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    Solskjaer tells Paul Pogba ‘nobody is bigger than Man Utd’ after Raiola’s transfer comments

     PAUL POGBA is being warned he must toe the line — or face the boot.
    The French star was given the stark reminder by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the war of words with his agent Mino Raiola rumbles on.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has laid down the law to Paul PogbaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

    The comments come after his agent Mino Raiola said it was all over at Man Utd for the FrenchmanCredit: Getty – Pool

    The Old Trafford boss, who yesterday completed two years in charge, vowed: “I would just not stand for anyone thinking that he is bigger than Manchester United.
    “No one is. Absolutely no one — and Paul knows this. It is not only for Paul. It is for all of us.”
    His straight–talking stance is as much of an attack on controversial Raiola as a move to show the World Cup winner who is in charge.
    Raiola infuriated Solskjaer the day before United crashed out of the Champions League to RB Leipzig earlier this month by claiming it was time Pogba left the club.

    He followed that up by declaring: “I’ve said that Paul can leave in the summer because it’s hard to do deals in January.”
    French midfielder Pogba’s £300,000-a-week contract expires in just 18 months.
    But Solskjaer, whose side host Leeds today, has continued to talk him up, despite his posturing for a move back to Juventus or to Real Madrid.
    And the United chief added: “Paul was here as a kid in the Under-18s. We signed him early on and he comes with the Manchester United DNA in him.

    “He knows what we are about. United is about being in a team and Paul has always been an ambitious boy who loves playing football.
    “He trains well, he never refuses to train or play, he has a good attitude.
    “Of course, Paul wants to do as well as he can when he is in the team, however many minutes he is getting on the pitch.”
    After last Saturday’s goalless Manchester derby, Pogba took to social media to hit out at the stick he was getting for Raiola’s comments.
    He wrote: “I’ve always fought and will always fight for  Manchester United, my team-mates and the fans.
    “All has been clear between the club and myself and that will never change.
    ‘I WANT PLAYERS WHO CAN HANDLE LIFE’
    “When you don’t know what’s going on inside, don’t talk.”
    But having backed their club-record £89million star consistently since he replaced Jose Mourinho two Christmases ago, Solskjaer is determined that Pogba will stay on.
    And the Red Devils chief now hopes to get that message through to the French World Cup winner’s super agent Raiola.
    As he prepared for today’s visit of Leeds, Solskjaer added: “I leave negotiations with agents to the club.
    “In fact, I rarely speak to agents. I speak to the players — and that is the biggest thing for me.
    “I need to see them eye to eye and I think it is important, the relationship between player and manager.
    “I want players who can handle life as well. You can’t just go through agents.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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    Man Utd starlet Dan James targeted by Brighton for loan transfer after falling down pecking order

    GRAHAM POTTER will ask Manchester United for Dan James on loan to fire up Brighton’s survival fight.
    Boss Potter worked with the Welsh flying winger at Swansea — and thinks he would be a great asset if United let him out for badly-needed game time.

    Brighton are chasing Dan James – who has struggled for minutes this seasonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    And James has told pals he would be happy to play for Potter again as he thrived under his style in their last spell together.
    The Seagulls asked about James, 23, in the last transfer window but he opted to stay at Old Trafford.
    However, his chances of starts are slim and he has the Euro 2021 finals on his horizon.
    Wales want to see James playing more often and staying sharp for their campaign as he was a key part of their qualification.

    Brighton, just above the drop zone, have found it hard to score lately and Potter needs extra attacking thrust.
    Leeds are also long-term admirers of James, trying twice to land him before.
    James has made only a handful of club appearances since the summer and often plays on the right when his preference and more effective position is the left.

    James worked under Graham Potter at Swansea CityCredit: Reuters

    The former Swan was a key man at Old Trafford last season, appearing 46 times in all competitions.

    But he played just three times in the Premier League this time around, and hasn’t at all since October 24.
    James was on the bench as the Red Devils beat Sheffield United 3-2 on Thursday night.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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    Footie legend Diego Maradona’s body could be dug up, embalmed and displayed like Lenin with his trophies

    FOOTIE legend Diego Maradona’s body could be dug up and displayed with his trophies.
    The 60-year-old Argentine Hand of God star’s dying wish was to be embalmed.

    ⚠️ Read our Diego Maradona death live blog for the latest news & updates

    Diego Maradona’s body could be dug up and displayed with his trophiesCredit: AFP

    The football legend wanted to be embalmed after his deathCredit: AFP – Getty
    He told lawyer Matias Morla in a letter that he wanted a similar tribute to Russian leader Vladimir Lenin, whose preserved body has been on show in Moscow’s Red Square since 1924.
    Maradona’s letter, signed on October 13 — weeks before his death from a heart attack — says: “After a deep analysis I want to express my wish that after my death my body be embalmed and exhibited in said museum, surrounded by my maximum trophies, personal objects and beloved memories to continue receiving the affection of the people from that place.’’
    Mario Baudry, lawyer for the 1986 World Cup winning skipper’s last partner Veronica Ojeda, outlined the idea of exhuming the body from Bella Vista cemetery near Buenos Aires.

    He added: “The plan is to create a mausoleum somewhere for fans to visit.

    “It was something Maradona had also discussed with his brothers.
    “The proposal we have is serious, concrete and with the expenses covered but ultimately it would be the responsibility of the football federation.”
    Prosecutors in Argentina are investigating the possibility that medical negligence played a role in Maradona’s death.

    Maradona died of heart failure at his home in Buenos Aires aged 60Credit: Alamy Live News

    Vladimir Lenin’s embalmed body has been on show in Moscow’s Red Square since 1924Credit: AP:Associated Press

    Maradona’s lawyer has demanded a top-level probe into the emergency response to his deathCredit: AFP – Getty

    Diego Maradona’s relatives begin battle over his £37million fortune
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    Intimate photos of Premier League aces Diego Costa and Gabriel Jesus found in BIBLE handed in at charity shop

    INTIMATE photos of Man City ace Gabriel Jesus and former Chelsea striker Diego Costa were found in a Bible handed in at a charity shop.
    Both players appeared topless with the same mystery woman in snaps unearthed last week.

    An intimate photo of former Chelsea striker Diego Costa was found in a Bible handed in at a charity shop

    Another snap showed Man City ace Gabriel Jesus shirtless with the same woman

    The Bible was in one of two bags handed in by a woman to a charity shop in Marylebone, Central London.
    A source said: “The pictures were instantly recognisable as Jesus and Costa – and both were with the same woman.
    “They were both laughing and seemed incredibly relaxed in her company while larking around on pillows without their shirts on.
    “The pictures appear to have been taken at different times.

    “The charity shop normally gets jigsaws and second-hand clothes, so this was certainly a change from that.”
    Two bags were handed in during May, but the snaps were not spotted until staff started sorting them last week.

    One snap showed a heavily tattooed Jesus pulling a face for the camera

    The Bible was in one of two bags handed in by a woman to a charity shop in Marylebone, Central LondonCredit: © David Dyson – The Sun
    The source said: “A woman of Spanish or Latin appearance dropped off the bags.
    “She said a friend left the UK and wanted to get rid of a few bits and pieces.

    “The woman who brought the bags in has never been back so no one knew what to do with the pics.”
    It is not known when the photographs were taken.
    Heavily tattooed Brazilian forward Jesus, 23, joined Man City in 2017 and split from model Fernanda Queiroz earlier this year.
    The devout Christian was missing from City’s squad against Southampton yesterday.
    A source previously said: “Jesus decided to end the relationship to focus on his career.”

    Costa played for Chelsea for three years from 2014 and is now at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters

    Brazilian forward Jesus joined Man City in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    Brazilian-born Costa, 32, played for Chelsea for three years from 2014 and is now at Atletico Madrid.
    He is married with two daughters and there is no suggestion he cheated on his wife.
    In 2014, The Sun on Sunday revealed he was dumped by Brazilian model girlfriend Michele Zuanne after she caught him trying to bed her sister.

    Jesus split from model Fernanda Queiroz earlier this yearCredit: Instagram @dejesusoficial

    Cheeky Diego Costa trick young mascot in hilarious pre-Atletico Madrid friendly video
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    Luke Campbell has to leave family at Christmas as he looks forward to Ryan Garcia cracker in January

    FATHER CHRISTMAS Luke Campbell has cancelled his big day to secure a ‘fistive’ end to a miserable 2020.
    Hull’s 2012 Olympic hero lost most of the year waiting for a third lightweight world title crack, only for the pandemic to ruin his April bid for the WBC crown.

    Luke Campbell will face Ryan Garcia on January 2

    Luke Campbell has had to leave his family behind ahead of his showdown with Ryan GarciaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    But Campbell, 33, saved his season with a high-profile shot at new Mexican-American golden boy Ryan Garcia — for the interim belt — on January 2.
    The bad news is the dedicated daddy of schoolboys Leo and Lincoln — and three-month-old baby son Levi — has to jet out to Dallas in the next 72 hours, ending his hopes of a dream Christmas day.
    He told SunSport: “It is hard. But I have to keep reminding myself that what I am doing is all for my family.
    “I want to be a world champion for me, I have to be selfish in how I live my life.

    “But the extras that come with being a world champion are for my family, so they will be secure and free to find much easier jobs than being punched in the face for a living!
    “I have been away in camp for so many months now, it was only during the first lockdown where I got some time at home, so at least now I know the light is coming at the end of the tunnel.”
    Campbell’s first world title failure took place in California in 2017, where he felt Jorge Linares got generous decisions from the two American judges, who outnumbered the Brit official who had Campbell winning.
    This time, back in the US against their latest 22-year-old sensation, Campbell knows — like Callum Smith last night against Canelo Alvarez in Texas — that the odds are stacked against him.

    Campbell said: “I try not to think about whether I need a knockout or stoppage. But I would be kidding myself if I did not think it has to be convincing.
    “All I can do is try to keep it out of the judges’ hands.”
    Garcia is 20-0, but Campbell added: “I will find him out. Unless he really is this unbelievable talent and has been dedicated for his whole life — like I have — I will be coming back with a win and I will go on to become world champion.”

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    Jordan Henderson could get statue outside Liverpool’s Anfield for his captain heroics, claims Roy Hodgson

    JORDAN HENDERSON could end up with a statue outside Anfield for his Liverpool achievements, according to former mentor Roy Hodgson. And the Crystal Palace boss, who has fond memories of their time together with England, will vote for the Liverpool captain in tomorrow night’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. Hendo, 30, has been […] More

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    Solskjaer admits stress of Man Utd job has turned his hair grey as boss celebrates two-years in charge

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER says there could be more grey days ahead for him as he celebrates two years in charge of Manchester United on Saturday.
    The Norwegian, 47, admits his locks have changed colour due to the pressure of managing his beloved Red Devils.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has gained more grey hairs since taking charge at Old TraffordCredit: EPA

    No wonder. His time in charge has been a mixed bag — with a top-four place clinched last season along with three cup semi-finals. There are signs of progress this season — and as things stand United will be just two points off the top if they win their game in hand.
    But that is set against the backdrop of a disappointing failure to get out of their group in the Champions League.
    United legend Ole prefers to look forward rather than back though.
    Asked about his second anniversary, he said: “I’ve really enjoyed these two years, even though games like the one at Sheffield United make my hair turn even greyer very quickly!

    “I hate talking about what I’ve done and where we’re at.  I always look forward and I know there’s a lot of work still to be done to get to the level I want.
    “It’s what we’re working at every day.”  
    United’s position in the league would be even better if they could sort out their Old Trafford form. Despite their 100 per cent record on their travels, they have won just one of the six league matches at home.
    A first Premier League meeting with bitter rivals Leeds in almost 17 years tomorrow would be a perfect time to put that right.

    Solskjaer enjoyed tussles with Leeds as Manchester United playerCredit: AFP – Getty

    Solskjaer said: “I don’t think it’s a mental issue because there are no fans here or there. We should be more used to the pitch, the surroundings and environment.
    “Sometimes it’s down to fine margins, who gets the first goal, how the opposition set up.”
    It was February 2004 last time the two Roses rivals played a Prem game against each other.
    The United boss said: “I can’t wait. It’s been too long.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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    Leeds legend Danny Mills refused to take kids to watch games against rivals Man Utd as atmosphere was so ‘vile’

    DANNY MILLS refused to take his kids to Manchester United v Leeds games because the atmosphere could be so “vile”.
    The former England international’s children grew up in Yorkshire as Leeds fans.

    Danny Mills in action against Paul Scholes during a match in 2002Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    But after his experiences playing for the Elland Road club against their enemies from across the Pennines, he drew the line at exposing them to the toxic rivalry.
    Mills, who still lives in the area, said: “The atmosphere was unbelievable.
    “The rivalry between the two sets of fans, between the two clubs, and I have to say it, the hatred . . . it was vile in some circumstances.
    “The songs that were sung — the songs that still get sung, sadly — are really horrific at times.

    “It’s spiteful. It goes beyond banter. There’s a real nasty undercurrent — from both sets of fans.
    “To the point where, even after I left Leeds and went to the cup games against Man United as a fan, I wouldn’t take my kids, who were ten, 11, 12.
    “I thought, ‘I’m not going to put my kids in that situation’.
    “I’d taken them to all sorts of places but Leeds v Man United never sat particularly well with me.”

    The rivalry was already fierce by the time Mills joined Leeds from Charlton in 1999.
    But after two Leeds fans were stabbed to death in Istanbul before the team’s Uefa Cup semi-final clash with Galatasaray in 2000, another horrible ingredient was added to the poisonous relationship.
    Some Leeds fans did, and still do, mock Manchester United about the 1958 Munich tragedy.
    Former right-back Mills, who made over 100 appearances for the Whites in a five-year spell with the Yorkshire club, said: “Let’s be honest, Leeds fans have sung all sorts of songs — the Dambusters theme tune, people with their arms out pretending to be aeroplanes . . . You can’t pretend it doesn’t happen. I’ve been there, I’ve seen it.
    “Equally, I’ve seen Man United fans with Galatasaray shirts on and Galatasaray flags. I went to a League Cup game at Elland Road when Leeds were no longer in the Premier League in 2011.
    “There was all sorts of trouble outside the ground. Police got hurt, a police horse got hurt.
    “It’s a real needle match and I don’t think it’s ever going to change.”
    Mills recalls how Leeds fans even used to abuse Brian Kidd, who was appointed first-team coach in 2001, because he had been a Manchester United player.

    Danny Mills made the move to Leeds from Charlton in 1999Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    On the pitch, the rivalry has for a long time been pretty one-sided in favour of the red side of the divide.
    But that has only made the rare Leeds wins all the more precious.
    Jermaine Beckford scored a famous winner in an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford in 2010.
    And Mills was part of the last Leeds team to achieve a league victory in the fixture, on the famous day back in September 2002 when England defender Rio Ferdinand returned to Elland Road for the first time since his £30million move to Manchester United.
    Mills, 43, said: “None of us begrudged Rio going at that stage.
    “We knew he was an outstanding player and Leeds pretty much doubled his fee in a very short space of time.
    “There hadn’t been that many players that had gone from Leeds to Man U.
    “There was the Eric Cantona situation where he wins the title with Leeds then goes across and wins it with Manchester United for the first time.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer up against Jonathan Woodgate in 2002Credit: AFP – Getty
    “Rio went and got all sorts of abuse.”
    Leeds beat a United side that included their current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 1-0, thanks to a headed goal by Harry Kewell.
    Mills said: “The atmosphere when you have done your lap of honour after the game and the fans are euphoric . . .
    “Terry Venables had just taken over. We had only lost Rio at that stage, it was before we imploded.
    “We beat them and were doing well at that stage. But from then onwards, we started on a dreadful slide down the Premier League.”
    Leeds did not win again for three months and were relegated the following season amid a financial crisis that sent the club sliding down the divisions.
    Tomorrow’s game at Old Trafford will be the first league clash for 16 years and, even without a crowd, it is likely to be an intense affair.
    Mills, now a pundit on talkSPORT, said: “I have a lot of friends who are Leeds season-ticket holders.

    David Beckham challenging for the ball during a showdown with Leeds UnitedCredit: EPA
    “I know Leeds fans that won’t have a red car, won’t have anything red in their house.
    “If you said to a lot of Leeds fans, ‘You can finish tenth and we get beat twice by Man United or you finish 17th and you beat Man United,’ they’d take the second option all day long. That’s how intense it is.
    “They will all be watching on the telly.
    “This is the game that they have been looking forward to.
    “This is the game that they want to do well in.
    “This is the one game of the season that they want to win more than any other.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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