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      West Ham technical director Tim Steidten steps away from club’s training ground amid Julen Lopetegui rift

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI is under increasing pressure at West Ham after technical director Tim Steidten stepped back from the training ground.Lopetegui and Steidten’s already tense relationship has deteriorated with the club frustrated with both figures.West Ham technical director Tim Steidten (left) has stepped away from the training ground amid a rift with boss Julen LopeteguiCredit: PASteidten also fell out with former boss David Moyes late last seasonCredit: PAIt is not clear whether the Spanish boss will be in charge for the next Premier League game, at home to Fulham next Tuesday.West Ham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night before returning to Premier League action.Furthermore, Steidten’s influence on the January market has been diluted as chairman David Sullivan takes a leading role in the transfer window.Steidten, 45, was part of the process when West Ham were considering replacements for Lopetegui last month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Hammers chief was involved in discussions with Graham Potter as well as a number of other managers, though the East Londoners decided to give their manager a stay of execution.Lopetegui’s position remains under scrutiny and conceding ten goals in the last two games has not helped his standing.Steidten, appointed in 2023, has opted to steer clear of the Rush Green base to focus on the January window and allow Lopetegui the space to focus on the squad.His role in sounding out replacements, as well as the club’s poor form, has led to a tense relationship between the pair.Most read in FootballWhat’s Steidten’s role at West Ham TIM STEIDTEN is West Ham’s Technical Director.When he was appointed to the role in July 2023, this is how the club explained the position: “Steidten will be responsible for the Club’s overarching player recruitment strategy and scouting department, working closely with Manager David Moyes and Sporting Director Mark Noble.”The Technical Director role has been implemented as part of the Club’s continued growth strategy and comes at a key moment in West Ham United’s history, with the Hammers’ victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League earlier this month securing a third successive season in European competition.”The club were full of praise for Steidten after his arrival, saying: “One of the game’s most-admired football administrators, 44-year-old Steidten brings his own added experience of European football to East London, having previously fulfilled a similar role with Bayer 04 Leverkusen in his native Germany, at a time when the Hammers are enjoying a sustained period of success at both first team and Academy level.”Arriving at Leverkusen from Werder Bremen in June 2019, Steidten was responsible for overseeing a pivotal period in the Club’s history, with his data-led approach to scouting yielding some immediate positive results in the transfer market, recruiting a number of unheralded gems, before nurturing them into highly-coveted stars.”His arrival is set to complement the strong existing UEFA Europa Conference League winning squad on and off the pitch, with further significant experience and expertise.”Joint-Chair David Sullivan said at the time of Steidten’s appointment: “Our goal when we became custodians of West Ham United and moved to London Stadium was to bring silverware to this incredible Club and to regularly compete in European football. We’ve enjoyed some fantastic times in recent seasons, and we aim to continue to grow and evolve across all areas of the Club. Tim’s appointment is key to our wider plans to drive our football strategy forward. We are delighted to welcome such a well-respected name in the game to the Club.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWest Ham, under Steidten’s leadership, spent £127.5million, in the summer window but sit 14th in the Premier League with just six wins all season.The German, who previously worked at Bayer Leverkusen, also had a poor relationship with former manager David Moyes.West Ham stars pay tribute to Antonio with special shirts after pal’s horror crashSteidten was asked to stay away from the first team dressing room at the London Stadium towards the end of last season.Asked about that decision at the time, Moyes said: “I’ve said before that Tim has his job to do but managers have their boundaries and I have my boundaries.”West Ham are keen to be active in the January window following the loss of Michail Antonio for the season and Jarrod Bowen for six weeks.The Hammers want to add a striker and central midfielder on loan.Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has been considered but the Seagulls will wait until the end of the window to make a decision on whether or not to loan him out.Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who almost moved to the London Stadium in the summer, is on their radar once more. More

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      Footballer Luca Meixner found dead in his bed aged 22 as ‘stunned’ club release emotional statement

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      GERMAN club SSV Reutlingen have announced the shock death of player Luca Meixner.The 22-year-old was found dead in his bed over the festive period. SSV Reutlingen star Luca Meixner has died aged 22Credit: Instagram @ssvreutlingen05Meixner broke into SSV’s first team in 2021 and has played for the club since he was a youngster. A statement from Ruetlingen on Instagram read: “Last weekend we received the terrible news that our player Luca Meixner died unexpectedly on Friday, December 27th at the age of 22. “The entire SSV family is deeply saddened and stunned. “His teammates, all committees and employees mourn with Luca’s bereaved family and our thoughts are with his family, friends and companions. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We ask that the privacy of Luca’s family be respected during this difficult time.”Meixner began his career in SSV’s youth teams, breaking into the under-17 ranks in 2017.He made his first-team debut four years later, going on to appear 100 times for the club and scoring 6 goals.Germany football is currently in a winter break, with Reutlingen’s last game on December 7.Most read in FootballMeixner started the contest, playing 87 minutes in a 1-1 draw.His cause of death has not been declared. SSV have featured in the Oberliga Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany’s fifth tier, for the past nine seasons.They currently sit 10th in the league, with 25 points from 20 games.Clubs from across the German pyramid have begun to send condolences to Reutlingen and Meixner’s family.Sonnenhof Grossaspach, a fellow fifth-tier club, wrote: “Our heartfelt condolences and lots of strength in this difficult time.”Goppinger SV added: “Much strength to the entire club.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      ‘Are you alright?’ – ‘New Match of the Day host’ Mark Chapman stunned by Shay Given’s bizarre analysis on MOTD2

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      BBC anchor Mark Chapman was left baffled after Shay Given derailed Match of the Day with a series of bizarre puns.The MOTD2 host halted proceedings during Sunday night’s show to ask the ex-player: “Are you alright?”Shay Given left MOTD2 host Mark Chapman in stitches with his latest analysisCredit: BBCThe host could only groan after a succession of dodgy puns from the ex-Newcastle goalkeeperCredit: BBCEx-Newcastle fan favourite Given joined Chapman and fellow pundit Alan Shearer to discuss Fulham’s 2-2 draw with Ipswich. And the Irishman appeared determined to get as many cheesy metaphors into his analysis as possible.Looking over a late penalty given away by Ipswich’s Leif Davis, Given highlighted how tired the full-back was when tracking back.He quipped: “It’s Leif blowing, not Leif Davis.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFollowing a belly laugh from Shearer, Chapman groaned in response: “Oh my word. Did you write that down on your pad?”You haven’t said that to us all day, you kept that up your sleeve.”But Given wasn’t done and just moments later derailed the show with another unexpected pun.Discussing whether Davies should have seen red in the first half for a tackle on Fulham’s Harry Wilson, the ex-keeper focused in on referee Darren Bond.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReferencing fictional spy James Bond, he said: “I just want to say the referee Bond, he’s shaken not stirred with his decision.”An incredulous Chapman stuttered after a brief pause: “Are you alright?!”‘Performance of the day’ BBC pundit’s genius Alexis Mac Allister gag leaves fans in stitches on Match of the Day Given replied: “It’s one of those nights I think Chappers.”Chapman has been touted as an eventual replacement for Gary Lineker on MOTD.The former England striker is leaving the show after over 25 years at the end of the season. Chapman has hosted MOTD2 since 2013 and is a strong favourite to be handed the role by the Beeb.SunSport exclusively revealed in November the BBC are hoping to share the role between multiple presenters.It’s been reported that Chapman will share duties with Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, who will switch over from presenting on Sky Sports.Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      Former Newcastle and Barcelona star, 48, lands first manager job in two years with international team

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      PATRICK KLUIVERT has been named Indonesia manager after two years away from the touchline.The Barcelona and Newcastle legend, 48, most-recently managed Adana Demirspor in Turkey – but lasted just five months before being axed.Patrick Kluivert will return to the dugout with Indonesia after signing a two-year contractCredit: Getty – ContributorPatrick Kluivert played alongside greats such as Ronaldinho at BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated PressPatrick Kluivert starred at Newcastle, as well as Barcelona, AC Milan and other European giantsCredit: ReutersKluivert, a 79-cap and 40-goal Holland international, hasn’t quite replicated his glittering playing career as a manager.Nonetheless, Indonesian football chief Erick Thohir has announcing the shock sacking of successful and popular former head coach Shin Tae-Yong on Monday.Thohir – who was once Inter Milan owner – said: “We see the need for a leader who is better able to implement the strategies agreed upon by the players, and who has better communication.”Correspondence regarding the end of our relationship has been received [by Shin] and I would like to express my gratitude.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”We have also found a replacement, who will arrive on the 11th [of January]. A news conference will be held on the 12th.”Fabrizio Romano reports Kluivert has signed a two-year contract – with the option for two further years – to replace Shin.The surprise move comes as Indonesia chase a first-ever World Cup appearance in 2026.The nation – who sit 127th in the Fifa world rankings – have never featured at the tournament, but are well in the hunt after a successful start to qualifying.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIndonesia sit third in the six-team Group C in the Asian qualifiers – behind only Australia and Japan, ahead of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China.So the Indonesian football chiefs’ decision to axe Shin and replace him with largely inexperienced boss Kluivert has come as a surprise.Wolves fan goes to extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert taking a penalty in loss to BournemouthFollowing a stellar playing career with Holland, Ajax, AC Milan, Newcastle, Barcelona, Valencia, PSV and Lille, Kluivert – whose son, Patrick, plays for Bournemouth and the Dutch national team – retired in 2008, before going into coaching.He started off as assistant at Dutch club AZ, before serving as No2 at Australian side Brisbane Roar under now-Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou and NEC, back in Holland.He spent a year in charge of Twente’s youth side, before serving as Louis van Gaal’s assistant with Holland – where he would help the nation finish third at the 2014 World Cup.Kluivert’s first attempt as a head coach came with minnows Curacao in 2015 – but he resigned after just six months despite leading the nation to their best-ever World Cup qualifying campaign.He returned for two Caribbean Cup qualifying matches in 2016, before heading back to Ajax to serve as Under-19s head coach.Kluivert served as PSG director either side of coaching stints at Curacao, Cameroon, Adana Demirspor and othersCredit: EPAThe former striker continued to lead Curacao alongside his Dutch duties but quit both after being given an offer he couldn’t refuse to work as director at Paris Saint-Germain.Since then, Kluivert has briefly returned to the touchline, with short spells as Cameroon assistant to Clarence Seedorf (2018-19), Curacao interim boss (2021) and, most-recently, Adana Demirspor (2023). More

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      Moment Anfield roof LEAKS during Man Utd draw at Liverpool as away fans sing cheeky chant

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans came up with a cheeky chant during their clash with Liverpool after the roof at Anfield started LEAKING.The Red Devils faithful have become accustomed to seeing water gush down through holes in the ageing Old Trafford stands when serious downpours occur.Footage emerged of water leaking from one of the Anfield stands last weekendCredit: XManchester United fans came up with a cheeky chant after seeing the leaky roofCredit: XUnited fans have become accustomed to seeing leaks at Old TraffordCredit: PASo they took great pleasure in seeing leaks at the home of their bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday.Footage shared on social media showed streams of water dripping from one of the stands during the match.And the leaks prompted the travelling United fans to mock their sworn enemies’ famous home.They repeatedly chanted: “Anfield’s falling down, Anfield’s falling down!”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFootie fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “New roof as well.”Another said: “Anfield roof leaking and it’s supposedly brand new.”And another said: “Anfield leaking like a tap! Isn’t that supposed to be their new stand?”It’s unclear whether the leaking water dripped on to the fans in attendance, who were treated to a pulsating second half of football.Most read in FootballThe fierce rivals shared the points thanks to a 2-2 draw.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.Lisandro Martinez broke the deadlock in the 52nd, firing the visitors into the lead with a beautiful near-post finish.Cody Gapko levelled the scores seven minutes later with a scintillating strikeAntony branded ‘most unintentionally funny guy’ after footage of Man Utd star celebrating against Liverpool emerges Mohammed Salah looked to have won the game for the Reds from the penalty spot in the 70th minute.But Amad Diallo made sure the spoils were shared ten minutes later with a neat finish from inside the penalty box.United boss Ruben Amorim was actually fuming afterwards, saying: “I get more mad because of the other games.”It’s even harder to understand some things. “This is not about the system, the technique, it’s about something else…”I am upset today, really upset. I am pleased with the performance but everyone today is going to say that the team did a good job. “Today I am allowed to be the only guy upset with the team — but today we were a team.Manchester United players celebrate Lisandro Martinez’s openerCredit: AP”We had some good games during this last month but then we dropped again. “It’s something that we need to be really consistent. “We had this talk after (winning against) Manchester City, it was the same.”I want to see my team play so much better. “But I think the most important thing to address today is the mentality and that is the key for everything. “Today we were a different team not because of the system, not because of a technical or tactical aspect.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We faced the competition in the way we are supposed to face every day. “Training and match, it doesn’t match the place, the opponent, we need to face every day like that.” More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘I will never hate this man’ as Lisandro Martinez’s interview after Liverpool draw goes viral

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      FANS have hailed Lisandro Martinez after his honest assessment of Manchester United’s performance went viral.The Argentine scored a brilliant goal as the Red Devils impressed in a 2-2 draw with bitter rivals Liverpool yesterday.Lisandro Martinez explained Man Utd’s solid performance by pointing to his mindCredit: BBCMartinez scored United’s opener with a brilliant finishCredit: GettyUnited’s display came as a shock after they went into the clash on a horror run of four defeats in a row.After the game, Martinez was asked by the BBC: “There have been some very poor performances this season. You wonder how you can go from that to this so quickly.”He brilliantly replied by passionately pointing to his head and saying : “The mind.”United fans loved the response, with one saying: “I will never hate this man.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Martinez is the true captain of the team. I love Bruno but with the way Lisandro speaks. He’s got the right mentality.”A third wrote: “I love him man. I’ll never doubt you again.”Following his gesture, Martinez explained: “Today we changed the mindset, the belief, the confidence.”I saw everyone secure today with confidence, in every duel, with the ball, defending.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We really enjoyed the game today. “Sometimes when we had the ball a few games ago, we were stressed, thinking too much and today we played without feelings.Antony branded ‘most unintentionally funny guy’ after footage of Man Utd star celebrating against Liverpool emerges “When you play like that you can enjoy football.”Bruno Fernandes was also brutally honest on the inconsistency of United’s performances, saying: “I’m pretty upset. If we show this level at Liverpool, first in the league, why can’t we do this everywhere? It frustrates me.”Also, finally I did a proper performance. We said we need much more from ourselves to get more from this season.”We know how tough it is to play against Liverpool. Today we put in a real effort to the game, playing with some passion and heart is what is going to give you something from the game.”You have to put in effort and that’s why we took something from today.”It can’t stop here. We have to bring this frustration to the next game to understand this has to be the level.”If we can do it at Anfield, we have to do it everywhere.”Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball. More

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      ‘I’ve never seen something like this’ – Bruno Fernandes slams Man Utd fans’ treatment of Joshua Zirkzee

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      BRUNO FERNANDES slammed his own fans for their treatment of team-mate Joshua Zirkzee against Newcastle.The forward was heavily booed at Old Trafford before his 33rd minute substitution was greeted by cheers.Bruno Fernandes slammed fans for their treatment of Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: AFPZirkzee was booed against NewcastleCredit: GettyZirkzee headed straight down the tunnel before returning to the bench, with some reports claiming he became tearful.Fernandes watched the affair play out from the bench too due to his suspension, and he revealed the fans’ attitude annoyed him.The United captain told talkSPORT: “I was in the stands and I’ve never seen something like this.”And it really frustrates me and annoys me because he’s a player that always gives it his all.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”As a player that is coming into the team from a different league, he needs time to adapt but, he has huge qualities.”He hasn’t shown all the quality but it can’t be that from the first game of the season everyone was hyping him as one of the best strikers and now everyone does not believe in him anymore.”We do believe in him inside the dressing room.”I would rather be myself in this position against Newcastle and not seeing one of my team-mates in that position.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball.Zirkzee has since been tipped to leave United on loan this month amid interest from Juventus and Napoli.But he made a cameo appearance against Liverpool at the weekend and produced what should have been an assist for Harry Maguire, who blazed over from close range. ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Bruno Fernandes’ post-match interview shows Man Utd star’s true colours after Liverpool draw More

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      Will Marcus Rashford leave Man Utd in January?

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has made it clear he wants a new challenge after being dropped by Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.The academy graduate is expected to garner much interest in the January transfer window.Rashford has reportedly rejected offers from Saudi Arabia already but United will be monitoring the situation closely.What do you think will happen with Rashford? Vote in our poll below.Most read in FOOTBALL More