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      I came on as a sub for Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd – now I help stop footballers from getting scammed like I did

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      DANIEL NARDIELLO boasts an impressive claim to fame after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United.But now he is helping other footballers ensure they are not victims of their own success following his personal scam struggles.
      Cristiano Ronaldo won eight trophies during his time at Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
      He was replaced on his Carling Cup debut by Daniel NardielloCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Nardiello, 40, progressed through the Red Devils academy and made four first-team appearances but none in the Premier League.
      The last of those came in a shock 2-0 defeat to West Brom in the 2003-04 Carling Cup, Ronaldo’s first appearance in the competition.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Portuguese superstar, who went on to win eight major honours under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford before joining Real Madrid in 2009, lasted 77 minutes before Nardiello came on for the final minutes.
      The Coventry-born attacker recalled the match and said: “I remember him signing, he was in and around the club but I didn’t realise I’d come on for him.
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      “I remember coming on, West Brom is not too far from where I grew up, so I knew a few people in the stadium. But I had no idea I’d come on for Ronaldo.
      “You knew he was good, but you’d never predict he would go on to do what he’s done, one of the best players that’s ever lived. But who could predict that?
      “He was a tall, skinny teenager, younger than me with broken English. He was impressive.
      “I remember always seeing him in the gym, working his butt off, he’s always had that work ethic and that’s why he’s done what he has. He’s got unbelievable ability, but he went that extra mile.
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      “Fergie always used to say you can be an unbelievable player, but if you haven’t got that work ethic, you won’t get anywhere.
      “Ronaldo took that on board, or had it built in him, and he worked and worked. He’s still an absolute machine. But that’s what all elite athletes have to be like.”
      Nardiello had loans with Swansea and Barnsley from United, before making the switch to Oakwell permanent in 2005.
      He went on to enjoy a journeyman in the EFL with spells at QPR, Blackpool, Exeter, Rotherham, Bury and more.
      The three-cap Wales international retired in 2017, finishing his career with Bangor City.
      Now, though, he is helping footballers to protect their finances after his own turmoil with money.
      ‘MONEY NOW IS INSANE’
      Nardiello added to the Daily Star: “I work with anybody and everybody.
      “I do have quite a few footballers as clients, which is great because I can help prepare for life after football, get them saving and investing in the best possible way.
      “I’ve got more than 50 professional players. But I do work with business owners, lawyers, solicitors, all sort of jobs.
      “The money now is insane, but it was good money then too. All of a sudden, you’re 17 and you’re earning £50,000 a year. This is 23 years ago. It’s a hell of a lot of money.
      “Players are in with their clubs a lot more often than when I was playing. You would be in at training for 10am, you’re done at 1.30pm, you’ve got all this time to kill.
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      “There is a lot of temptation out there. There are a lot of conmen out there, specifically when I was playing, who want to take advantage of footballers.
      “I was taken advantage of when I was younger, long story short, I got 90 per cent of my money back, but it’s not always a happy ending.”
      Nardiello had a stint with Bury towards the end of his playing careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Erik ten Hag hailed as ‘genius’ after Man Utd fans spot tactics sheets on dressing room wall after Carabao Cup final win

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      CARABAO Cup-winning Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is being hailed as a “genius” for nullifying Newcastle’s attacking threat from set-pieces.The Red Devils won their first trophy since 2017 with a 2-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
      Erik ten Hag had in-depth tactics sheets on how to nullify Newcastle’s threat from set-piecesCredit: Instagram
      United beat Newcastle 2-0 in Sunday’s finalCredit: Instagram
      Ten Hag won his first piece of silverware in EnglandCredit: Alamy
      Summer signing Casemiro opened the scoring in the first half, and a deflected Marcus Rashford shot sent Man Utd in at half-time with a two-goal lead.
      Man Utd’s defensive work proved just as important to winning the Carabao Cup – Ten Hag’s first trophy at the club.
      They came up against a Newcastle side who’s success has been heavily built on their size and physicality.
      Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar all possess an attacking threat from set-pieces.
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      Across all competitions, Newcastle have scored 12 goals from set-pieces – the eighth highest out of all Premier League teams.
      So Ten Hag came up with a plan – and then plastered it on the changing room wall to ensure his team knew how to stop Newcastle’s set-piece threat.
      It worked, with United successfully dealing with six Newcastle corners and multiple dangerous free-kicks, with set-piece wizard Kieran Trippier standing over the ball.
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      Having spotted the tactics sheets on the wall, one fan said of Ten Hag on Twitter: “Newcastle have been one of the most dangerous teams from attacking set-pieces this season.
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      “Ten Hag’s preparation for those situations paid off.”
      Another tweeted: “I was nervous for those set pieces and though a couple were a bit hairy I felt we dealt with them well.”
      A third added: “Tactical genius.”
      Ten Hag was delighted to win his first piece of silverware at Old Trafford.
      The Dutchman said: “It is about glory and honour and if you want to prove something and win something you have to do it because no one is bringing something to you in top football.
      “You have to win the first [trophy] and that is what we did today.
      “You can take inspiration from this, but also more confidence.
      “We are still at the start [of the process] to restore Man United to where they belong.
      “We showed the right spirit – we fought and gave everything, as a team.
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      “It wasn’t always the best football but it was effective. There is a hunger and desire for trophies.” More

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      No defender has produced more Dream Team points than Emerson Royal in the last fortnight

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      WHO had an Emerson Royal (£4m) renaissance on their 2023 bingo card?The 24-year-old has often been a figure of ridicule since his move to Tottenham, making himself an easy target for internet trolls by revealing that he has spent almost £1million of his own money on additional good and services in an attempt to improve his game.
      While the Brazilian wing-back seems a wholehearted enough player, a montage of his worst performances in the last year would make for comedic viewing, unless you’re among the Tottenham Hotspur faithful, in which case it would scarier than The Blair Witch Project.
      Royal has found some unexpected form
      When the club announced the signing of Pedro Porro (£2.3m) in January, it seemed as if Royal’s playing time would be dramatically cut.
      However, he has responded to the challenge admirably, particularly in the realm of Dream Team where he has banked 30 points in his last two appearances.
      Royal opened the scoring against West Ham in Game Week 23, combining with opposite wing-back Ben Davies (£3.5m) for a goal typical of an Antonio Conte team, and ultimately contributed to a clean sheet as well to top the match ratings and register an 18-point haul.
      A second successive 2-0 win for Spurs in a London derby, this time against Chelsea on Sunday, meant another clean sheet for Royal and, despite his yellow card, he edged out Oliver Skipp (£1m) and Harry Kane (£8m) to claim the Star Man award once again to add 12 points to his overall tally.
      No other defender has produced as many points in the same time frame.
      Admittedly, that’s a small sample size but a broader view is also flattering; Royal has earned 65 points since the start of Game Week 16 at an average of 5.9 points-per-outing.
      Thriving in the world of Dream Team
      This unexpected surge has propelled Spurs’ No12 up to 13th in the rankings among assets in his position.
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      Incredibly, he now boasts a better total than Manchester City’s best-performing defender this season, Nathan Ake (£3.9m).
      Royal also has more points than Virgil van Dijk (£4.7m) and William Saliba (£2.7m), both among the most-popular players in the game, which is notable because his ownership currently sits at just 0.8%.
      A quick glance at the schedule suggests his purple patch may last a few more weeks yet.
      Spurs play Sheffield United in the FA Cup this Wednesday before taking on Wolves, Milan, Nottingham Forest and Southampton.
      The vast majority of Dream Team gaffers would have discarded Royal as a possibility a long time ago but the numbers don’t lie. More

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      Enzo Fernandez’s poor start at Chelsea continues as alarming stat about Premier League record transfer comes to light

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ’S poor start to life at Chelsea has continued with a worrying Premier League stat coming to light.The World Cup-winning Argentine, 22, joined the Blues from Benfica in January for a British transfer record.
      Enzo Fernandez has been dribbled past three times a game in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Argentine is struggling to adjust to life in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea shelled out £106million on the midfielder, adding to the £200m-plus already spent in the winter window.
      However, Fernandez is yet to win a game with the Stamford Bridge club.
      He has played five games across all competitions for Chelsea, losing three and drawing two.
      And he is struggling to adjust to life in the Prem in particular, with a concerning stat coming to light.
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      According to WhoScored.com, no player in Europe’s Top Five Leagues is being dribbled past more times per game than Fernandez, since his move to Chelsea.
      He is being dribbled past an astonishing three times per game.
      Chelsea lost their last outing 2-0 to London rivals Tottenham.
      And Fernandez played a role in Spurs’ opening goal.
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      The Argentine fluffed his clearance, which fell into the path of Oliver Skipp, who cannoned a shot in off the underside of the crossbar.
      However, fans have been quick to dismiss the woeful stat.
      One said on Twitter: “He’s alone in the midfield playing with a mediocre manager who doesn’t know how to use him and not in his natural position but you must run your agenda.”
      On the other hand, rival fans have been less forgiving.
      A Manchester United fan declared: “When I said that Fred is better than this guy Chelsea fans cooked me.”
      Enzo Fernandez’s Premier League stats More

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      Barcelona ace Raphinha suffers bizarre injury blow after kicking FRIDGE in anger following Man Utd draw in Europa League

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      BARCELONA star Raphinha suffered a bizarre injury after kicking a FRIDGE following the club’s Europa League clash with Manchester United.Man Utd and Barcelona played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp.
      Raphinha starred in the Europa League first leg against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      But his frustration at being subbed off saw him kick out at a fridge, causing an injuryCredit: Getty
      Despite the 26-year-old being a danger throughout, contributing a goal and assist in the game, he was subbed off in the 82nd minute.
      Raphinha was visibly frustrated at his withdrawal, and was seen punching Marcos Alonso’s seat on the bench.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, he also kicked out at a FRIDGE that was storing water, but has been made to regret his outburst against the appliance as he suffered a knee injury for his troubles.
      Indeed, the injury left the Brazilian unable to start the weekend fixture against Cadiz.
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      Raphinha was able to return to the starting XI for the second leg against United, but was unable to repeat his first leg heroics.
      Instead, compatriots Fred and Antony proved the difference as they both scored to complete a second half comeback for Erik ten Hag’s side.
      Raphinha was once again benched this weekend for the LaLiga outing against Almeria, with Barca falling to a shock 1-0 defeat.
      This result has allowed reigning champions Real Madrid to close the gap to the league leaders to seven points after Los Blancos’ draw in the Madrid derby.
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      Barca’s next game is against their historic rivals in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey
      Raphinha has struggled to live up to expectations since his big money transfer from Leeds in the summer.
      He has scored seven times and added nine assists in 34 games, though 14 of these appearances have originated from off the bench.
      Meanwhile, former team-mate and ex-Barca star Junior Firpo slammed the Nou Camp for having “more tourists than fans”, claiming Elland Road was a better stadium. More

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      Man Utd fans ‘love Erik ten Hag more every day’ after boss gives academy prospect pep talk moments after Carabao Cup win

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have hailed Erik ten Hag after he took the time to give teenager Kobbie Mainoo a pep talk during their Carabao Cup celebrations.The Red Devils ended their six-year wait for silverware at Wembley as they beat Newcastle 2-0 to lift the League Cup.
      Erik ten Hag was spotted speaking to Kobbie Mainoo during the celebrationsCredit: ESPN

      The Man Utd boss left Mainoo with a beaming smile on his faceCredit: ESPN
      Ten Hag, 52, has been credited with a sensational turnaround at Old Trafford as the club eye more trophies before the end of the season.
      And the Dutchman was keen to ensure every member of his squad felt a part of Sunday’s triumph.
      This was typified by his chat with 17-year-old Mainoo – who has made one start for Man Utd this season.
      The former Ajax head coach walked over to the teenager and had a brief chat with him.
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      And it left Mainoo with a beaming smile on his face as United supporters hailed the manager’s style.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “Love this man more every day”.
      Another added: “Look at this… teaching the next generation. He can enjoy the now, but he has his eye on the future. We have a very special manager on our hands here.”
      And a third responded: “Nah this guy could take Man Utd back to the top”.
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      Mainoo is a highly-rated talent and started their 3-0 win over Charlton in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
      Meanwhile, United are still in with a chance of picking up THREE more trophies this season.
      They are into the fifth round of the FA Cup and last-16 of the Europa League.
      There is also an outside possibility of them winning the Premier League title if Arsenal and Manchester City both falter.
      They sit eight points adrift of the Gunners with 14 games remaining.
      Ten Hag led Man Utd to their first major trophy since 2017Credit: Alamy More

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      The Man Utd line-up that could win the Champions League next season, with midfield overhaul and lethal Serie A striker

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could be set for a big overhaul in the summer that could fire them to Champions League success.Erik ten Hag won his first trophy with the club yesterday and he could be heavily backed when the transfer window opens.
      Manchester United could spend big on Victor Osimhen and Declan Rice
      Erik ten Hag could be allowed to spend heavily this summerCredit: Alamy
      Success in the Carabao Cup could provide a platform for a very productive season for United, who are also competing for the title, FA Cup and Europa League.
      But next season they could have another target in mind – the Champions League.
      And to achieve that aim Ten Hag could be given the funds to bring in a top quality striker.
      Wout Weghorst was signed as a temporary solution in January but the Red Devils have since been linked with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
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      Both would command significant transfer fees with Napoli striker Osimhen believed to have a £107million release clause.
      But the two strikers would guarantee goals – Kane has 20 in all competitions this season while Osimhen has 21.
      United are also planning to bolster their midfield and could finally land Declan Rice this summer.
      West Ham are still demanding a significant fee for the England star, believed to be around £100m, while Arsenal are also threatening to pip United to the midfielder.
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      Harry Kane is another option for the Red Devils
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      United are also considering a move for the in-demand Jude Bellingham, with Frenkie de Jong a backup option.
      Ten Hag has also been keen to upgrade his right-back since his arrival despite the improved form of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      Dutch pair Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong have been linked in the past and United could try again for the pair this summer. More

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      Supercomputer predicts final 2022/23 season table after weekend drama – but are Arsenal still favourites in title race?

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      EVERYTHING is very much still to play for following another thrilling weekend of Premier League action.Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Leicester extended their lead at the top of the table to five points, before Manchester City reduced it back to two within a matter of hours after a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth.
      Arsenal beat Leicester to remain top of the tableCredit: Getty
      Man City are continuing to keep the pressure on ArsenalCredit: PA
      Tottenham took full advantage of top four rivals Newcastle’s Carabao Cup commitments as they opened up a four-point lead over them in the race for the Champions League.
      Spurs beat Chelsea 2-0 to solidify fourth place as Fulham and Liverpool both lost ground.
      And down at the bottom, West Ham climbed out of the relegation zone with a 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest as Everton dropped back down into the bottom three.
      But how will the table look come the end of the season?
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      How the supercomputer sees the final Premier League table
      Well, bettingexpert’s supercomputer has given us a clearer insight around the final standings.
      And it’s good news for the Gunners as they are projected to win their first title in 19 years.
      Mikel Arteta’s men are predicted to finish four points ahead of defending champions Man City.
      Meanwhile, the race for the top four is set to go down to the wire as Newcastle and Tottenham battle it out.
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      The Premier League table as it stands
      But the Toon’s two games in hand could end up proving crucial as the supercomputer has them pipping Spurs by a single point.
      At the bottom of the table things are also set to get very tight as we head into the final few months of the campaign.
      And with just six points separating 12th and 19th, it could be any three teams which drop into the dreaded relegation zone.
      But the supercomputer has had its say… and it is picking Southampton, Bournemouth and Everton to fall into the Championship.
      Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Leeds are all tipped to escape despite failing to reach 40 points. More