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      Dream Team bosses should consider Manchester United assets ahead of Game Week 20

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      DREAM TEAM gaffers should focus their attention on Old Trafford if they’re after an asset specifically for Game Week 20.Manchester United and Southampton are the only teams with two fixtures to fulfil this coming week but since Saints are currently languishing at the foot of the Premier League table it’s probably best to stay clear of their players at present.
      Erik ten Hag’s side welcome Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday night before hosting Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
      All things considered, those are two favourable match-ups for the Red Devils which look ripe for healthy returns.
      Saying that, it wouldn’t be wholly surprising if some key players were rested, especially given Man United hold a 3-0 aggregate lead over Steve Copper’s men.
      Mountains of Dream Team points between themCredit: getty
      Marcus Rashford (£5.7m) is in a rich vein of form having scored ten goals since returning from the World Cup.
      The England international scored a brilliant long-range strike against Arsenal before cashing in with another goal against Forest to take 16 points from Game Week 19.
      It could be argued that the 25-year-old is playing the best football of his career right now and so if he’s unleashed upon the Royals, currently mid-table in the Championship, his backers will surely be confident of more returns.
      He’s the player who has been transferred into the most teams this month with his ownership now at 31.7%.
      Rashford’s form has been so extreme that more casual observers may not realise the extent of Bruno Fernandes’ (£5.8m) success in recent weeks.
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      The Portuguese midfielder has registered 67 points over the last seven Game Weeks.
      This prosperous spell has propelled him up to second in the rankings among assets in his position, only Kevin De Bruyne (£7.2m) has more points than Fernandes’ 112 – 23 more to be precise.
      Even more notably, he’s earned three Star Man awards since the restart, no mean feat given he’s been in direct competition with a rampant Rashford.
      The nuclear option
      A double header against Reading and Forest also raises the possibility of back-to-back clean sheets.
      Lisandro Martinez (£4.4m) was the joint-best defender last Game Week thanks to his goal at the Emirates and a 13-point haul in midweek.
      And the Butcher, as he’s known, looks a good bet for the forthcoming week again, assuming he’s selected to start.
      Finally, if you really want to target Man United’s two upcoming fixtures with a view to snatching some short-term gains then Wout Weghorst (£3.2m) may be worth a whirl.
      The Dutchman scored his first goal for his new club in midweek and he will probably be given his fair share of minutes in the cups with Ten Hag keen to fully integrate the target man into the squad as quick as possible.
      Although if you do opt for this slightly rogue strategy then you’ll probably want to switch him out again in February, given the array of top-tier options up front in Dream Team this season. More

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      I’m a Man Utd fan and these are the competitions I’d sacrifice this season to bring back the glory days

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      ERIK TEN HAG may have to sacrifice the Europa League and FA Cup in order to win the Carabao Cup and secure Champions League football this season.If you had said to any Man Utd supporter in August, following back-to-back defeats to Brighton and then Brentford, that they would be in the top four and have one foot in the Carabao Cup Final, most would have laughed and bitten your hand off.  
      Man Utd are set to reach the Carabao Cup final and sit fourth in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP
      It’s crazy that a little over 10 days ago we were even discussing the possibility of a title challenge as well.  
      But a draw at Crystal Palace and defeat to high-flying Arsenal mean that is certainly not going to happen this season.  
      What is universally agreed amongst United supporters is just how well Ten Hag is doing given the numerous obstacles he has faced.  
      In this January window alone, he’s having to watch as most of his rivals for the top four are splashing the cash.
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      And although Wout Weghorst is a welcome addition up-front, there’s so much more required in other areas.
      United, traditionally, have done very little in the January window, but the gaps are significant.  
      On top of this, the manager has dealt with the Cristiano Ronaldo situation very well, along with the impending sale of the club and other disciplinary matters.  
      It’s the lack of squad depth that is the real issue, though. 
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      It makes you wonder, with United placed so nicely in the Premier League, if Ten Hag might be happy to sacrifice one of the FA Cup or Europa League.  
      It’s not something that he would ever publicly admit – and we’ve heard him say that “we must win every game” – but it’s simply not possible.
      There’s no doubt Ten Hag’s United will try and win every game, but will the XI he puts out be capable of doing so?  
      United play eight times in February alone, which works out as a match every three and a half days.  
      People have pointed to the run United had in 1999 but they only faced six matches in February that year, and had a far superior squad.  
      So it’ll come down to fixture management.
      Jurgen Klopp was a huge supporter of English football when he managed in Germany.
      But, after joining Liverpool, he was alarmed at how much football was played over here during the winter period.  
      We watched him tinker sufficiently in earlier years, in a way the great Sir Alex Ferguson once did.
      Hopefully Ten Hag doesn’t try to compete on too many levels – which could end with United missing out on a place in the Champions League and losing the Carabao Cup final. 
      Whatever happens, the signs are that United are on their way back.
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      Hopefully the fans are smiling come May and not rueing a squad that was simply pushed too far.
      Tom McDermott is the host of The Red Devils Podshow which you can subscribe or listen to here. More

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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta slams claims he’s a ‘mini Pep’ as mentor Guardiola calls comparison ‘bulls***’ in X-rated rant

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has dismissed claims that he is a “mini Pep” with his mentor Guardiola also calling the comparison “bulls**t” in an X-rated rant.The Gunners are currently sat top of the Premier League after 19 games played, and five points above Guardiola’s Manchester City, while also holding a game in hand.
      Mikel Arteta worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Man CityCredit: Reuters
      The two Spanish coaches have had a close relationship for some time, even dating back to the 90s when Arteta was in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
      At that time, Guardiola was one of Barca’s star players.
      After his playing days, Arteta would cut his teeth in coaching, working as Guardiola’s assistant at Man City.
      During his time at the Etihad, City won the Prem twice, an FA Cup and two League Cups.

      But with Arteta now in charge of his own team in Arsenal, and directly going head-to-head with Guardiola’s City for supremacy in England’s top division, the Gunners boss has dismissed claims that he has based his managerial style on his mentor.
      Ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with the Citizens this weekend, Arteta said: “We are very different as a person and we are very different as a manager.
      “That’s probably why we understand each other so well and have the relationship that we have.
      “I had this when I was a player as well because we grew in the same position.
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      “‘I have never tried to copy paste anything because I feel this club deserves much better than that and it wouldn’t work that way.
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      “Every character and person dictates how they are as a manager and I think we are very different.
      “I feel gratitude because he inspired me as a player and he has inspired me and gave me the opportunity as a coach. 
      “I accept peoples views because I probably wouldn’t have had the career that I had as a player or the understanding of the game if I didn’t have that time with him at Barcelona, and I wouldn’t be sitting here with that love for the game if he hadn’t crossed into my life and given me the opportunities that he has given me.”
      Guardiola has also refused to take credit for Arteta’s meteoric rise in an X-rated rant.
      The serial winner says Arsenal’s success belongs to the North London club and Arteta.
      Guardiola said: “I’d like to say, ‘Yes. What they do is because I taught him’. Bulls**t.” More

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      Sean Dyche named new Everton boss to lead relegation fight after Frank Lampard sacking and Marcelo Bielsa rejecting role

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      SEAN DYCHE has been appointed as the new manager of Everton, reports claim.The 51-year-old returns to the dugout nine months after being sacked by Burnley.
      Sean Dyche has been announced as manager of EvertonCredit: PA
      Marcelo Bielsa is reported to have rejected the roleCredit: Getty
      The Toffees sacked Frank Lampard on MondayCredit: AFP
      Dyche will be officially confirmed as the new boss in the coming hours, according to the Daily Mail.
      Ian Woan and Steve Stone will reportedly join Dyche as his assistants, having previously worked with him at Turf Moor.
      Struggling Everton axed Frank Lampard on Monday with the club 19th in the Premier League.
      Former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa had been owner Farhad Moshiri’s first-choice for the Goodison hot seat.
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      He was in London yesterday for talks with the Toffees hierarchy, before reports claimed he had rejected the chance to become manager.
      Sky Sports claim Dyche also held talks with Everton on Thursday.
      Former Toffees boss Sam Allardyce was another considered, as was Davide Ancelotti, the son of ex-Goodison gaffer Carlo.
      While Ralph Hassenhuttl was also on the shortlist.
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      But ex-Burnley boss Dyche is the man tasked with leading the fight against relegation.
      He has been waiting for a top-flight offer after snubbing several approaches from Championship clubs.
      Dyche will reunite with James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Dwight McNeil at Everton, having worked with all three players at Burnley.
      He takes over with the Toffees having won just three out of their 20 Prem games this season.
      And Dyche will be thrown straight in at the deep end after penning a deal to take over.
      His first game is a daunting meeting with league leaders Arsenal at Goodison Park on February 4th.
      The Toffees then make the short trip across Stanley Park to face Liverpool at Anfield nine days later.
      Dyche spent nine-and-a-half years with Burnley before being sacked by the Clarets last year.
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      In that time he won promotion to the Premier League on two occasions.
      He also spent a year as manager of Watford before heading to Turf Moor in 2012.
      Sean Dyche’s first game is against Premier League leaders Arsenal More

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      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes names Papa Bouba Diop as one his three toughest opponents alongside Vieira and Savage

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      PAUL SCHOLES named Papa Bouba Diop as one of the toughest opponents he came up against.The former Fulham, Portsmouth and Senegal international sadly passed away at the age of 42 in November 2020.
      Paul Scholes in action against Papa Bouba Diop back in 2008Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Diop died after a long illness, with his former clubs paying tribute to the 2008 FA Cup winner.
      The ex-Lens ace was also part of the Senegal side that shocked world champions France in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup.
      Manchester United legend Scholes, 48, came up against the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Zinedine Zidane during his career.
      In fact, over his 718 appearances for the Red Devils, Scholes faced virtually every great player of his generation.
      But he has revealed it was former Fulham man Bouba Diop – who was nicknamed The Wardrobe – along with Patrick Vieira and Robbie Savage that caused him the most problems.
      The ex-England star told Savage Social: “When I played central midfield I like to go into games thinking ‘I just want to have all the time in the world here, just nobody around me, just find a little bit of space and pass the ball around’.
      “Then you play against people like you (Robbie Savage).
      “An absolute nuisance, trying to close you down dead quick. I don’t want that, I just want it nice and relaxed.
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      “The way I played I didn’t really have to beat people or be stronger, quicker than the other person.
      “I suppose Patrick Vieira, you play against him he is so long, he is so big.
      “You think you’ve got the ball, and the next minute he nicks it over your head.
      “He was a clever player as well. There’s one more that people won’t think of. We used to play against Portsmouth.
      “Do you remember Papa Bouba Diop? Big, massive. They used to call him The Wardrobe!
      “You get involved physically with him and you’re wasting your time.
      “I always found him awkward to play against. He wasn’t a Vieira, of course he wasn’t, but he still had talent.”
      Portsmouth icon Papa Bouba Diop tragically passed away at the age of 42
      The Red Devils legend did not enjoy playing against Patrick VieiraCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Robbie Savage caused Paul Scholes problems on the pitchCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Mikel Arteta has Arsenal fans believing again… the atmosphere has never been this good, even in the Invincibles era

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      IT wasn’t long ago that Arsenal were the butt of every joke from opposition fans about a lack of atmosphere.Back in the Invincible era, we would even come up with the amusing response “we only sing when we’re losing”.
      The atmosphere at the Emirates has been almost as good as Mikel Arteta’s team this seasonCredit: Getty
      The atmosphere at Arsenal has been underwhelming for many years and not just since the 2006 move to the Emirates.
      But despite the loss of the terraces, the increased prices at Arsenal forcing out an element of the traditional fanbase, home games are now absolutely buzzing.
      For me, this all comes down to one word – BELIEF.
      There has always been fine dynamic or balance between what happens in the crowd and what occurs on the pitch.
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      Should we as fans be lifting the team when things are not going well on the pitch?
      Probably the answer should be yes, but it has not always been the case at the Emirates.
      Conversely, elements of the support might suggest it is players who need to perform, entertain and therefore inspire us to find our collective voice.
      Both views or arguments have become an irrelevance in the recent era under Mikel Arteta.
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      I cannot praise the Spaniard enough for realising the importance of a unity between everyone associated with the club, but most particularly the team and the fans in the ground.
      The manager understands that this collectiveness and bond is what gives the club a feel-good factor and drives performances on the pitch.
      Equally, he knows that much of what drives that is the level of commitment, passion, and quality on the pitch and boy has he given us that.
      The superb ‘North London Forever’, pre-match, the wonderful Ashburton Army and the club’s moves to accommodate and encourage their initiative are absolutely part of this.
      But ultimately the vastly improved atmosphere, singing and noise is down to belief.
      We believe in the team and the team believe in the fans.
      In every post-match interview, the players and the manager acknowledge the magnificent support, which serves to enhance what is already impressive.
      The fact that the players accept our role and believe we have their backs will be critical as we push for honours between now and May.
      But we have already seen it in action in the past few weeks.
      In the not-so-distant past, Wenger and Emery’s Arsenal going behind would expose the ‘soft under-belly’ not only of the team but also the crowd.
      On Boxing Day against West Ham and last weekend at home to Man Utd, falling a goal behind, simply signalled an instant cranking up of the volume to encourage our boys.
      This is down to our belief – we simply believe and trust this team to respond, so we are desperate to play our role in that response.
      We have a belief in the players, and they have a belief in us.
      The relationship in nature would be called symbiotic.
      To trust a dictionary definition, a relationship where organisms, people or things existing together in a way that benefits them all.
      So, thank you Arsenal for all your initiatives that give the fans a voice, in the way we support, in the design of the new stadium exterior and for backing us to back this team.
      Mostly of all thank you Mikel for understanding that only when the relationship between everyone associated with Arsenal FC is symbiotic can we move forward to the success we all crave.
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      We believe in you, and the team you have created, and we appreciate you and your players believe in us.
      Together with belief, we are stronger.
      Arsenal fan David Seagar says Mikel Arteta has been the driving force on and off the pitch behind the fantastic supportCredit: Getty More

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      Newcastle ‘AGREE’ £45m Anthony Gordon transfer as they close in on Everton winger

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      NEWCASTLE have AGREED a £45million transfer for Everton winger Anthony Gordon, according to reports.Gordon, 21, has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park since the summer.
      Newcastle are nearing an agreement for GordonCredit: Getty
      Newcastle have revived their interest having initially explored a deal last summer.
      Everton had been hoping to get a fee of around £60million for the winger.
      However, after Gordon missed training for the third day in a row, the club are set to be forced to accept lower offers.
      And according to Sky Sports, the Magpies have agreed to pay £45m for the player.
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      The breakthrough is said to have come today after advanced talks.
      Gordon would help boost Newcastle’s chances of a top-four finish.
      Eddie Howe’s men are sat third in the Premier League after 20 games played.
      Everton, meanwhile, could use the funds to reinvest in the squad under new management.
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      Frank Lampard was sacked after the 2-0 loss to West Ham which added to a prior rotten run of form.
      Ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa flew into England to hold talks over becoming the new Toffees manager.
      However, a deal couldn’t be struck with Bielsa said to have offered to spend the first six months working with the U21s and the academy before stepping up to become first-team manager.
      Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche appears to be the more likely appointment at this point in time, with the club stuck in the relegation zone.
      Gordon’s form has been patchy this season More

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      Fans convinced Bruno Guimaraes has signed new long-term contract at Newcastle after Brazilian star’s cryptic tweet

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      FANS have been convinced that Bruno Guimaraes has signed a new contract with Newcastle.The Brazilian midfielder has teased supporters with a cryptic tweet on social media.

      Fans are convinced he has signed a new contract with NewcastleCredit: PA
      Guimaraes joined the club last January and became an instant hit at St James’ Park as he helped them climb away from the relegation zone.
      The midfielder has continued his good form this season as the Magpies has started challenging in the top four of the Premier League.
      His performances have seen him be linked with some of Europe’s top clubs.
      The tweet, which includes a pair of emoji eyes and a smiley face, has seen fans speculate that he has signed a new deal with the club.
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      One tweeted: “CONTRACT EXTENSION 🤩🤩🤩.”
      A second commented: “New contract Bruno 👀👀👀👀👀⚫️⚪️.”
      A third wrote: “OMG ITS THE NEW CONTRACT.”
      A fourth said: “New contract incoming king ❤️.”
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      A fifth added: “New contract ⚫️⚪️ 👀.”
      The 25-year-old could also be teasing the club’s deal for Anthony Gordon.
      The Magpies are keen on signing the young winger and are in negotiations with Everton over a deal. More