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    Roy Keane once told Arsenal icon Ian Wright he wasn’t Man Utd material after he turned up TWO MINUTES late for lunch

    ROY KEANE once took aim at Arsenal legend Ian Wright for turning up TWO MINUTES late to lunch – then implied he was not Manchester United material.Irishman Keane launched his tirade in 2018 when the two cult heroes were working together as pundits at the World Cup in Russia.
    Ian Wright learnt the hard way that fellow pundit Roy Keane does not tolerate lateness
    Wright told BBC’s Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast: “Honestly, I’ve got so much admiration for Roy Keane. I have to say, we were at the World Cup together [as pundits] and I was thinking, ‘oh my gosh, we’re really cool mates, it’s fine’.
    “And I remember there was this one time I asked Roy if he wanted to go to lunch, because we had breakfast then we’d go for lunch.
    “He said, ‘okay, Wrighty. See you at 1.15’. I said, ‘No problem, I’ve just got to go and do some stuff’.
    “So I had to go and do that, I got there at 1.17, I was waiting in the lobby, I phoned and said, ‘Roy, okay, I’m here’. And he said, ‘Wrighty, 1.15 is 1.15, I’m not coming’.
    “I laughed because I thought he was only messing about but he said, ‘Wrighty, I’m not coming’. And he hung up the phone. And I never saw him until the evening.”
    Keane showed his unforgiving and disciplined nature catching Wright off guard and teaching him a harsh timekeeping lesson.
    However, the incident has not seemed to impact the pair’s relationship as they continue to appear together on ITV despite Keane’s suggestion Wright would not have made the cut at United.
    Wright added: “And as soon as I saw him he done one of those cheeky smiles he’s got and he said, ‘this is why Man United were so successful, we done what had to be done on time, we done what we needed to do’.
    Roy Keane is never one to hold back and he didn’t with the Arsenal legendCredit: ITV
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    “And that’s what made me think with Roy Keane is that to be under him, under his stewardship as a captain, he would take nothing in respect of failure.
    “What I like about Roy Keane, and anybody that knows him or spends any time with him, obviously he doesn’t suffer any fools, but I’ve never seen anybody who loves football and speaks about football as much as he does.
    “He’ll tell you about a player in League Two, a left-back somewhere, he loves it.
    “The fact is, when he’s off-camera he’s just a very serious man, he’s a serious bloke, he doesn’t deal with foolishness.
    “I cannot stop laughing when I’m in his presence, the way he shuts people down and shuts things off, it just makes me laugh all the time, I just love being around him.”
    Wright pulled no punches in his praise of Keane’s leadership and said: “For me, he was the best captain in the Premier League.
    “What he ushered in with the Class of ’92, with the great players around him, the consistency of his performances without compromising exactly what he was about in respect of the way he sees the game and his principles and his morals.”
    Keane collected 12 major trophies during an illustrious spell at Old Trafford and his no-nonsense attitude undoubtedly helped propel the sides he played in to great success.
    Roy Keane and Ian Wright regularly engage in lively TV debates when analysing football and the World Cup was no exception
    Niall Quinn says refs were ‘scared stiff’ of Roy Keane as he remembers Man Utd getting an undeserved penalty More

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    Mike Tyson would KO sparring partners quickly so he could get home in time to watch Tom and Jerry says ex-bodyguard

    MIKE Tyson would destroy training partners in minutes not for pleasure – but to jjust get home quickly to watch TV. Tyson, who repeatedly punched a fellow passenger on board a plane and left him bloodied this week, often turned a planned five-hour sparring session into less than 60 minutes of destruction because he was desperate to watch cartoons.
    Tyson used to rush through training in order to go home and watch Tom and JerryCredit: AFP
    A young Tyson in the gym with an even younger Floyd MayweatherCredit: Alamy
    That is the insight from Tyson’s confidante, ex bodyguard and chauffeur Rudy Gonzalez, who had a ringside seat at fights and home battles during the New Yorker’s rise to infamy.
    Gonzalez said: “When we trained in Vegas his sparring sessions were from 12 to 5pm.
    “He would be the nicest guy beforehand asking the sparring partners: ‘How you doing today, how’s the family?’
    “Then he would just knock five guys out so within an hour there was nobody left.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}AIR RAGE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Boxing icon Mike Tyson ‘repeatedly punches passenger in face during plane attack’
    “I saw him punch the heavy bag so hard it broke a few times from the chains and the other boxers would just leave saying: ‘we are not f****** with you today. I do not care how much money you pay me.’
    “Anyone who felt they were up for taking him on, he would hit them and they’d snap. Soon after they would pack their bags.
    “So one day I asked: ‘Boss I am confused, isn’t this about working on techniques?
    “He replied: ‘If I keep it going we will miss Tom and Jerry cartoons.’”
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    BETTING SPECIAL – GET FURY AT 30/1 OR WHYTE AT 100/1
    Tyson, who returned to the ring in an eight-round exhibition with Roy Jones Jr in 2020, has retained his love for cartoons, making his own Mike Tyson Mysteries series for Adult Swim.
    Gonzalez was by Tyson’s side as he rose from the most terrifying teenage boxer in history to become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time aged 20.
    Under the guidance of legendary trainer Cus D’Amato, who became Tyson’s legal guardian after serving time in juvenile prison, he transformed from teen criminal into a street fighting hoodlum and ultimately a polished power punching boxing phenom.
    While living with D’Amato at his Catskills home, his training was far more regimented.
    D’Amato passed months before Tyson became heavyweight champion in 1986.
    BUILDING A BOXING FRANKENSTEIN
    Gonzalez said: “When I first worked with him he had to be home by 9pm, because we were running 10 miles in the morning.
    “His manager Jim Jacob and trainer Kevin Rooney along with Cus would make sure I enforced that training schedule.
    “Mike was so disciplined. He would sit upstairs in the house studying boxing films for hours, seeing how different fighters moved and hit.
    “Cus was injecting him with centuries of training. The peek a boo technique – it felt so clean and natural for him. Cus built a boxing Frankenstein.
    “Cus would repeat over and over to Mike from the beginning, ‘Do you know you’re going to be heavyweight champion of the world someday?’
    “If you say it enough times, you believe it. And if you believe it, then you’ll have no doubt.”
    Gonzalez, whose book about his Tyson experiences – The Inner Ring – is being developed into an animated movie, added that other staff were terrified of Tyson during his training time.
    Gonzalez has made headlines in the past with his book about his time with Tyson, pointing the finger at promoter Don King for many of the star’s troubles.
    He claims King ‘psychologically broke him’, adding: “Mike’s story would have had a different ending if Cus had lived longer.
    “His sister Denise always made me promise to keep Mike away from Don, calling him a clown.”
    He claimed that he witnessed ‘deceit, betrayal, and fraud perpetrated’ upon Tyson
    The Inner Ring (Premium Edition): The Set-Up of Mike Tyson and the Uncrowning of Don King Paperback is available now to buy.
    Tyson was one of the most feared names in boxing throughout his careerCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Tyson Fury was offered sparring training by Games of Thrones icon Thor Bjornsson to get ready for Dillian Whyte fight

    HAFTHOR BJORNSSON offered himself up as a sparring partner for Tyson Fury in preparation for the Dillian Whyte fight. Fury makes his UK homecoming tomorrow at Wembley against his WBC mandatory challenger.
    Hafthor Bjornsson offered himself up as a sparring partner for Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram
    Dillain Whyte fights Tyson Fury on April 23Credit: PA
    And Game of Thrones star Bjornsson – nicknamed Thor – was ready to help the Gypsy King in training camp after meeting him in December.
    He told talkSPORT previously: “We spoke about training, what is happening, the plans for his future, the plans for my future, what’s next for him and what’s next for me.
    “Just bits and pieces of everything. He’s a really nice guy and I have a huge respect for Tyson Fury as a boxer and a person.
    “He seems like a really decent guy. We had some nice talks and even spoke about training together one day.
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a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FURY VS WHYTE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}How to watch HUGE Wembley showdown between Fury and Whyte
    “I know he’s starting his camp and I would love to go there and be a part of that if that is on the table and an offer.”
    Reign Total Body Fuel athlete Thor, 33, showed off his talents in the ring last month by defeating strongman rival Eddie Hall, 34, in Dubai.
    Now just weeks later, Fury is putting bragging rights of his own on the line against Whyte – and he has the backing of Iceland’s Bjornsson.
    Thor said: “Tyson Fury is undefeated, the best heavyweight boxer in the world right now. One hundred per cent Tyson Fury wins by knockout.”
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    BETTING SPECIAL – GET FURY AT 30/1 OR WHYTE AT 100/1
    The 6ft 8in powerhouse trained to fight Hall for almost two years and took inspiration from some of boxing’s best along the way.
    Thor revealed: “I watched a lot of different boxers.
    “The ones that are active right now, old boxers like Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, [Evander] Holyfield.
    “Now people like Canelo, Tyson Fury, Teofimo Lopez, I know him a bit and he’s a great fighter, GGG (Gennady Golovkin).
    “I just love to watch these guys who are great at their game and I try to watch as much and learn from them.
    “I watch a lot of boxers, but those are the main names I like to look up when I’m on YouTube.”

    Hafthor Bjornsson starring in Game of ThronesCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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    Tyson Fury insists he will make exception for ‘special fight’ with UFC star despite retiring after Dillian Whyte bout

    TYSON FURY says he make an exception to fight UFC champion Francis Ngannou after vowing to retire with a win over Dillian Whyte. The WBC heavyweight king returns to the UK in a homecoming grudge match against Whyte on Saturday at Wembley.
    Tyson Fury claims he will retire after fighting Dillian WhyteCredit: Reuters
    Fury had promised to target the undisputed crown this year before agreeing a mega-money deal to face UFC champion Ngannou in 2023.
    But the eccentric Gypsy King has switched up his plans again, so he claims, by saying he will instead retire after his fight with Whyte.
    Fury did however confirm it will not disrupt his goal of fighting Ngannou next year.
    And he called for it to be an unprecedented boxing match inside a cage with 4oz gloves on.
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BOXING.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FURY VS WHYTE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}All of the latest from HUGE Wembley showdown plus how to watch
    Fury previously told the MMA Hour: “I don’t count that as a real boxing fight.
    “That’s not a boxing fight. That’s gonna be a ‘special’ fight. That will be in a cage in 4oz gloves, in Las Vegas, at the Raiders Stadium.
    “I will have retired from competitive, championship boxing and I’ll be ready to do the crossover fights completely.”
    Ngannou, 35, has no fights left on his current UFC deal but as champion he is still contracted with them for another year.
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    BETTING SPECIAL – GET FURY AT 30/1 OR WHYTE AT 100/1
    But should he fail to agree an extension it would allow him to become a free agent and pursue his boxing ambitions.
    Fury, 33, last fought in October with an epic 11th round stoppage over Deontay Wilder, 36, which rounded out their trilogy in style.
    Challenging Ngannou after his three bouts with Wilder would see the Brit facing arguably the two biggest punchers in the world.
    But he is keen to have the spectacle fight competed in the smaller 4oz MMA gloves, evening up the playing field.
    Fury said: “We’ve got Francis Ngannou, he’s a big guy, a big dangerous guy.
    “I’d love to see, people going on, ‘Oh, it’s not a fair fight in 10-ounce gloves,’ and that’s correct.
    “It wouldn’t be a fair fight in 10-ounce gloves because like [Daniel] Cormier said recently, he said Francis Ngannou is a much cruder version of Deontay Wilder, and we all know what happened there.
    “So I think if we’re doing four-ounce gloves, he’d have a bit more chance of knocking me out, but then again, I’d have a bit more chance of knocking him out also.
    “So it makes for an exciting fight. And I will try to come in at my heaviest for that fight.
    “I’ll try to come in over 300 pounds. Just to nail him to the canvas with one solid punch.”
    RETIREMENT VOW
    Fury came face-to-face with Whyte this week ahead of the clash on Saturday.
    And he reiterated his intention to quit boxing afterwards at the press conference, saying:
    “I’m happy to go back to Morecambe and be left alone.
    “I’m gonna delete my Instagram, I’m getting away from being a ‘star’.
    “I want to be left alone to live my normal little life, pathetic life I live in Morecambe Bay – going to school, taking out the bins, getting a haircut, valeting the car, going out once a week and training every day.
    “Win, lose or draw on Saturday night they’ll be no more fights.”
    UFC champion Francis Ngannou is linked with fighting Tyson FuryCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd incoming manager Erik ten Hag lived above supermarket, studies Guardiola’s teams and loves Van Gaal and Cruyff

    ERIK TEN HAG famously lived above a supermarket in Amsterdam, but the only shelf he stacked was his club’s trophy cabinet.The Ajax boss, 52, has been confirmed as Manchester United’s next manager – signing a three-year deal with the club.
    Erik ten Hag is Man Utd’s next managerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    From next season, the Dutch tactician will be in the Old Trafford hot-seat – and is expected to be handed a £200million war chest to improve the fortunes of the Red Devils.
    The quiet thinker had a 13-year playing career in Holland, before he revived the glory days at Ajax with a vibrant young team.
    In 2019, with a side that featured homegrown talents like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech, he reached a Champions League semi-final.
    Ten Hag, a keen golfer with a high-pitched voice, worked wonders given Ajax had not even competed in the knockout stages since 2005-06.
    Having already surpassed par, Ten Hag is becoming a Master. That’s why he was United’s hierarchy’s first choice.
    AJAX ICONS
    On the wall of his modest office at the club’s De Toekomst training ground hang photos of Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels and Louis van Gaal.
    In an era when Ajax are surrounded by financially beefed up opponents, he has ensured the club have stayed competitive. This season, they were narrowly beaten by Benfica over two legs to exit the Champions League in the Round of 16 stage.
    So how has the former centre-back from a rural town in Twente transformed their fortunes?
    Ten Hag’s education in coaching goes some way to explain.
    In 2013, having spent his entire career in Holland, he moved abroad to work with the master of management.
    At Bayern Munich, Ten Hag cut his coaching teeth with the reserves while watching closely as Pep Guardiola revolutionised the German giants’ style.
    “Every day I get to work with him, I look forward to it. He inspires me,” he gushed.
    Ten Hag worked closely with Pep Guardiola for two years as Bayern Munich II’s managerCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola with his focus on attacking and attractive footballCredit: AFP or licensors
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most Read In Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}

    And his approach to training shows Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola, such is the obsession with detail.
    He has a particular focus on the character of a player.
    Ten Hag will note down how each individual responds to minor errors, losing the ball or committing a foul, and works out the mentality of his team to suit their opponent.
    Before being appointed at Ajax in 2017, these skills helped him guide Utrecht into the Europa League.DEVELOPING YOUTH
    Ten Hag suited Ajax due to his ability to nurture young talent into stars.
    Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona in a deal worth £65million in 2019. Matthijs de Ligt joined Juventus for the same fee – boosting the club’s coffers.
    Ten Hag played a key role in the development of players like Memphis Depay, at PSV, and Marko Arnautovic, at FC Twente.
    He transformed Depay from a central midfielder to a wide position, with the coach’s focus constantly on attacking and attractive football.
    Yet, Ten Hag is also able to identify what his team needs.
    Among his youthful stars, are seasoned veterans including former Manchester United man Daley Blind and ex-Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic.
    Both were brought in 2018 by Ten Hag to redress the team’s inexperience.
    Ten Hag’s first managerial job was with Dutch side Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Ten Hag rose to prominence in Holland by taking Utrecht to the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex Features
    Former defender ten Hag focuses on developing youth by gaining their trustCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The Dutchman has spoken of his lofty ambitions to manage a bigger club.
    And with Ajax now firmly established back as one of Europe’s big guns under Ten Hag, felt his work at the club was done.
    Now, the challenge of the Premier League awaits. Can he succeed where other Dutch coaches have failed? Time will tell. More

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    Man Utd’s incoming manager Erik ten Hag lives above supermarket, studies Guardiola’s teams and loves Van Gaal and Cruyff

    ERIK TEN HAG famously lives above a supermarket in Amsterdam, but the only shelf he stacked was his club’s trophy cabinet.The Ajax boss, 52, has been confirmed as Manchester United’s next manager – signing a three-year deal with the club.
    Erik ten Hag is Man Utd’s next managerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    From next season, the Dutch tactician will be in the Old Trafford hot-seat – and is expected to be handed a £200million war chest to improve the fortunes of the Red Devils.
    The quiet thinker had a 13-year playing career in Holland, before he revived the glory days at Ajax with a vibrant young team.
    In 2019, with a side that featured homegrown talents like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech, he reached a Champions League semi-final.
    Ten Hag, a keen golfer with a high-pitched voice, worked wonders given Ajax had not even competed in the knockout stages since 2005-06.
    Having already surpassed par, Ten Hag is becoming a Master. That’s why he was United’s hierarchy’s first choice.
    AJAX ICONS
    On the wall of his modest office at the club’s De Toekomst training ground hang photos of Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels and Louis van Gaal.
    In an era when Ajax are surrounded by financially beefed up opponents, he has ensured the club have stayed competitive. This season, they were narrowly beaten by Benfica over two legs to exit the Champions League in the Round of 16 stage.
    So how has the former centre-back from a rural town in Twente transformed their fortunes?
    Ten Hag’s education in coaching goes some way to explain.
    In 2013, having spent his entire career in Holland, he moved abroad to work with the master of management.
    At Bayern Munich, Ten Hag cut his coaching teeth with the reserves while watching closely as Pep Guardiola revolutionised the German giants’ style.
    “Every day I get to work with him, I look forward to it. He inspires me,” he gushed.
    Ten Hag worked closely with Pep Guardiola for two years as Bayern Munich II’s managerCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola with his focus on attacking and attractive footballCredit: AFP or licensors
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most Read In Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}

    And his approach to training shows Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola, such is the obsession with detail.
    He has a particular focus on the character of a player.
    Ten Hag will note down how each individual responds to minor errors, losing the ball or committing a foul, and works out the mentality of his team to suit their opponent.
    Before being appointed at Ajax in 2017, these skills helped him guide Utrecht into the Europa League.DEVELOPING YOUTH
    Ten Hag suited Ajax due to his ability to nurture young talent into stars.
    Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona in a deal worth £65million in 2019. Matthijs de Ligt joined Juventus for the same fee – boosting the club’s coffers.
    Ten Hag played a key role in the development of players like Memphis Depay, at PSV, and Marko Arnautovic, at FC Twente.
    He transformed Depay from a central midfielder to a wide position, with the coach’s focus constantly on attacking and attractive football.
    Yet, Ten Hag is also able to identify what his team needs.
    Among his youthful stars, are seasoned veterans including former Manchester United man Daley Blind and ex-Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic.
    Both were brought in 2018 by Ten Hag to redress the team’s inexperience.
    Ten Hag’s first managerial job was with Dutch side Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Ten Hag rose to prominence in Holland by taking Utrecht to the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex Features
    Former defender Ten Hag focuses on developing youth by gaining their trustCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The Dutchman has spoken of his lofty ambitions to manage a bigger club.
    And with Ajax now firmly established back as one of Europe’s big guns under Ten Hag, felt his work at the club was done.
    Now, the challenge of the Premier League awaits. Can he succeed where other Dutch coaches have failed? Time will tell. More

  • in

    How Man Utd could line up under Ten Hag with SEVEN new signings transforming team after he is announced as manager

    ERIK TEN HAG has been announced as the new Manchester United manager from next season and could transform the club this summer with a HUGE transfer overhaul.The Ajax boss has signed a contract keeping him at the club until 2025 with an option for a further year.
    Ten Hag is expected to oversee a transfer overhaulCredit: GETTY
    On the move, Ten Hag said: “It is a great honour to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead.
    “I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.
    “It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United.”
    The Dutchman will reportedly be handed a £200million transfer war chest.
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    There could also be a high number of first-team players leaving the club this summer.
    Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Lee Grant could all leave for FREE when their contracts end.
    The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Alex Telles, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford could all be on their way out too.
    Donny van de Beek may be spared having worked with Ten Hag before.
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    United could look to add SEVEN starting stars.
    In defence, Noussair Mazraoui could follow Ten Hag from Ajax to Old Trafford.
    Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe could also be targeted, as well as soon-to-be free agent Antonio Rudiger.
    In midfield, West Ham main man Declan Rice is a key target, as is Wolves’ Ruben Neves.
    Both could, however, cost an absolute fortune.
    RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku is also a target after his sensational season.
    The France international has 30 goals and 19 assists to his name this term, primarily playing as an attacking midfielder.
    And Nkunku could play anywhere behind the striker.
    Harry Kane is the main transfer target in attack and would guarantee double figures in goals and assists.
    SEVEN new players could start for Man Utd next season More