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      Fulham star Joao Palhinha reveals shock transfer offer from Premier League rivals before Bayern Munich’s failed pursuit

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      FULHAM star Joao Palhinha has revealed a shock transfer offer from West Ham was made before his failed Bayern Munich pursuit. The Portuguese ace had his medical tests done in Germany last summer ahead of a £55m transfer to Bayern, yet the deal collapsed as Fulham failed to find a replacement before the window shut.Joao Palhinha has revealed he had a shock transfer offer from West HamCredit: RexMarco Silva’s side took the 28-year-old from Sporting in the summer of 2022 and he shinned in his debut season at Fulham, making 40 appearances and scoring four goals.The Fulham star’s impressive performances had convinced Bayern Munich to bet on him but the deal ended up falling through.But it was not just the Bundesliga side who wanted Palhinha’s signatures as the Hammers also approached the midfielder.And in the end, the Cottagers ended up extending Palhinha’s contract until 2028 with an option for another year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Portugal international was asked if the renewal was a result of the failed move to Bayern but the star ended up revealing the Hammers made an offer before the German side in the summer.He told O Jogo: “At the time, I had received an excellent offer from West Ham and had a conversation with Fulham’s owner, who committed himself to renewing my contract. “I took it as a vote of confidence. I never expected that Bayern would turn up in the final stages of the market.”The former Sporting man did not provide further details of West Ham’s offer and whether it was him, Fulham or both who turned it down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAfter West Ham sold Declan Rice for a club record of £100million they were on the hunt for another defensive midfielder like Palhinha.David Moyes’ side ended up recruiting Edson Alvarez from Ajax who has been an excellent addition to the East London squad.Joao Palhinha shows off his skills at football training Meanwhile, Palhinha who has been integral to Silva’s plans for Fulham could still face transfer attempts again in the summer. More

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      Marouane Fellaini says ‘nightmare’ Man Utd season was ‘worst ever’ and reveals Van Gaal’s brutal first words to him

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      FORMER Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has opened up about the “worst season” of his career.Fellaini, 36, joined the Red Devils in 2013 following a five-year spell at Everton.Marouane Fellaini has opened up about a ‘nightmare’ period at Man UtdCredit: PA:Empics SportFellaini joined United from Everton but struggled to impress during his first seasonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe was signed by David Moyes, who had just swapped Goodison Park for Old Trafford himself at the time.The Belgian made just 21 appearances during his first season at the club and failed to impress.Moyes, Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor, was sacked amid Man Utd’s disastrous run of form.And Fellaini has admitted the seven-month period was a “nightmare” and the “worst” of his 17-year career.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe told MUTV: “The first year at Manchester United was very difficult for me because I was the first signing after the era of Ferguson and it was not easy.”I’m honest and I always said that the first year was very difficult for me, but for the team too. We had a bad season.”It was a nightmare one for a few months. It was not easy at all and, when you are in this situation as well, mentally it’s not good, it’s not easy.”I played five years for Everton, doing very well [and getting] respect from everybody. Then you go to a big club and mentally it’s difficult, as your football is not the same.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFellaini’s career stats”You know, for me, it was the worst [season] in my career, my first year in Manchester. After that, it was much, much better.”I would never criticise David Moyes because he gave me my chance in England. I played under him nearly every game [at Everton].”Man Utd cult hero announces retirement aged just 36 in emotional post as Premier League legends pay tributeFollowing Moyes’ departure and Ryan Giggs’ interim spell, Louis van Gaal was appointed as United’s permanent manager.Discussing the Dutchman’s arrival, Fellaini admitted: “When he [Van Gaal] arrived, he said to me: ‘I don’t count on you. You are my third, fourth, fifth choice’ and I said to him: ‘No problem, I’ll get training’.”In my head, I was saying: ‘Let’s train and we will see in the end what happens.’ After that, [within] one week, 10 days, maximum two weeks, I started to play.”Fellaini went on to spend five-and-a-half years at Man Utd, making 177 first team appearances.He joined Shandong Taishan in 2019 and went on to score 50 goals in 141 appearances.”It was a nightmare one for a few months. It was not easy at all and, when you are in this situation as well, mentally it’s not good, it’s not easy.Marouane FellainiThe midfielder announced his retirement from professional football last month with a heartfelt statement that read: “I am writing this post to announce that after a career of 18 years, I am retiring from professional football.”But it all started long before these 18 years. I remember, like the day of yesterday, my first game as a child, the endless training sessions with my dad, my first selection for Standard de Liege, and my first selection for the Belgian national team. Time flies!”What an incredible journey it has been! I am so grateful to have played the sport I love at the highest level.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I am proud to have represented Standard in Belgium, Everton and Manchester United in the UK, and Shandong Taishan in China.”It was an honor to have played for the Belgian national team at the Olympics of 2008, Euro 2016 and the World Cups of 2014 and 2018.” More

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      I had trials at Man Utd but snubbed a transfer for Euro giants whose car park is full of flash cars

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      LASSE ABILDGAARD has revealed he turned down a move to Manchester United after having a trial there last season.The Danish winger, 17, is one of the best prospects to emerge from Scandinavia in recent years.Lasse Abildgaard turned down Man Utd after having a trial there last seasonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lasse_abildgaard/Abildgaard, who is strong with both feet, caught the eye of numerous European giants while playing for boyhood club Silkeborg.United looked to get an advantage on rivals by inviting him for a trial at Carrington.Abildgaard made the journey to Manchester and spent a week experiencing life as a Red Devil.However, he had several other offers on the table.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Abildgaard ended up opting to join Ajax, completing a transfer to the Dutch capital last summer.He is yet to make his senior bow with Jordan Henderson’s side.But Abildgaard admits he is continually blown away by the amount of flash motors on display at the training ground car park each morning.And the vehicles are so luxurious there are even guards on site to protect them.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe told Tipsbladet: “I went to trial training down there (at United) to see what it was like.“We ended up making the decision that it was the best for me (to join Ajax).“It is of course great to be allowed to join such a club, and to be good enough for such a big club to believe in you.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyle“Every day you come in, there are expensive cars, you see the Ajax logo, there are guards outside, there are a lot of training sessions.“It’s just great to put on the Ajax training clothes every day. I heard about their interest a long time ago.“And then it was like just a process between the club and my family and my advisor about how it should go.” More

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      Man City facing huge injury crisis with SEVEN key stars including De Bruyne at risk of missing crunch Arsenal clash

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is facing a ­massive injury crisis.Manchester City defenders Kyle Walker, John Stones and Manuel Akanji are all doubts for Sunday’s title showdown with Arsenal after being crocked on international duty.  Man City boss Pep Guardiola may be without seven stars, including Kevin De Bruyne against ArsenalCredit: RexEderson, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and  Matheus Nunes  are also concerns for boss Guardiola.England star Walker is having a second scan on the hamstring injury he suffered in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Brazil and is a major doubt for the Etihad clash with the table-topping Gunners.Fellow defenders Stones and Akanji also returned from international duty with problems. And that gives City chief Guardiola a real headache ahead of a huge run of games.Read More on FootballCity have seven matches between now and April 20 — four in the Prem, a two-legged Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid and an FA Cup semi against Chelsea.There was hope Walker was taken off as a precaution by Gareth Southgate on Saturday.Initial reports suggested he should be fine to face the Gunners but that now looks less likely with City carrying out more tests on the  full-back.And he has been joined on the treatment table at the Etihad by Stones, who limped out of England’s 2-2 draw against Belgium on Tuesday.Most read in FootballStones has suffered a series of setbacks already this season and has managed only 11 league starts for the Treble winners.To make matters worse, Akanji, who has filled in at right-back as well as being a key man at centre-half, is also a doubt after pulling out of the Swiss squad with a knock.Guardiola explains why he subbed off De BruyneMidfielder Nunes reported a foot injury and was withdrawn from the Portuguese squad.Kingpin De Bruyne has been nursing a groin niggle but did come through a session with City’s Under-23s on Tuesday.Winger Grealish and keeper Ederson are working their way back to fitness — and Guardiola will be hoping for positive updates when he returns from a break in Barcelona today. More

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      Man Utd ‘angered’ by forgotten star’s disastrous loan spell and transfer risks ‘causing a problem’ with future moves

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been “angered” by Hannibal Mejbri’s disastrous loan spell at Sevilla.The Spanish club’s treatment of the midfielder has also risked “causing a problem” with future moves, according to reports.Sevilla’s treatment of on-loan midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has ‘angered’ Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyMejbri joined Sevilla on loan until the end of the season in January but has struggled to break into the side since.He has made just one start, with his four total appearances consisting of just 89 minutes of action.The transfer includes a £15million option to buy and a buy-back clause, although Sevilla are not expected to make the deal permanent.According to AS, the saga has angered senior officials at Old Trafford after Sevilla saw off interest from several Premier League and European clubs to sign the 21-year-old.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe report adds that Sevilla could now face issues signing players on loan from the Premier League in the future.Tottenham forward Alejo Veliz has faced similar issues since signing on loan in January.Former Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores has handed the Argentine striker just three substitute appearances so far.As for Mejbri, the Tunisia international was reportedly involved in a training ground bust-up shortly after his arrival in Spain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was also left out of the squad completely for a Copa del Rey clash with Atletico Madrid in the early stages of his loan spell.The disastrous move to Sevilla leaves his United future up in the air ahead of the summer.Man Utd youngster Hannibal Mejbri shows his skill in training Mejbri will have just one year remaining on his deal when he returns to his parent club at the end of the season.He has made 13 senior appearances for the Red Devils and scored once, having joined from Monaco as a 16-year-old in 2019.Tottenham’s Alejo Veliz has also struggled for game time during his loan with SevillaCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘This is England’s time’ says Roberto Mancini as Three Lions tipped to finally break trophy hoodoo at Euro 2024

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      ROBERTO MANCINI says now MUST be the time for England to finally break their trophy hoodoo.The former Italy boss  masterminded their Euro 2020 final win over the Three Lions at Wembley as the visitors recovered from going behind to Luke Shaw’s early goal to win a penalty shootout.Roberto Mancini is confident England can win Euro 2024Credit: GettyEngland boss Gareth Southgate lost to Mancini’s Italy at Euro 2020Credit: RexBut Mancini, now in charge of Saudi Arabia, believes England are running out of excuses for not ending their 58-year major trophy drought.He said: “In England at this moment, there are many very good players.“I don’t know if there’s a comparison with the time that [David] Beckham, [Wayne] Rooney and [Paul] Scholes were around but they have very good players, great talent.“It’s very good for them [Jude] Bellingham plays for Real Madrid as I really think he can improve more there as a player. He is one of the very good players England have developed in the past five years and they have a lot of really good attacking playersRead More on Football“But now is the time when they have to show that and win, whether that’s in the European Championships next summer or the World Cup.“This is the time for them, the moment for them to show that they are a team that can win these major trophies.”Mancini also recognises the critical importance of Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane to England.He added: “I like Kane, very much. Some  people ask if Kane is a No 9 or a No 10 — and he’s both. He can play everywhere.Most read in Football“There are not many who can do what he does as well, he’s a real talent.“Yes, I beat England in that final and it was a fantastic game of football.Ian Wright slams Gareth Southgate over England decision that ‘doesn’t make sense’ after Brazil and Belgium clashes“We played very well but I think England have developed since then, they are a better team now.” More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe secures first major appointment of Man Utd revolution as INEOS chief begins Old Trafford overhaul

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to appoint Matt Johnson as their new head of women’s football.His appointment is the first major arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford overhaul.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made his first major appointment at Manchester UnitedCredit: PAMatt Johnson will become the club’s new head of women’s football this summerCredit: XThe British billionaire is now in control of football operations at the Red Devils after buying a 25 per cent stake in the club.According to the Daily Mail, Ratcliffe has now swooped to hire Johnson as head of women’s football.He will replace Polly Bancroft when she departs at the end of the season.She confirmed her exit back in February, after being in the role since October 2022, ahead of joining Grimsby this summer.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe report adds that United hope Johnson’s experience working with youth football will help him connect the academy to the first-team.He is also seen to have excellent communication skills as well as previous working as the technical director for Blackburn’s Girls Centre of Excellence.However, he is currently the director of operations at the Manchester United Foundation.United are also understood to be in contract talks with women’s boss Marc Skinner, who is out of contract at the end of the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSkinner has come under pressure from fans this term following a down turn in results.The Red Devils finished second in the Women’s Super League last season but are currently fifth in the table.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, needs a PB in London Marathon if he’s to make Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final after kick-off switchSaturday’s 3-1 loss to rivals Manchester City has left Skinner’s side 15 points adrift of current league leaders Chelsea. More

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      Kobbie Mainoo spotted chatting to ‘future Man Utd midfield partner’ during England’s draw with Belgium

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      MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo had a warm exchange with a Premier League rival during England’s friendly with Belgium.Mainoo, 18, started for the Three Lions at Wembley on Tuesday and helped his national team pick up a 2-2 draw against Domenico Tedesco’s side.Kobbie Mainoo and Amadou Onana had a warm exchange during England vs BelgiumCredit: RexManchester United fans believe Mainoo will play with Onana next seasonCredit: GettyMan Utd are keeping tabs on Everton star Onana ahead of the summer transfer windowCredit: RexThe Belgian team was consisted of a raft of Premier League aces, such as Matz Sels, Timothy Castagne, Youri Tielemans, Orel Mangala, Lendro Trossard and Jeremy Doku.But there was one Belgium star that caught the attention of United fans and that was none other than Everton’s Amadou Onana.That is because Onana was caught having a friendly chat with Mainoo during the second half.The United academy graduate said something to his fellow midfielder with a smile on his face and received a warm pat on the back.Read More on Man UtdThis comes amid reports suggesting the Red Devils are keeping tabs on Onana, as well as his Everton team-mate Jarrad Branthwaite, ahead of the summer transfer window.However, the Manchester giants are facing competition from Barcelona who are also keen on the defensive midfielder.But United fans are confident it is only a matter of time until the 22-year-old moves to Old Trafford to link up with Mainoo after witnessing some positive chemistry between them.One fan tweeted: “The future of our midfield.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother commented: “Onana protecting Mainoo in midfield…We need that.”A third said: “Soon at Manchester.”Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilThis one wrote: “Something is going on here..”And that one stated: “I need this duo next season.” More