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      Mason Greenwood could be forced to take part in TV interview to resurrect Man Utd career

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      MASON Greenwood could be ‘exposed’ to a grilling in a TV interview if Manchester United reintroduce him to their first-team squad.The striker, 21, has not played for the club since charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour were brought against him in October last year.
      Mason Greenwood could phase a TV interview as part of his return to Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
      Reports suggest it could form part of a ‘phased’ approach to his comebackCredit: AFP
      He remains suspended by the club but all charges against him were dropped in February and he could make a return to Old Trafford if he is cleared by an internal investigation.
      Now, though, he could face a TV interview as part of a “phased approach” to his comeback, according to a report in The Athletic.
      Sources told the outlet: “Under the scenario Greenwood stays, United would be likely to follow a phased process, taking into account the sentiment of fan groups, sponsors and the women’s team at differing stages.
      “It would include encouraging Greenwood to receive a form of counselling or therapy, ahead of a possible broader rehabilitation.
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      “It has also been suggested that such an approach may also include exposing Greenwood to a television interview in which he is challenged on the events that have taken him to this point.”
      They added that the club “may seek to frame him as a young man who has made mistakes and is remorseful for his actions” and believe they have a responsibility to rehabilitate him.
      It comes after The Sun revealed that Greenwood is set to become a father for the first time as his partner has become pregnant.
      A source close to the couple said: “They and their families are both very happy and really looking forward to the baby’s arrival.”
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      We also reported that he had met club bosses face to face for the first time since the charges against him were dropped as he bids to make his Red Devils return.
      The Sun on Sunday previously told how manager Erik ten Hag had held a telephone conversation with Greenwood after the charges were dropped.
      Meanwhile, The Sun revealed that the Three Lions ace had secret meetings with his teammates after the case against him was withdrawn.
      However, Greenwood’s hopes of a return to Old Trafford were endangered amid opposition from United’s female stars.
      The women’s team were said to be “disturbed” by the prospect of his return.
      Likewise, female fans of the club said that they felt he should never play for the club again.
      Meanwhile, a top sports lawyer said Greenwood may have lost “millions” after being dropped by major sponsors Nike.
      A PR expert added that any club taking him on, should United let him go, would take on a huge financial risk.
      Despite this, a Champions League team have made “enquiries” over a possible transfer, while Greenwood himself was reported to be eyeing a move abroad to restart his career if he’s dropped by his current club.
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      Other European clubs are understood to have enquired about the star and his potential new league was revealed yesterday.
      Manchester United declined to comment.
      Greenwood hasn’t played for the Red Devils since being charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour last OctoberCredit: Getty
      All charges against him were dropped in FebruaryCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea vs Leeds: Potter fighting for his job against fierce rivals in do or die Premier League tie – TV and stream info

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      GRAHAM POTTER knows he’s in trouble at Chelsea.The Blues boss was promised time to stamp his authority on the new-look squad – much like Mikel Arteta was trusted for his long-term project at Arsenal.
      Graham Potter is under intense pressure at Chelsea and could be sacked if they lose to LeedsCredit: Getty
      The trouble is, Chelsea have been utterly dreadful.
      New owner Todd Boehly has wasted no time making big decisions since taking over from Roman Abramovich.
      The American has already overseen the sacking of Thomas Tuchel – who helped the Blues win the Champions League – and a staggering £600million transfer splurge.
      And just six months after Tuchel was given the boot, Potter may be set to follow.
      Read more on Chelsea
      The ex-Brighton boss has been given two games to save his job, according to reports.
      But, make no mistake, a massacre at home to fierce rivals Leeds this Saturday could see the Stamford Bridge axe swung once more.
      The Yorkshire side are sitting just one point and one place above the relegation zone – but under new management following Javi Gracia’s arrival, they’ll be fighting tooth and nail to keep their Premier League status.
      Incredibly, Chelsea only sit nine points above Leeds down in a barely-believable tenth place – all the more embarrassing given their outrageous spending.
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      Chelsea have been terrible in front of goal this season
      Rodrigo is Leeds’ top scorer this season
      And don’t forget, Leeds battered the Blues 3-0 at Elland Road earlier this season – so they’ve got form.
      At some point, something has to give.
      Boehly won’t necessarily want to sack Potter.
      But given the money thrown at the squad, for the former Seagulls man to boast the WORST record of any Chelsea boss in Premier League history is borderline humiliating for everyone involved at the club.
      What is their form like?
      Chelsea: Bad. Very, very bad.
      The Blues haven’t won a match since the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on January 15.
      Most-recently, Chelsea have lost back-to-back league games against Tottenham and Southampton, as well as the 1-0 Champions League defeat at Borussia Dortmund.
      Leeds: Up and down.
      They snatched a vital win against Southampton in their relegation six-pointer at the weekend to give their survival hopes a massive boost.
      But they lost in their FA Cup fifth round clash against Fulham 2-0 midweek.
      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      Chelsea: Thiago Silva was forced to leave the pitch on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Harry Kane fell on the 38-year-old following a challenge from the Brazilian.
      Christian Pulisic, N’Golo Kante, Cesar Azpilicueta, Edouard Mendy and Armando Broja will all be unavailable for the visit of Leeds on Saturday.
      However, the Blues will welcome the return of Mateo Kovacic, who is expected to return to the squad.
      Leeds: Gracia will certainly be without Rodrigo who is facing up to four weeks out after an injury picked up at the end of the FA Cup game against Accrington Stanley at the end of January.
      Stuart Dallas remains a long-term absentee with a thigh injury.
      Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk are expected to be available for the trip to the Bridge. While, the Chelsea game should come too soon for Adam Forshaw.

      Who will be the star men?
      Chelsea: Joao Felix.
      With approximately 100 forwards in the squad, it’s hard to know who could emerge from the shadows and be a hero.
      While Mykhailo Mudryk aims to avoid falling foul of the “007 curse” – zero goals and zero assists in seven games – the likes of Noni Madueke, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz will all be keen to impress.
      But Felix has looked classy in fits and spurts since joining Chelsea and could be the one to watch.
      Leeds: Willy Gnonto.
      He’s looked so exciting this season, the Blues had better keep an eye on him.
      Gnonto has managed only two goals in 13 Premier League games this season, but his performances have been electric.
      When is Chelsea vs Leeds?

      Chelsea vs Leeds will take place on Saturday, March 4.
      The game will kick off at 3pm UK time.
      Stamford Bridge will be the venue.

      Is Chelsea vs Leeds on TV?

      Unfortunately, the game won’t be shown live on TV in the UK due to the game being scheduled to play during the 3pm blackout.
      You can keep up to date will all the action on our SunSport live blog.

      Odds

      Chelsea – 8/13
      Draw – 14/5
      Leeds – 9/2

      Read More on The Sun
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at the time of publication.
      SunSport prediction
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      Roberto Firmino ‘tells Liverpool and boss Jurgen Klopp he’s leaving in summer’ with striker available on free transfer

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      ROBERTO FIRMINO is set to leave Liverpool this summer, reports claim.Sky in Germany are reporting that the Brazilian forward has informed Jurgen Klopp that he wants to leave the club.
      Roberto Firmino will reportedly leave Liverpool in the summerCredit: Rex
      Firmino is claimed to have told Jurgen Klopp that he wants to move on at the end of the seasonCredit: PA
      It’s claimed Firmino had a “good talk” with Anfield gaffer Klopp on Friday after training.
      The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has reportedly decided to move on to pastures new.
      He will depart after eight years at the club, but has vowed to fight for Klopp until the end of the campaign.
      Sky say Firmino is yet to choose his next challenge.
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      Reports earlier this year claimed Firmino was in talks with Liverpool over a new deal.
      But it is now thought he will leave Liverpool in the summer as a free agent.

      Firmino has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup during his time at Anfield.
      He joined the club from German side Hoffenheim for £29million in the summer of 2015.
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      In total he has scored 107 goals and provided 78 assists in 352 games for the Reds.
      Alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Firmino was part of a fearsome front three that helped the Reds to so much success in recent years.
      And despite the recent arrivals of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo in his position, Firmino still has seven goals in 16 Prem outings this season.
      However, he has reportedly decided to leave the club with regular game time becoming harder to come by.
      His 78 goals in the Premier League are the most by a Brazilian in the competition’s history. More

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      Nottingham Forest vs Everton LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as Toffees look to recover from Arsenal loss – stream, TV

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      EVERTON travel to the City Ground for a Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest – and three points is a must.The Toffees got humiliated by Arsenal in their midweek fixture.
      However, Forest have also suffered a recent beat down at the hands of relegation-battling West Ham.

      Kick-off time: Sunday, March 5 – 2pm GMT
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Premier League

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      Roy Keane picks Virgil Van Dijk as only Liverpool player to get into Man Utd’s treble-winning team from 1999

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      ROY KEANE believes Virgil van Dijk would be the only Liverpool star from their 2019-20 season to break into Manchester United’s treble-winning side.The former midfielder, now 51, was an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team that won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1998-99.
      Roy Keane would only select Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool’s 2019-20 team to get into Manchester United’s treble winners side
      The Dutch star got the nod over Ronny Johnsen to partner Jaap Stam in defenceCredit: Rex Features

      But despite Liverpool now being one of the biggest forces in the Premier League, he reckons Van Dijk is the single player who could improve that team.
      Keane and Jamie Carragher selected their combined XIs on Monday Night Football in February 2020 from Liverpool’s 2019-20 squad and United’s 1998-99 team.
      And they certainly had a few differing opinions – but did at least agree on Van Dijk replacing Ronny Johnsen.
      Carragher said: “I don’t think it’s a big decision, put Van Dijk in next to [Jaap] Stam. But who’s the best out of those two?”

      Keane concurred: “I’m a big fan of Van Dijk. The guy’s a machine, but Jaap was a machine, Jaap was fantastic.
      “Van Dijk [is] a touch better on the ball. The two of them together you can’t imagine conceding too many goals.”
      Both former Prem stars picked Peter Schmeichel in goal with fellow United heroes Jaap Stam, Denis Irwin, David Beckham, Keane himself – despite by his own admission being a ‘very average player’ – Paul Scholes and Dwight Yorke.
      And the pair also opted for Liverpool’s colossus Van Dijk to partner Stam at the heart of the defence.

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      DISAGREEMENTS
      But it was at right-back and in attack they struggled to agree.
      The Irishman opted for former team-mate Ryan Giggs on the left with Andy Cole up top alongside Yorke – Carragher, meanwhile, decided to bring in Mo Salah and now-Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane to form a deadly front three.
      Keane was left stunned when Carragher said: “Giggs is not getting in my team. Judging him on the 1999 season, do you know how many goals he scored that season?
      “I think Mane is the best left-sided winger in the world. Giggs, one of the best, but I don’t think at any stage he was the best.”
      Giggs managed three league goals in the treble-winning campaign and Keane refused to leave the Welshman out.
      Jamie Carragher opted for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane in his team
      He added: “Giggs did it year in, year out. Look what Giggsy did in the semi-final [of the FA Cup], tell me another player on this planet that could’ve done what he did against Arsenal.
      “The key to me is being a consistent player. I’ve got loyalty towards Giggsy, I don’t know Mane.”
      Keane eventually selected Gary Neville at full-back – not just because he gets Salford tickets for him – while Carragher snubbed his Sky Sports colleague, favouring Liverpool sensation Trent Alexander-Arnold instead.
      The ex-United man added: “I’d bring Van Dijk in, maybe the right-back, but leave the rest, 4-4-2. If they go on and win the treble this year, we’ll have a different conversation.”
      Liverpool didn’t win a historic treble, though they did claim their first top-flight title since 1990.
      The pair both wanted Keane in their team, despite the Irishman himself confessing he was a ‘very average player’Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The former Premier League stars selected their teams on Monday Night Football back in 2020Credit: Sky Sports More

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      Former Man Utd star Alan Smith says he struggles to walk 17 years after John Arne Riise’s shot broke his leg in FA Cup

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      FORMER England striker Alan Smith reveald he struggles to walk 17 years after a John Arne Riise free-kick broke his leg.The ex-Manchester United hitman suffered a broken leg and a dislocated ankle when blocking the Liverpool defender’s shot during a FA Cup fifth-round clash against Liverpool at Anfield in 2006.
      Alan Smith spent three years at Manchester United and suffered a gruesome broken leg in 2006Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Credit: PA:Press Association
      Smith has revealed that he is still struggling with his injury 12 years later
      He was stretchered off on gas and air before being sidelined for monthsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Sir Alex Ferguson described the incident – which left Smith with “about ten pins” in his ankle – as one of the worst injuries he had seen.
      Smith, now 42, made his comeback for United seven months later after the horrific injury and was still playing for League Two side Notts County until 2018.
      And that year, Smith admitted he still suffered from the consequences.
      The 19-cap England international said: “I knew with the injury it would be touch and go whether I could carry on playing – the surgeon said that.
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      “It would have been easier to walk away and people remember you as a top Premier League player.
      “But I didn’t want that, because I loved playing football. Your love of it makes you go through the pain barrier.
      “Most of people I have played with, and managers, have respected me for staying in football when it would have been easy to walk away.
      “But I dropped down to the Championship, dropped down to League One and dropped down to League Two.
      “Loads of people would say to me, ‘Why I am bothering?’ Whether I was earning £500-a-week or nothing, if people felt I could still contribute I wanted to keep playing.”
      Smith continued to the Mirror: “The injury made me a better person after doing so well so young.
      “I learnt at any time, football can be over. I am lucky through sheer grit and determination I carried on playing.
      “The good people I met lower down the leagues probably drove me on to stay in football longer. But by the end, the day-to-day training was doing more harm than good.
      A free-kick from John Arne Riise caused the injury
      Smith dropped three leagues down in 2012 to Milton Keynes and Notts CountyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Smith started his career with Leeds and scored in his first-team debut against Liverpool, aged 18Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “I couldn’t compete at a level I felt I could easily before. I get out of bed and can’t walk properly, my ankle is stiff all the time.
      “I went for a run in the summer and managed to do a couple of miles but stopped and started walking because my ankle was hurting. I went back last month and the surgeon said, ‘I don’t want you doing any straight-line running’, just because it will damage the joint.
      “It is always difficult to walk away but when you see someone and they don’t want you running, you know it is the right decision. I have no regrets. For me, I see retiring early being the easy option.”
      Smith started his career at Leeds and then joined Man Utd in 2004 for £7million.
      He then went on to enjoy a spell at Newcastle three years later, making 84 appearances.
      In 2012, Smith dropped down the divisions with MK Dons and Notts County.
      After retiring following his release from Notts County, he applied for a US visa so that he could move to Florida in his quest to coach youngsters.
      Smith was released by Notts County at the end of the 2017-18 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Smith’s dream of coaching in America eventually came true with XL Soccer Academy in Orlando – where he serves as Academy Director.
      The Yorkshireman said: “The goal of The XL Academy is to produce National Team players while giving every student the opportunity to perform to their greatest potential on the field and in the classroom.” More

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      Gary Neville tells Harry Kane he must quit Tottenham NOW with Man Utd transfer his ‘only option’

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      GARY NEVILLE thinks that Harry Kane must leave Tottenham now, insisting the only transfer possible is to Manchester United. The pundit believes the striker should quit Spurs in the hunt to win trophies after failing to land any silverware so far in his career.
      Gary Neville has suggested now is the time for Harry Kane to leave TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane’s only remaining chance of winning something this season is the Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup by Sheffield United earlier this week, leaving the Champions League as Kane’s only chance to secure a trophy this season.
      Neville believes he is the missing piece for his former club and he should move to Old Trafford in the summer.
      He told Sky Sports: “Harry Kane is going to want to win trophies, I think.
      “It’s whether he sees it as being a case whereby he commits to Tottenham for his last five years and he does what some players have done.
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      “Matt Le Tissier did it at Southampton. Other players have done it in the past who have played for England, where they’ve committed to a club because they love the club and they look after them.
      “But if Harry is going to leave, I think now is the moment.
      “He is a wonderful player, he’s a great professional, and I think if Harry Kane could leave now, and you could get him an exit out of there to a club in Manchester probably, United or City, I think he would take that opportunity.
      “It’s more than likely not going to be City because of their [Erling] Haaland expenditure and what they’ve done with him, but Manchester United are desperate for a centre-forward.
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      “Tottenham fans will be furious with me, they’ll say it’s me coming on television trying to get their player to Manchester United. It’s not.
      “It just looks to me at this moment in time the most likely move.
      “Chelsea, I can’t see him going there. He’s quite loyal to Tottenham and there’s a big rivalry with Chelsea, so I don’t see that happening, even though they do need a centre-forward. 
      “He’s not going to go to Arsenal because of the rivalry, so Manchester United is the only option in England for Harry Kane this summer.”
      Spurs’ record goalscorer sees his contract expire at the club in the summer of 2024.
      Kane has been linked with switches to Bayern Munich and Man Utd.
      Neville previously stated he thinks adding him to Erik ten Hag’s current squad will lead to them winning the Premier League title next year.
      The ex-right-back also talked up the possibility of the Red Devils signing Declan Rice from West Ham. More

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      Gary Neville tells Man Utd target Declan Rice to QUIT West Ham… but says he’s worth NOWHERE near £100m transfer demands

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      GARY NEVILLE believes Declan Rice needs to move on and “play at a different club”.But the Manchester United legend suggested Rice’s position as a holding midfielder means he is worth nowhere near the Hammers’ £100million asking price.
      Declan Rice has been linked with a summer move away from West HamCredit: Alamy
      Gary Neville has urged Rice to join a new clubCredit: Rex
      West Ham boss David Moyes previously claimed it will cost a British transfer record for Rice to leave the club.
      Roy Keane recently suggested he hasn’t “kicked on” enough this season to justify such an enormous price tag.
      The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with a big summer move for the 24-year-old.
      But United legend Neville admitted he agrees with former Old Trafford team-mate Keane’s view that Rice can still improve as a midfielder.
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      He told Sky Sports: “I heard what Roy said and I do agree with him.”
      He went on to add: “I personally feel at this moment in time that Declan does need to go and work under a different set up.
      “He needs to drive forward in his career, he needs to go and play at a different club.”
      Neville claimed Rice needs to move on from West Ham, but he wouldn’t spend over £100m on the midfielder if he were Manchester United.
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      The Old Trafford icon suggested there is a “cap” on what teams should be willing to pay for a holding midfield player.
      Neville continued: “For me, I wouldn’t be spending £110-120million on Declan Rice if I was Manchester United this summer.
      “I would spend £50 [or] £60million on Declan Rice but I wouldn’t be spending £100 or £120million which is what is being reported.
      “Because I feel in that position, I still feel like he’s a lot of growth.”
      Neville continued: “I think a holding midfield player, a player who sort of connects the back to the front and sort of links play, to me that feels like a cap of about £50-60million, £65million.
      “It doesn’t feel like a £100m position.”
      The TV pundit admitted Rice still has a long way to go to reach the levels of United ace Casemiro and Manchester City star Rodri – masters of the holding position.
      Neville concluded: “I think he’s a brilliant lad.
      “But I agree with some of Roy’s points that I think there’s a lot of growth and lot to do for Declan to do to get up to the levels of Casemiro [and] Rodri, players are playing at the tops of their games in those positions.” More