now?
      Branislav Ivanovic scored some vital goals form the right side of defence for Chelsea between 2008 and 2017
      What happened to Branislav Ivanovic?
      Branislav Ivanovic signed for Chelsea from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008, making his Premier League debut at the start of the following season.
      Ivanovic introduced himself to the Chelsea faithful the following season, where, in a Champions League Quarter final against Liverpool, the Serbian scored two headed goals that helped Chelsea on their way to a 3-1 victory at Anfield.
      He was nicknamed “two goal” because of his exploits that night.
      Chelsea won the 2009 FA Cup, but it wasn’t until the following season where Ivanovic became a first team regular.
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      In the 2009/10 season, Ivanovic helped The Blues to the Premier league and FA Cup double, featuring in the PFA team of the year for his consistent performances.
      2010/11 saw Chelsea fail to regain the title, although Ivanovic was a consistent figure in the team from right back and centre back.
      The following season, a thunderous extra-time goal against Napoli helped Chelsea progress to the Champions League Quarter Finals 5-4 on aggregate, after trailing 3-1 from the first leg.
      An outstanding defensive performance from Ivanovic helped Chelsea beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate after a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou.
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      Despite this, Ivanovic was booked, and therefore suspended for the final, something he only found out when he was told by Geoff Shreeves in an interview after the game.
      Ivanovic got over the disappointment by helping Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1 to lift the 2012 FA Cup at Wembley.
      He received a Champions League winners medal after Chelsea beat Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena to win their first European Cup.
      In the 2012/13 season, Ivanovic was infamously bitten on the arm by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez during a 2-2 draw at Anfield in April. Suarez received a 10 match ban for the incident
      The Serbian made his own mark on Chelsea’s European history, in the 2013 Europa League final against Benfica.
      With the scores locked at 1-1, Ivanovic looped an injury time header into the top corner to win the cup for The Blues, the first time they had won the trophy.
      The 2013/14 season saw Jose Mourinho return to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea failed to bring home any silverware, finishing four points off of eventual champions Manchester City, and losing to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi final.
      Silverware returned to the West London club the following season, including a winning goal for Ivanovic in the second leg of the League Cup semi final against liverpool.
      Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 in the final for Mourinho’s first trophy of his second spell, and soon after won the Premier League, their first for five years.
      Once again a vital player for the club, Ivanovic’s form was recognised by his second inclusion in the PFA team of the year.
      The 2015/16 season was a low point in an otherwise great career, with Ivanovic unable to help Chelsea to any silverware or European football for the following season, finishing tenth.
      The season also saw the departure of Jose Mourinho. However, Ivanovic did make his 350th appearance for the club against Norwich at Carrow Road that term.
      The arrival of Antonio Conte saw Ivanovic’s role limited, as the Italian favoured Victor Moses on the right of defence.
      His last game for the club came against Brentford in January 2017, which saw him score and win a penalty on what was a fitting farewell.
      Ivanovic returned to Russia, joining Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he stayed for three-and-a-half years and was appointed club captain.
      He returned to the Premier League with West Brom for the 2020/21 season, but despite a 5-2 win against Ivanovic’s former club at Stamford Bridge, could not survive relegation.
      He retired soon after the end of his contract with The Baggies.
      Where is Branislav Ivanovic now?
      It is not known what Ivanovic is currently doing, but he has been seen at UEFA Champions League draws, where he has helped with the process on stage.
      He has also appeared in a viral video, where he shows off his private trophy room, which includes replicas of all the trophies he won during his stellar career.
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      What is Branislav Ivanovic’s net worth?
      It cannot be confirmed what his net worth is, but according to Taddlr, Ivanovic is worth in excess of £20million.
      During his time at Chelsea, he is thought to have earnt over £100,000 a week. More

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      Arsenal to sport GOLD ‘champions’ badge on kit next season after major Premier League overhaul if they hold off Man City

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      THE Premier League have announced new designs to shirt names, numbers and sleeve badges will be introduced next season.Sleeve badges have been redesigned to feature a standalone Premier League lion.
      The Premier League have announced a redesign of shirt names, numbers and sleeve badgesCredit: PREMIER LEAGUE
      A Prem statement said the new font “has increased visibility and more impact both on and off the pitch”Credit: PREMIER LEAGUE
      This season’s badge for the title holders features the Prem lion inside a white badgeCredit: AP
      The current design for sleeve badges features the Prem lion inside a white badge.
      But from next season onwards the badge will be replaced by a standalone Prem lion, with the “Champions” badge, worn by this campaign’s title winners, all in gold.
      As it stands that honour will fall to Arsenal, with the Gunners currently five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the league.
      City are the current bearers of the gold badge after winning the Prem last year ahead of Liverpool.
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      Next season’s overhaul from supplier Avery Dennison also sees redesigned shirt names and numbers for all kits.
      For just the fourth time in Prem history, the font in which names are printed in has been changed.
      A Premier League statement said the new font “has increased visibility and more impact both on and off the pitch.”
      The height of the numbers has also been increased.
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      Prem Chief Commercial Officer Will Brass said: “We wanted to work closely with Avery Dennison, using their expertise and experience to create new names and numbers which were not only clearer for those watching matches in stadiums or at home, but which also incorporated the Premier League brand more readily.
      “The names and numbers have become part of the fabric of the Premier League.
      “For fans, having the name and number of a favourite player, their own name or even a personal message helps to bring them closer to the competition and their favourite clubs.” More

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      Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard sparks romance rumours with stunning dancer who stars on Norwegian version of Strictly

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      ARSENAL star Martin Odegaard has sparked rumours he has a new girlfriend after he was seen with dancer Helene Spilling at the London Football Awards.The Gunners skipper picked up the Premier League player of the year gong at the awards ceremony.
      Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard won Premier League Player of the Year at the London Football AwardsCredit: Rex
      Odegaard was joined by Norwegian dancer Helene Spilling at the London Football AwardsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @helenespilling
      Helene is a professional dancer from NorwayCredit: INSTAGRAM / @helenespilling

      She has appeared on Norway’s version of Strictly Come DancingCredit: INSTAGRAM / @helenespilling
      He posed with his trophy alongside Helene, leading to speculation the pair are saying.
      Helene is a dancer who has featured on ‘Skal vi Danse’, Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.
      The 26-year-old won the competition in 2021 and looked glam alongside Odegaard, who himself looked sharp in a tie and suit.
      Helene wore a long black dress with matching boots, with one fan commenting the duo “looked cute together”.
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      The Norwegian boasts almost 70,000 Instagram followers and could be Odegaard’s first girlfriend since childhood sweetheart Oda Burud.
      Odegaard, 26, was delighted to be recognised for his contribution on the pitch over the past year.
      He said after picking up his prize: “I just want to share this with the whole team. It’s great to see the club being recognised with all the awards.
      “I think it shows how far we’ve come as a club and what we’re doing this year is very special.”
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      Mikel Arteta scooped up best manager prize while Bukayo Saka won the young player of the year award.
      Arsenal have been the best team in London over the last year and leas the Premier League by five points. More

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      Marc Cucurella hopes his Chelsea resurgence will earn Spain recall for clash against Erling Haaland’s Norway

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      MARC CUCURELLA hopes his Chelsea revival will be rewarded with a 90-minute test against goal machine Erling Haaland.Spain boss Luis de la Fuente names his squad on Friday for the Euro 2024 qualifying double header against Norway and Scotland.
      Cucurella hopes his Chelsea revival will see him return for Spain as they launch their Euro 2024 qualifiers with two games in a weekCredit: Getty
      Cucurella is getting back on track after finding it hard to adjust to life at Chelsea following a £62m move from Brighton last summer during which he endured personal problems.
      The family home was robbed while his partner was expecting their third child and the full back was booed by his own supporters.
      But daughter Bella was born safely two and a half weeks ago and that coincided with a huge upturn in the full back’s performance levels.
      To the extent that he was voted Man of the Match in Chelsea’s exciting 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund last week that fired the club into the quarter finals of the Champions League.
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      And having been left out completely by boss Graham Potter recently, Cucurella has completed the last two matches, with Chelsea winning both.
      Sources close to Cucurella insist the left back is much more settled now and that the huge transformation at Chelsea following the ownership change even affected the new players who signed last year.

      The source added: “Marc is more motivated than ever now.”
      Cucurella played at U-18, U-20 and U-23 level for Spain under de la Fuente.
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      He also earned his only senior cap under him in June 2021 when head coach Vicente del Bosque missed a game through Covid.
      De la Fuente has already made informal contact with Cucurella and his Chelsea team-mate and keeper Kepa to let them know he is impressed by their recent performances.
      Spain play Norway on Saturday week when Manchester City’s 33-goal hitman Haaland will head to Malaga in blistering form. More

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      Southampton vs Brentford LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as the Saints look to build on Man Utd draw against the Bees

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      SOUTHAMPTON continue to strive for Premier League survival with a tough encounter against Brentford.The Saints held Manchester United to a stalemate with a big helping hand from Casemiro who was shown a red card in the first half.
      But they come up against a Bees side who will be eager to get back to winning ways after a shocking loss to Everton.

      Kick-off time: Wednesday, March 15 – 7:30pm GMT
      TV channel: Not televised in the UK.

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      5 surprise packages who have offered excellent value for money for Dream Team bosses this season

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      THE likes of Kevin De Bruyne (£7.6m), Mohamed Salah (£8.9m) and Harry Kane (£7.5m) have plundered plenty of Dream Team points so far this season but their success is almost taken for granted at this stage of their careers.Gaffers will always rely on a host of big names but it’s often the savvy differentials who make the difference when it comes to the mini-league rankings.
      This season has featured its fair share of surprise packages and here we’ve identified the five most impactful.
      Fabian Schar (£4m)
      A clean sheet machine
      Newcastle’s defensive dominance has been one of the defining features of this Dream Team campaign.
      The Magpies have conceded just 18 league goals this term, seven fewer than Manchester City and Arsenal, the next-best defences.
      Kieran Trippier (£6m) leads the way among defenders with 192 points and while the extent of his success has been a surprise, the fact he was among the most-selected players prior to Game Week 1 is proof that gaffers had faith in him.
      In contrast, few if any would have anticipated the Swiss centre-back’s towering points tally.
      Schar made his intentions clear with a 18-point haul in Game Week 1 and his current total of 126 is still only bettered by Trippier overall.
      The 31-year-old started at just £2million and has returned 15 clean sheets to date – gaffers who jumped on early were handsomely rewarded.
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      Kaoru Mitoma (£3.9m)
      A breakout starCredit: getty
      Brighton’s No22 averages 4.4 points-per-game, a rate only bettered by Phil Foden (£5.2m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£7.6m) among midfielders to have played at least three games.
      A skilful winger, Mitoma has scored eight goals and provided four assists in the last 14 Game Weeks for one of the league’s most enterprising attacking outfits.
      Solly March (£3.5m) and Alexis Mac Allister (£3.2m) have also benefited from Roberto De Zerbi’s entertaining tactics but it’s the Japan international who leads the way among the trio with 109 points.
      He’s the leading asset in his position among those without European commitments to bolster his schedule – and he didn’t register his first point until Game Week 12!
      Gabriel Martinelli (£3.7m)
      A soon-to-be Premier League champion?Credit: GETTY
      In many ways, Arsenal as a whole have been the surprise package of the season.
      The Gunners failed to make top four in 2021/22 but are in a great position to win the Premier League this term with 11 fixtures remaining.
      And their Brazilian No11 has more than played his part with 12 league goals, including five in his last five outings.
      Bukayo Saka (£5.4m) and Gabriel Jesus (£5.3m) were well backed back in August but it soon became apparent that Martinelli was the value-for-money goal threat.
      The 21-year-old’s form deserted him briefly but he’s responded brilliantly in recent weeks and is now the sixth-best forward in the game.
      Having previously been either a rotation option or an impact substitute, Martinelli is now firmly a regular and, given his age, he should only get better in the coming years.
      Miguel Almiron (£3.3m)
      The season of his lifeCredit: GETTY
      The Paraguayan winger has scored more Premier League goals this season than in his previous four campaigns combined!
      That stat alone justifies his presence in this list as many of the Dream Team managers who previously wouldn’t have given him a second thought have transferred him into their XIs in recent months.
      Only five players have netted more than Almiron’s 11 league goals and he’s among the eleven midfielders with a century of points to their names.
      And like Mitoma, he’s done it without European fixtures.
      Casemiro (£3.1m)
      Look at the broader picture
      A pair of red cards have checked the five-time Champions League winner’s progress of late but in the context of the whole season he deserves plenty of praise.
      He too is among the select group of midfielders on 100+ points having provided superb value-for-money from the get-go.
      Casemiro arrived at Manchester United as a decorated, world-class player but the reason his success in the world of Dream Team has come as a surprise is because he primarily does the dirty work in midfield.
      Defensive anchors are a vital component of any team but, generally speaking, Dream Team gaffers should utilise wingers, playmakers and borderline second strikers when selecting their midfield.
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      Old Trafford’s new favourite Brazilian has improved the solidity of Erik ten Hag’s side but he’s also chipped in with ten goal involvements (five goals, five assists).
      Of course, he’s now got to serve a four-game domestic suspension so his backers will need to find a replacement. More

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      Alejandro Garnacho reveals devastating injury update after Man Utd star spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO has provided an update on social media after suffering an injury against Southampton.The Manchester United youngster went down under a challenge from Saints ace Kyle Walker-Peters late on in Sunday’s 0-0 draw.
      Alejandro Garnacho suffered the injury following a tackle from Southampton defender Kyle Walker-PetersCredit: Rex
      Garnacho went down in pain but initially tried to play onCredit: Rex
      The teenager was eventually replaced in the last minute of the match following the tackle in the 82nd minuteCredit: Getty

      Garnacho was then spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches after the match.
      And now the 18-year-old has revealed on Instagram that he is set for a spell on the sidelines.
      The teenager confirmed he has been forced to withdraw from the Argentina squad for this month’s internationals.
      As well as Argentina’s games against Panama and Curacao, he will also miss United’s upcoming fixtures against Real Betis and Fulham in the Europa League and FA Cup ahead of the break.
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      He did not put a timeline on his return to action.
      Garnacho wrote: “It is difficult to put into words how I’m feeling right now.
      “Unfortunately I will not be able to help my team and team mates in the upcoming games in what is a very important part of the season for us at Manchester United.
      “I am disappointed to also miss the opportunity to be with my team mates of the Argentinian National Team in what would have been a great and proud moment for me and my family.
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      “This is part of football and our profession, however, I am already focused in my recovery. 
      “God has taught me to never give up and I will make sure I am back stronger than ever!”
      Walker-Peters wished Garnacho well on social media following his challenge, while United’s Instagram account replied to the winger’s post.
      The Red Devils wrote: “A better Alejandro will emerge after this. Wishing you a safe and speedy recovery, @Garnacho7.”
      Garnacho, a 73rd minute sub, was replaced by Fred in the 90th minute after trying to play on after suffering the injury.
      The Red Devils are yet to confirm exactly how long Garnacho will be out of action for.
      After forcing his way into Erik ten Hag’s first team this season, Garnacho has scored four goals and provided five assists in 29 games in all competitions. More