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      Ivan Toney ready for Prem’s biggest comeback since Eric Cantona as Brentford boss backs him to emulate Man Utd legend

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      NOT since Eric Cantona returned from his ban for kung-fu kicking a fan has the Premier League seen a comeback quite like it.A talismanic striker bristling with a sense of injustice after serving a lengthy suspension.
      Ivan Toney is ready for his Premier League returnCredit: Alamy
      Toney’s return is the biggest since Eric Cantona was banned for this infamous kung-fu kickCredit: AFP
      For Cantona, read Brentford’s England striker Ivan Toney, who makes his long-awaited return against Nottingham Forest this evening, after an eight-month suspension for 232 breaches of betting rules.
      And Bees boss Thomas Frank is not shy of embracing comparisons between Toney and Manchester United’s brooding Gallic genius.
      Asked whether he could see  similarities between the two players, especially their supreme self-belief, Frank replied: “Yeah, I would say so. Ivan’s confidence is amazing.”
      To illustrate this Frank tells the story of a conversation with his centre-back Charlie Goode, a close friend of Toney’s since they were kids together at Northampton Town.
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      “I had a good talk with Charlie about a year ago,” said Frank, “we were talking about Ivan.
      “When Ivan came to the club from Peterborough, in the first three games he hadn’t scored and Charlie asked him ‘are you OK?’
      “Ivan replied, ‘Yeah, I’ll smash the scoring record in the Championship, I will score more than 30 goals’.
      “Charlie just looked at him, surprised — and Ivan did break the record [scoring 31 times in 2020-21].
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      Toney will lead Brentford out as captain against Nottingham ForestCredit: PA
      Toney returns after serving an eight-month ban for breaking FA gambling rulesCredit: AP
      “He has got that confidence. He believes he can score in every action. And that is a huge quality.”
      Others, such as Rio Ferdinand, Luis Suarez and Joey Barton have suffered lengthy bans since but for Brentford — who have fallen into the drop zone after five straight league defeats — this is their Cantona moment.
      Asked if he recalled the United legend’s comeback in 1995, Frank replied: “I remember the situation but I can’t remember when he came back.”
      Told that Cantona had scored against Liverpool after his nine-month absence, Frank smiled: “Did he! Did they win?” Informed that Cantona had netted the equaliser in a 2-2 draw, Frank laughed: “Oh! Would I take it if Ivan scored and it was a draw, or for him to not score and we get the win? I think I’d still take the win.
      “But I’d rather take a goal from Ivan and a win.”
      “It is 99.9 per cent that he will stay here. Football is crazy so you never know what will happen tomorrow. He is committed to helping the team.”Thomas Frank on Ivan Toney
      Frank fielded 31 questions on Toney at an unusually-packed press conference  but the boss wasn’t complaining, as he embraced the feel-good factor.
      In sub-zero temperatures at Brentford’s Osterley training base, Dane Frank did not have the demeanour of a manager whose side have lost five straight league matches and just been knocked out of the FA Cup.
      Frank believes that the fact Toney is not returning from an injury will make it far easier for him to find his feet after a long-term absence.
      And he offered a comparison with Christian Eriksen, who first took the field again with Brentford in 2022 following a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark in the Euros seven months earlier.
      Frank said: “Mentally, it’s different to coming back from injury.
      “I think he is a player that will hit the ground running.
      “I compare it — it’s different, but a little bit — to Christian Eriksen.
      United badboy Cantona scored the leveller in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool on his return from his kung-fu kick banCredit: Rex Features
      “Also, he was not ‘injured’ if that makes sense. Of course it was a crazy thing that happened to Christian  but he hit the ground running and I expect the same from Ivan.”
      Those who know Toney best claim his levels of self-assuredness are extraordinary, even by Premier League standards.
      He has previously spoken of feeling he has been ‘scapegoated’ — suggesting that players in lower leagues have received softer penalties for similar offences.
      Yet the FA was pushing for a 12-month ban, given that Toney’s offences included 13 bets on his own club losing — although he did not play in those matches.
      When Frank was asked whether Toney, 27, was sorry for his misdemeanours, the Dane was unable to admit he was remorseful.
      He said: “It’s not like he thinks it’s fantastic that he made a mistake.
      “Let’s say in a football match he is always holding his hand up if there is something he should have done better.
      “But ‘sorry’ is a big word. If it could have been done differently, yeah, I think he would have done, but he moves on and he is looking forward.”
      Frank does concede Toney’s sense of injustice might provide him with extra ‘edge’ for his comeback against Forest, the side he scored his most recent goal against last May.
      “He has got that confidence. He believes he can score in every action. And that is a huge quality.”Thomas Frank
      Toney has been linked with a move to Chelsea or Arsenal and the player himself has not shied away from the possibility of a January transfer.
      Yet the Gunners have no interest in signing him during the current window and Frank says he is ‘99.9 per cent sure’ his star man will stay for the rest of this season.
      Frank said: “There’s an argument that he is the second-best striker in the Premier League.
      “Last year he was third after Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. Of course he needs to prove it again.
      “It is 99.9 per cent that he will stay here. Football is crazy so you never know what will happen tomorrow. He is committed to helping the team.
      “There have been no offers. We are committed to each other. I haven’t seen one day of training where he didn’t want to give to the team.
      “I’m convinced he will do the same against Forest and for the rest of the season.
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      “He is a special character in many ways. A fantastic person.
      “The energy he brings, the smile, the positivity every day at the training ground is a massive thing and on the pitch he drags people with him, so it’s a massive boost.” More

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      Three reasons why Ivan Toney would be better January transfer for Chelsea than Karim Benzema as Blues hunt new striker

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      IN the January transfer window almost every team in football wants to add the same thing – a striker to score goals.Given the spending at Chelsea in recent windows, it should come as no surprise that they are actively pursuing a new forward.
      Ivan Toney could be set to move across West London in the January windowCredit: Alamy
      Karim Benzema is being linked with a move away from Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      The decision to spend £32million on Nicolas Jackson has not worked out despite the 22-year-old Senegalese star scoring seven and assisting two in 19 Premier League matches.
      While these numbers are respectable, it is not enough for a side with ambitions of finishing in the top four.
      And two names surfacing as potential targets for the Blues are Brentford man Ivan Toney and Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema.
      Both forwards come with an element of risk.
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      Toney is yet to play for Brentford this season having just served a long term ban for betting offences.
      And Benzema is very much in the latter stages of his career having left Real Madrid in the summer to move to a far less competitive and intense league.
      Yet despite those negatives, Toney and Benzema represent excellent options for Chelsea in the January window.
      Here SunSport takes an in-depth into which of the two would be the better signing.
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      Presence and movement in the area
      While there is no doubt Jackson is an excellent physical striker – standing at 6ft 2in with a powerful build and good pace – he still lacks a presence in the opposition area.
      The best strikers in the world are capable of positioning themselves in spots that occupy two or three defenders.
      Both Toney and Benzema are excellent penalty area strikers, albeit for slightly different reasons.
      Toney uses power and speed to gain an advantage and create space, while Benzema’s movement is more subtle as he makes clever runs that attack space when defenders lose concentration.
      Toney reads the space and is quick to attack and exploit the area
      While both have top movement, both are also proven goalscorers at a high level.
      Toney has had more of a long route to the top level having started his career at Newcastle before establishing himself as a first-team player at Peterborough.
      He then moved to Brentford when they were in the Championship.
      But last season saw Toney score 21 goals in all competitions, while Benzema bagged 31 in his final season at Real Madrid.
      There is no doubt the skill set of the pair means they would score goals at Chelsea.
      As the defenders focus on the near post, Benzema pulls off to curve his run and attack the back post
      It is difficult to separate Toney and Benzema when considering their effectiveness in front of goal.
      Both are proven strikers and Toney has an excellent profile for the Premier League.
      The key thing, however, is that Chelsea find a way to create chances for the striker they end up looking to sign.
      Creativity in the final third
      If you ask Cristiano Ronaldo who is the best striker he has ever played with he will always says Benzema.
      The French striker adapted his own game to become more of a creative presence for Real Madrid when Ronaldo was at his peak.
      Indeed, Benzema has long been one of the most underrated creative forwards at the top level.
      The same, however, could be said of Toney as he has real vision and creativity when he receives the ball in the final third.
      Chelsea have players who are capable of breaking the lines and getting forward to support the striker within their system.
      If they add a striker who has the ability to receive the ball and break the defensive line with through balls then they will create more opportunities.
      As Toney receives possession and turns, he has the vision and ability to find the runner
      Part of the issue that Chelsea have faced this season is that they have ended up playing attacking midfielders as strikers.
      And while Jackson struggles, there is an argument the London club need to add a more well-rounded striker to their squad.
      Other than Erling Haaland, who is something of an outlier, all top strikers in the modern game need to be able to involve themselves in the build-up play.
      If Chelsea are able to recruit a striker who can find runs and drop into space to drag defenders out of position then they will become much more difficult to play against.
      Benzema sees a team-mate on the break and plays an accurate pass to release them
      While both Toney and Benzema are strong in terms of receiving and creating threat through their passing in the final third, Toney has the edge here.
      He is more mobile and aggressive in his movements to drop and receive the ball in tight areas.
      Playing with back to goal
      One of the biggest strengths that Chelsea currently have in their squad is their ability to play progressive passes from the midfield.
      Both Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are progressive passers with the ability to break lines of pressure.
      The problem that Chelsea have at the moment is they do not have a forward player that is effective when receiving those passes.
      Toney and Benzema are effective at coming towards the ball and receiving it with their back to goal.
      They are both strong when providing their teams with a platform from which they can build their attacks.
      They will take possession and then link the play around the final third before moving forward.
      Toney drops in to receive a pass, drags his marker out of position and creates space for others
      Once again Toney is more mobile and aggressive in his movements than Benzema and he will look to drop into the midfield on a regular basis.
      Neither are strikers that rely on pace to run in behind the defensive line, with both thriving more in possession-dominant systems.
      Chelsea should always be expecting to dominate the ball against their opposition given the quality in their squad.
      At the moment, for all of the money that Chelsea have invested in their midfield unit, they are not getting the best out of these players because they do not have the attacking players to receive and link the play back to goal.
      Benzema drops into midfield and finds runners going beyond him
      Once again, in terms of the ability to receive and play with their back to goal, Toney is more favourable over Benzema given he is fresher and more mobile.
      Conclusion
      It is easy to make the argument that for a top club like Chelsea you could flip a coin between Toney and Benzema.
      Both are top centre forwards that would improve Pochettino’s side.
      But Toney is nine years younger with a more mobile and dynamic style of play.
      And if Chelsea were to sign Benzema then they would need a player to replace him with again in the summer.
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      Toney would solve their problems for several seasons, so he seems like the most viable option.

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      The weirdest Jordan Henderson-themed gifts you can buy from Ajax including BED SHEETS after controversial transfer

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      JORDAN HENDERSON has become the most famous man in Amsterdam.The England midfielder completed a free transfer to Ajax on Thursday following a six-month spell with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
      Jordan Henderson has completed a move to AjaxCredit: Alamy
      Fans can buy Henderson cushionsCredit: AJAX https://www.ajax.nl/shop
      Mugs are also for saleCredit: AJAX https://www.ajax.nl/shop
      Henderson bedsheets are even available to purchaseCredit: AJAX https://www.ajax.nl/shop
      Following his arrival in the Dutch capital, Henderson’s Ajax shirt became the fastest-selling player shirt in the club’s history.
      With the demand clearly high, the Eredivisie giants have since added more Henderson merchandise to the official club shop.
      Fans can now purchase an array of products inspired by the ex-Liverpool star – including a towel and some bedsheets.
      A standard Henderson shirt will usually cost £86 (€100) but Ajax have celebrated the midfielder’s arrival with a discount meaning they are now being sold for around £52 (€60).
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      Ajax are also selling Henderson bedsheets for £47 (€54.95) and cushions for £20 (€22.95) each.
      Fans can also purchase mugs with the player’s name and number on for £13 (€14.95) and even a towel for £28 (€32.95).
      Many Ajax fans were thrilled following the 33-year-old’s arrival, with some even painting road signs to welcome him.
      However, Dutch journalists have labelled him as a “pointless investment” for the club.
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      De Telegraaf reporter Valentijn Driessen described Henderson as “no saviour” and a “panic buy”.
      He wrote: “All signals are on red, but Ajax is just pushing hard and reaching deep into their pockets for midfielder Jordan Henderson.
      “A case of buying for which the fallen Ajax has to write off about 25 million euros (£21.4m) in two and a half years. Panic buying can also be successful, but Henderson is past his peak after three years at Sunderland, twelve years at Liverpool and a half a year at Al-Ettifaq.
      “Henderson, who succeeds two failed English signings (Calvin Bassey and Chuba Akpom) is an extremely expensive gamble.
      “No matter how well regarded he is and seen a saviour in Amsterdam, Liverpool’s Henderson would never have chosen to play in the Eredivisie.”
      Speaking at his first Ajax press conference on Friday, Henderson insisted that he left Al-Ettifaq purely for football reasons.
      He said: “It was a very much a football decision. Of course I have to make the decision based on what’s best for me and my family as well.
      “The decision to come here was a football decision. Like I said before it’s a huge opportunity for me personally. I cannot fault Ajax for the faith they have shown me and the opportunity they have given me to come to this great football club.
      “I just want to get going. I am excited to be here. I want to get going, get training and get playing to show them what I can do.”
      He also refused to criticise the Saudi Pro League, adding: “I think a lot of people would like me to sit here and criticise the Saudi League and everything that went along with that. But that’s certainly not the case and something I am not going to do.
      “I have full respect for the league, for any fans of the club, for the people over there who really made me feel welcome. Unfortunately sometimes these things in life just don’t work out. In football and in life in general. I made a decision.
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      “As soon as I knew this opportunity was there the decision was this was the best move for me and my family at this time. If anyone was offended or feel I have upset that’s on me. I apologise for that and it was never my intention.
      “I just want to look forward now and concentrate on being the best player I can for Ajax.”
      Henderson spent just three months with Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      Forgotten Arsenal flop Nuno Tavares handed transfer lifeline by European giants as he struggles on loan

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      MARSEILLE are reportedly considering a swoop for out-of-favour Arsenal full-back Nuno Tavares.The 23-year-old made 39 appearances for the Ligue 1 side during his loan spell last season.
      Nuno Tavares could return to MarseilleCredit: Getty
      Despite his strong start at the Stade Vélodrome, Tavares fell down the pecking order under Igor Tudor.
      He was kicked out of a training session at the end of the campaign for an alleged lack of effort and returned to Arsenal in the summer.
      But despite the misdemeanour, Marseille officials want him to return.
      According to French outlet L’Equipe, the Olympians are in the market for a new left-back and Tavares is on their list of targets.
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      They have already signed Ulisses Garcia from Young Boys this month, but having sanctioned the departure of Renan Lodi they are now seeking another addition.
      Tavares is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, but he has been limited to just five appearances across all competitions.
      The Reds have the option to buy him for £12million at the end of the season, but the Portuguese international is allegedly open to a move away.
      Tavares joined Arsenal in a £8m transfer from Benfica in 2021.
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      Although he initially impressed Mikel Arteta during his first few appearances, the full-back fell down the pecking order following a series of defensive errors.
      He has made just 28 appearances for the Gunners since moving to England.
      His first Arsenal goal came in a 3-1 win over Manchester United in April 2022. More

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      ‘We used to love you’ – Man Utd fans heartbroken after Cristiano Ronaldo’s glowing words about Man City

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has left Manchester United fans heartbroken with his latest comments.The former Red Devils forward had some glowing words to say about their fierce rivals on Friday.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was full of praise for Manchester City’s treble winnersCredit: AP
      His comments have left Manchester United fans heartbroken, thoughCredit: Rex
      He hailed Manchester City’s treble triumph last season whilst speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.
      Ronaldo was nominated for the best men’s player at the awards ceremony.
      Discussing City’s treble, he explained: “Manchester City did amazing. Congratulations on their season. Players, coach. Superb.”
      The 38-year-old added: “Finally they win the Champions League, they probably deserved it two years ago. I enjoy seeing them playing.”
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      United supporters were left devastated by his comments, though.
      One responded on social media by writing: “Ugh Ronaldo. I used to love you. But Sir Alex is gonna throw a shoe at you or something.”
      Another added: “He’s defo taking a dig at us.”
      A third also commented: “He doesn’t rate United,” along with crying and broken heart emojis.
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      Ronaldo was strongly linked with joining City in 2021 before his dramatic return to Old Trafford.
      He has since claimed he came close to joining the blue side of Manchester.
      Across two spells with United, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 145 goals and provided 64 assists in 346 appearances.
      Ronaldo also won 10 major trophies during his first stint in England, including three league titles and the Champions League.
      However, his return ended on a sour note in 2022 after he slammed the club in an interview with Piers Morgan.
      In response, United axed the Portugal star with immediate effect, before he joined Al-Nassr weeks later.
      Ronaldo scored 145 goals across two spells with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty More

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      Forgotten ex-Premier League star Moise Kean set to land stunning transfer that will see him return to Champions League

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      FORMER Everton ace Moise Kean is set to leave Juventus and join Atletico Madrid, reports suggest.Kean underwent a hapless four-year stint at Goodison Park where he managed a mere four goals and two assists in 39 appearances.
      Moise Kean is set to join Atletico Madrid on loan from JuventusCredit: Getty
      Ex-Everton ace Kean also received bids from Fiorentina and Monza but preferred AtleticoCredit: Getty
      The striker failed to stand out at the Toffees and was sent out on loan twice to Paris Saint-Germain and Juve, who signed him back on a permanent deal last year.
      However, the 23-year-old has fallen down the pecking order in Turin with the emergence of 18-year-old wonderkid Kenan Yildiz.
      And according to Sport Mediaset, the Italy international is now moving to Atletico on a surprise loan move during the January transfer window.
      Kean is “very close” to completing the move and joining Diego Simeone’s side.
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      In fact, the two clubs have already reached an agreement and are working on the final details to complete the deal in the next few days.
      Kean is looking for more minutes and Atleti could offer him Champions League football as they are set to face Inter Milan in the Last 16.
      And the LaLiga giants can also help him seal a place in Luciano Spalletti’s Italy side ahead of Euro 2024.
      The Italian received offers from Fiorentina as well as Monza but ultimately opted for a bigger challenge at Atletico.
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      Kean is expected to discuss his future with Juventus upon his return in the summer with his contract running out in 2025.
      The forward started out at the Bianconeri’s academy in 2010 and was promoted to the first team seven years later.
      The ex-Everton ace has since registered a total of 22 goals and three assists in 115 appearances across two stints with the Old Lady. More

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      Man Utd told the three transfers they must make to kick Sir Jim Ratcliffe era off with a bang

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Dwight Yorke has named three transfers the club must make to kick off the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.The British billionaire is in the middle of his first January transfer window since his small stake takeover at Old Trafford.
      Dwight Yorke named three stars Man Utd should make to kick off Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s eraCredit: Getty
      Ratcliffe is halfway through his first transfer window at the clubCredit: PA
      The first major move in the winter window has already taken place at United as Jadon Sancho headed out on loan to his former side Borussia Dortmund.
      With Erik ten Hag’s injury crisis ongoing fans are waiting to see if the club will bring in any recruits.
      And Red Devils icon Yorke gave his say on who he thinks should be next in line for the Manchester outfit.
      Speaking on the Footy Accumulators, Yorke said: “If I were in charge of Man United and had to sign three players, then I’d pick Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sane, and Son Heung-Min.
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      “I feel United are OK defensively, but they lack options in midfield.
      “I wouldn’t say the club needs a clear out, but they need at least six new players to freshen up the whole team. Too many players have been there for too long!”
      Sane would be a particularly interesting move because of his previous stint at Manchester City.
      The German made 135 appearances for the club across four seasons, contributing 39 goals and 46 assists.
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      However, Sane was sold to Bayern Munich and after a slow start, is now one of their most important players.
      This season, he has bagged nine goals and nine assists in 24 appearances across all competitions for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
      While Napoli’s prolific goal scorer Osimhen has scored 67 goals in 119 appearances for the Serie A side.
      And Tottenham skipper Son is the Lilywhites star man known for his speed and incredible finishes.
      Yorke continued: “I think Leroy Sane would give United plenty of options on the right and he’d complement Rashford well.
      “Victor Osimhen would inject firepower and goals, and he’d complete my ideal front three.
      “I feel like Man United have lost their identity in this department over the last 18 months, and I worry about how fragile they look there. I find myself second-guessing the team before each game!”
      Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane was the first listed by YorkeCredit: Getty
      Napoli’s Victor Osimhen was also named in the listCredit: AFP
      Son Heung-min even made an entry and was the third star Yorke mentionedCredit: Getty More

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      Ryan Giggs takes swipe at ‘terrible’ Man Utd star in first public appearance in six months

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      RYAN GIGGS took a swipe at a Manchester United flop while slamming the club’s recruitment.The United legend discussed Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival and shared his thoughts on winger Alejandro Garnacho.
      Ryan Giggs slammed Manchester United’s recruitmentCredit: Getty
      Giggs was full of praise for Alejandro GarnachoCredit: Getty
      Giggs made a rare public appearance as he discussed affairs at United, having last been seen in public at Salford’s draw with West Brom in pre-season.
      And when asked about his view of exciting youngster Garnacho, Giggs decided to take aim at United’s recruitment strategy.
      He told: “He gets you off your seat. He’s giving you 10 times more than the other guy that cost so much more money.
      “We’ve just recruited terribly for years and years.”
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      Giggs didn’t name the “other guy”, however the other wingers competing alongside Garnacho include Antony, Jadon Sancho (before he went on loan to Dortmund), Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
      Giggs is said to be plotting a remarkable football comeback over “unfinished business” with the game.
      It comes after domestic violence charges against him were dropped.
      Prosecutors abandoned the star’s retrial after the alleged victim – Giggs’ ex-partner Kate Greville – “indicated an unwillingness” to continue.
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      Giggs, 50, was believed to be in the running to take over as manager at Salford City – a club he co-owns alongside United pals Gary Neville, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
      The Ammies instead appointed Karl Robinson as a more experienced option, with relegation threatening the League Two side.
      Giggs also discussed what needs to change at Old Trafford to get United back on track.
      He added: “That is the No1 thing we have to change. The culture of the club.
      “To get players in who want to play for United and will do anything to win a game for United. That is something in the medium-term, we have to get those players in.”
      Giggs did not name which player he was unimpressed withCredit: Getty More