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      I signed Alejandro Garnacho for Man Utd – my bickering sons nearly scuppered the deal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED academy chief Nick Cox said his bickering sons nearly scuppered the deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho in 2020.The 19-year-old put on a stellar performance against West Ham on Sunday after scoring twice at Old Trafford.
      Manchester United academy chief Nick Cox’s recalled when he signed Alejandro GarnachoCredit: Getty
      In October 2020, Garnacho joined the Red Devils Academy from Atletico Madrid.
      United paid Atletico a £420,000 fee which led to the Argentine signing his first professional contract at Old Trafford in July 2021.
      While the winger is becoming one of Erik ten Hag’s golden boys his life could have been very different had Cox’s son’s not been able to keep their cool.
      Cox told Manutd.com: “It became my job to present to Alejandro, his agent, his family, why this would be a wonderful opportunity.
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      “My boys at the time would have been 14 and 10, and I remember vividly that they were arguing with each other while I was trying to sign Alejandro.
      “I still tell my boys now, had that argument rumbled on much longer, then we probably wouldn’t have Alejandro Garnacho at Manchester United!”
      Garnacho has wowed fans at United this term after scoring his first goal of the season with an extraordinary bicycle kick against Everton.
      And from day one the Red Devil’s academy knew the teen sensation would go on to do great things.
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      Cox continued: “We said we were looking for a wide player, 16 years old, with certain qualities and a certain type of temperament.
      “So our recruitment team profiled all the wide players of that age across Europe.
      Alejandro Garnacho’s stunning bicycle kick for Man Utd IS the best Premier League goal of all time as we reveal top 10
      “Comparing the talents and trying to identify which talent would be the one who would be the best fit for the way that we play and the best fit for us as a football club.
      “Alejandro would have been at the top of that list.”
      Now just over three years down the line, the youngster has scored 12 goals in 67 appearances for the club. More

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      Astrid Wett calls for Chelsea Wag to replace Mauricio Pochettino as manager after Wolves defeat

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      ASTRID WETT has called for Chelsea Wag Belle Silva to replace Mauricio Pochettino as manager.The Blues boss is under mounting pressure following his side’s 4-2 defeat to Wolves on Sunday.
      Astrid Wett has called for a Chelsea Wag to replace Mauricio Pochettino as managerCredit: Instagram @wettastrid
      Belle Silva was asked by Astrid if she would take over as bossCredit: Instagram @bellesilva
      Supporters booed the home side off at full-time, before Pochettino apologised to fans after the match.
      Some fans have since called for Jose Mourinho to return to the dugout with John Terry as his assistant.
      Meanwhile, Astrid has put forward Thiago Silva’s wife Belle as a possible replacement.
      Belle, who has criticised the likes of Graham Potter and Timo Werner in the past, appeared to call for Pochettino to be sacked on Sunday.
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      Following the match, she wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “It’s time to change. If you wait any longer it will be too late.”
      In response, Astrid commented: “Can you be our next manager?”
      The Chelsea influencer is a regular at Stamford Bridge as well as following the club away from home.
      She was spotted at last week’s 4-1 thrashing at Liverpool, with a shot from Darwin Nunez almost smacking her in the face as she stood in the away end.
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      Belle, who is married to Thiago Silva, appeared to call for Pochettino to be sackedCredit: Instagram / @bellesilva
      Astrid regularly attends Chelsea matches home and awayCredit: INSTAGRAM @WETTASTRID
      Astrid has also been pictured with several Chelsea stars this season, including Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer.
      However, she has hinted she is now banned from seeing the players after posting her snap with Caicedo.
      OnlyFans influencer Astrid Wett banned from entering Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea’s penalty shootout win over
      She told fans it “might be the last pic for a while” as she claimed the club’s staff had held a meeting about her.
      The news comes after Astrid was banned from re-entering Stamford Bridge during the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Newcastle in December.
      Having stormed out the stadium as Chelsea trailed 1-0, she attempted to return for the penalty shootout following the Blues’ equaliser.
      Chelsea went on to win the tie on penalties and have since reached the final, where they will face Liverpool.
      The influencer has claimed she has been banned from seeing Chelsea players by the clubCredit: instagram @ wettastrid More

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      My dad was a Premier League free-kick king, now I’m making my own way in football

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      THOMAS ROBERT must feel pressure every time Wasquehal are awarded a free-kick.But that comes with the territory of being the son of one of the Premier League’s greatest set-piece kings, the Newcastle legend Laurent Robert.
      Thomas Robert is the son of former France international LaurentCredit: Instagram / thomasrobert_99
      He spent the 2020-21 season with AirdrieoniansCredit: The Sun
      Robert spent five years at St James’ Park, scoring ten Premier League free-kicksCredit: PA
      The rising star, 23, joined the French fourth-tier side last year after previously earning his stripes in the Scottish League One with Airdrieonians in 2020-21.
      While with the Scottish side, Robert Jr underwent trials with Celtic, Rangers, Burnley and Salford City.
      But he ended up going to Belgium with Mouscron before returning to France where he turned out for the UNFP French footballers’ union team as he searched for his next club.
      The pink-haired pacey winger then had a stint with Beziers before signing for Wasquehal in the Nations 2 Group D in October 2023 where he is under contract until the end of the season.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Thomas – who also personalises and sells luxury cars aside from football – started out at Montpellier, though, just like his famous father.
      In fact, the youngster is the third generation footballer after his grandfather, Laurent’s dad, played local in Saint-Benoit, Reunion where he forged a reputation as a superb free-kick taker.
      Laurent – whose brother Bertrand is also a pro – told Foot Davant in 2018: “Football is a family affair. My father played football in Saint-Benoit, my hometown which is located in the east of the island. 
      “He was one of the greatest attackers in Reunion. I followed in his footsteps even though I also practised other sports such as handball, tennis, judo, table tennis and athletics.
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      “It’s innate. My father had the same ball striking on both feet. When I was playing as a beginner, I was already hitting from midfield. I scored without any problem.”
      Laurent Robert spent five years at Montpellier – scoring his first professional goal in trademark fashion with a free-kick.
      David Beckham teases comeback aged 48 as Man Utd legend leaves fans stunned with still-flawless free-kick ability
      In 1999, he joined Paris Saint-Germain and also made the first of his nine France international caps. 
      But despite impressing – especially from dead-ball situations – and leading the Ligue 1 scoring charts midway through the 2000-01 season, a change of manager stalled his form and the club’s title charge.
      And that summer he made his £10million switch to Newcastle, making an immediate impact under Bobby Robson.
      Across his five years at St James’ Park, he managed a staggering ten direct free-kicks in 129 games and added another when shipped out on loan to Portsmouth under a cloud in 2005-06.
      His tally of 11 places him sixth in the all-time Premier League list for free-kick goalscorers behind David Beckham, James Ward-Prowse, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianfranco Zola – and top of the minutes-per-free-kick ratio of anyone with at least eight strikes.
      Top Premier League free-kick goalscorers
      1. David Beckham – 18
      2. James Ward-Prowse – 17
      3=. Thierry Henry – 12
      3=. Cristiano Ronaldo – 12
      3=. Gianfranco Zola – 12
      6=. Laurent Robert – 11
      6=. Seb Larsson – 11
      8=. Ian Harte – 10
      8=. Morten Gamst Pedersen – 10

      And some of his net-busters were so iconic they were used in the legendary Goal football films. 
      Robert, now 48, made his loan to Pompey permanent in 2005 but just six months later he left for Benfica.
      Again, he lasted only half a season and went to Levante before officially retiring in 2010 after spells with Derby, Toronto and Larissa in Greece. 
      His solitary piece of silverware was the 2001 Confederations Cup alongside Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires and Nicolas Anelka.
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      Robert spent five years working as a coach with Montpellier’s women’s team and academy but left the post in 2020.
      These days, he seems to be enjoying retirement by supporting his family, playing golf, eating good food and drinking even better wine.
      Robert earned legendary status at St James’ ParkCredit: PA:Press Association
      He forged a reputation for his stunning free-kicksCredit: Reuters
      A young Thomas hangs out with his footballer fatherCredit: Instagram / laurentrobertofficiel
      The Premier League cult hero is enjoying his retirement lifeCredit: Instagram / laurentrobertofficiel More

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      Man City star Foden is central to England’s Euro hopes – but that doesn’t mean he should play in the middle

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      PHIL FODEN has to play in the middle for England. Apparently.Everyone saying so knows better than Gareth Southgate, the second most successful England manager of all time.
      Phil me in – England boss Gareth Southgate tells Phil Foden what he wants from himCredit: Reuters
      The 23-year-old took home the match ball after a brilliant hat-trick at BrentfordCredit: Getty
      And better than Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest coaches in history, who usually prefers Foden on the wing – especially in the big games.
      Let’s be clear: the 23 year old is one of the greatest talents of his generation and is having arguably the best season of his trophy-laden career to date.
      England stand a better chance of success at this summer’s Euros and in the future if Southgate and his successors can find a way to harness all his qualities.
      But Foden’s hat-trick against Brentford has created a strange hysteria.
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      It is true that Guardiola has used Foden in a more central role, more often, recently. But if you look at some of those other games, they were against Luton, Crystal Palace, Everton and Sheffield United.
      Against tougher opponents, Foden has operated from a wide position – from the right against Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle, and the left against Arsenal.
      Southgate, while giving Foden chances in central midfield or a No 10-like role against lesser nations, has simply done the same.
      And don’t forget England are not the Manchester City of international football.
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      Foden can do what he does for City because of the players around him – Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland.
      England have high quality players, too, but they have different profiles.
      Man City star’s son racks up 1 million Instagram followers in 24 hours after cute Champions League final celebrations
      Southgate isn’t playing fantasy football, where you can load your team with attacking players likely to produce goals and assists and forget about whether it would actually work on the pitch.
      Look at it another way: in the 4-2-3-1 formation Southgate currently favours, would you pick Foden in the No 10 role ahead of Jude Bellingham? The Real Madrid star has had more standout performances for England than Foden.
      Or should Foden be ahead of Bukayo Saka at right wing? Saka scored and was part of a superb all-round Arsenal performance against Liverpool at the weekend, not a struggling Brentford team.
      Foden said after the Bees game that he was loving the central role but accepted he would have to play where he is told by Guardiola. It should be no different for England.
      When England beat Senegal 3-0 in the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup, Foden said it was his best display for England.
      And where did he start? Left wing, in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Declan Rice holding. Since Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish are having difficult campaigns, that left flank is crying out for quality more than the right one occupied by Saka.
      In modern football, systems are fluid. And the idea that the England boss keeps Foden, or anyone else, on a piece of mental elastic to stop them expressing themselves, is ridiculous.
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      Of course it is Southgate’s job to try to make Foden as effective for England as he is for City.
      But it’s far more complicated than his critics – and the player’s devotees – would have you believe. More

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      Chelsea fans fume Mauricio Pochettino ‘has to go’ as Blues WORSE than last season under Graham Potter

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      CHELSEA have earned a point fewer this season under Mauricio Pochettino than they had managed at this stage last year.Following Sunday’s dreadful 4-2 home defeat to Wolves, the Blues find themselves in the bottom half in 11th with just 31 points from 23 games.
      Mauricio Pochettino has struggled to turn Chelsea’s fortunes aroundCredit: Alamy
      Graham Potter was sacked by the Blues last AprilCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At this stage last term under Graham Potter Chelsea had earned 32 points and were tenth.
      The West Londoners went on to sack Potter in April last year, eventually limping to a 12th-place finish under caretaker boss Frank Lampard.
      Chelsea fans have been left dismayed by yet another poor campaign, having become stuck in mid-table under three years on from winning the Champions League.
      Commenting on the Blues’ situation, one fan wrote on social media: “Pochettino has to go.”
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      While a second opined: “Potter was better by the way, can’t tell me Chelsea wouldn’t be in a better position now with Palmer in attack and a stronger defensive organisation.”
      A third cried: “Justice for Graham Potter.”
      And a fourth moaned: “There’s no single drop of growth, improvement, just one step backward.”
      Another, however, pointed out: “That’s conveniently ignoring the points Chelsea accrued under Tuchel.”
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      The Blues sacked Thomas Tuchel six Premier League games into last season.
      They had ten points at the time, having beaten Everton, Leicester and West Ham, and drawn with Tottenham.
      Under-fire Mauricio Pochettino speaks out after Chelsea hammered 4-2 by Wolves
      Chelsea went on to win Potter’s first three Prem games in charge, defeating Crystal Palace, Wolves and Aston Villa.
      But a staggering run of just two wins in their next 15 games saw them fall out of European contention, however, with Potter eventually paying with his job.
      Reports yesterday claimed that Chelsea chiefs fear that sacking Pochettino and his staff could see them breach FFP rules.
      SunSport understands that, for now, the Argentine’s job is safe.
      Although fans chanted Jose Mourinho’s name at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
      Fans chanted Jose Mourinho’s name at Stamford Bridge on SundayCredit: AP More

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      Lip reader claims Kyle Walker threatened to ‘knock out’ Neal Maupay after Brentford star ‘spoke about his children’

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      A LIP READER claimed Kyle Walker threatened to “knock out” Neal Maupay after he “spoke about his kids”.The Premier League footballers clashed during Manchester City’s comeback 3-1 win at Brentford on Monday night.
      Kyle Walker and Neal Maupay had a heated bust-up during Man City’s win at BrentfordCredit: Getty
      Walked was left incensed after clashing with Maupay late onCredit: Getty
      Walker, 33, was visibly furious in the closing minutes of the game at the Gtech Community Stadium and complained to referee Jarred Gillett and fourth official Stuart Attwell.
      The full-back and captain was taunted throughout the match in West London following news of his split from wife Annie Kilner after he fathered a second child with Lauryn Goodman. 
      And a lip reader believes Maupay’s comments related to Walker’s personal life and triggered the angry reaction from the England international.
      Jeremy Freeman alleged to the Daily Mail that Walker said: “I’m gonna knock him [Maupay] out.
      READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER
      Attwell is said to have replied: “Shush.”
      But Walker apparently added: “Wait there,” and pointed to the tunnel.
      And he then continued: “Ref he spoke about my kids, he spoke about my kids, not once, but twice.”
      Maupay – who wound up James Maddison with his darts celebration last week – then seemingly cut in to protest his innocence and claimed: “I didn’t, it’s okay.”
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      A lip reader claims Walker complained Maupay had talked about his childrenCredit: Rex
      Walker complained to officials while Pep Guardiola refused to speak about the incidentCredit: Getty
      Freeman reckons ref Gillett then told the rowing pair: “Let’s deal with it at the end,” and added to Maupay: “Now, now, just calm down, listen to me… think about it, think about it.”
      Maupay apparently responded: “That’s a lie, that’s not fair, I promise you now.”
      What Kyle Walker’s bombshell interview really means for his Man City and England career – Sun Sport experts reveal all
      Despite wagging a finger at Maupay in the chaotic scenes, City boss Pep Guardiola refused to talk about the incident, which was not mentioned in Gillett’s match report and therefore will see The FA take no action.
      Brentford declined to comment but manager Thomas Frank said last night: “No (I know nothing). I saw they were talking to each other.
      “No (I haven’t talked to Maupay). It’s not my first focus after a game that we lost.”
      Speaking exclusively to The Sun last month, Walker thanked City boss Guardiola for standing by him.
      Walker said: “He didn’t know what was happening.
      “I didn’t want to tell him because I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t mentally there.
      “I can’t thank him enough for the understanding and belief he’s shown in me through four years.”
      ‘I TRIED TO ESCAPE’
      Walker also eyed a move to Bayern Munich last summer.
      He added: “I tried to escape. Did I want to leave City? No, of course I didn’t.
      “We’re the best team in the world at the minute. But it was a chance to get away from England and the media I was going to get.
      “I was aware the clock was ticking. I came very close to moving. We were having conversations.
      “I was going to a great club, a massive club. But in the end I couldn’t go.
      “If I’m in Germany and this happens, Annie leaves and I’m now in Germany on my own.
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      “My kids wouldn’t be around the corner where I can see them.
      “There’s pain and emotion at the moment but I can go to the house, take the kids to school, and my little lad to football.” More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot bizarre detail in Dominik Szoboszlai’s living room as Liverpool star reveals new tattoo

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      EAGLE-EYED fans spotted a bizarre detail in Dominik Szoboszlai’s living room as he revealed his new tattoo.The Liverpool star has been a smash hit during his first season at Anfield, scoring five goals in 28 appearances.
      Dominik Szoboszlai revealed a bizarre detail in his houseCredit: Instagram
      The Liverpool star has helped himself to a new chest tattooCredit: Instagram
      At age of just 23, his £60million fee is set to be worth every penny after playing in several roles under Jurgen Klopp.
      But supporters were left chuckling as they spotted a hilarious detail in Szoboszlai’s latest picture.
      The ace, who missed the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal through injury, uploaded a photo of himself with a tattoo artist in his living room at home.
      The pair held a Liverpool shirt bearing Szoboszlai’s name.
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      But in the background was a visible life-size cardboard cut-out of Szoboszlai himself.
      The Hungary international’s bizarre living room fixture got fans gossiping on social media.
      One said: “We can’t pass over the fact Szoboszlai has a cardboard cutout of himself in his house.”
      Another declared: “The level of self-love I want to reach.”
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      Szoboszlai bizarrely had a cardboard cutout of himself in the house
      One noted: “Tbf I’d do the same.”
      Another added: “We going to ignore the fact he has a cardboard cutout of himself in his own house?”
      Klopp speaks out after Liverpool suffer huge loss to Arsenal
      Szoboszlai also took the time to reveal his new tattoo to followers.
      The ace opted for a detailed design covering his chest and shoulders.
      Among the words tattooed were ‘balance’ and ‘faith’.
      While there was an sketch of mainland Europe, Asia and Africa over his heart. More

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      Premier League’s fastest player revealed with Kyle Walker replaced by shock star – as fans say ‘pray for those hammies’

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      KYLE WALKER is a shock omission from the list of fastest Premier League players this season.The right-back has topped the charts in recent years but has been replaced by some fresh faces.
      Micky van de Ven has impressed with more than just his pace this seasonCredit: Alamy
      Kyle Walker is no longer amongst the Prem top speedstersCredit: Reuters
      Four out of the top seven fastest players are new arrivals in the Premier League, while the third quickest star Pedro Neto was injured for long spells last season.
      Walker had registered the fastest speed since 2020-21 after hitting 37.31 km/h.
      But that has now been topped by Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven.
      That means the Dutchman has recorded the fastest speed this season – just pipping Luton star Chiedozie Ogbene to top spot, with the Hatters winger managing 36.93 km/h.
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      Two more Prem newcomers round off the top five in Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Burnley’s Dara O’Shea.
      They have reached speeds of 36.76 km/h and 36.73 km/h respectively – a fraction quicker than Newcastle speedster Anthony Gordon.
      Everton midfielder Amadou Onana rounds off the top seven which means there is no place for Walker.
      Fans were surprised to see miss out but were not shocked to see Van de Ven top the list.
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      There are four Premier League newcomers amongst the fastest players in the league
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      One fan reacted saying: “Van de Ven is the quickest I’ve ever seen play for Spurs – and I watched Kyle Walker for seven years. Just pray for those hammies.”
      Van de Ven has impressed since joining Spurs in the summer and he was badly missed after suffering a hamstring tear in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in November.
      The Biggest January Flop Signings In Premier League History More