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    Liverpool eyeing shock transfer move for Brighton striker Joao Pedro and ‘invite Jeremie Frimpong’s agent to Anfield’

    LIVERPOOL are interested in launching transfer swoops for Joao Pedro and Jeremie Frimpong, according to reports.The Reds are set to be active in the market following a quiet summer window.Joao Pedro has impressed while playing for BrightonCredit: RexJeremie Frimpong has attracted plenty of interestCredit: GettyArne Slot’s men only recruited Federico Chiesa during the Dutchman’s first transfer window at the helm.The Italian, 27, has since struggled desperately for fitness, playing just 18 minutes in the Premier League.Liverpool are top of the Premier League after 14 games, with Slot having made excellent use of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.And the Reds boss is expected to be handed further reinforcements in the coming windows.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are interested in Brighton star Joao Pedro.He claims that the Reds are “closely monitoring” the Brazilian’s situation.Liverpool would face stiff competition for Pedro’s signature, with several teams interested.Brighton would be unlikely to sell in January, with a summer switch more likely.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Reds are also monitoring Bayer Leverkusen star Frimpong.His contract is said to possess a release clause of around £33million.Brighton unveil £30m signing Joao Pedro as fans demand he is subbed ON with Seagulls 3-0 down to Everton According to Bild’s Christian Falk, Liverpool invited Frimpong’s agent Dirk Hebe to Anfield for a recent match.Wing-back Frimpong may be seen as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.The homegrown star, 26, is set to be out of contract at the end of the season.Alexander-Arnold’s future remains unclear, with Real Madrid having signalled their intention to sign him on a free transfer.The Spanish giants will be allowed to begin negotiating with Alexander-Arnold on January 1.Also set to be out of contract at the end of the season are Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.The former caused a stir last month by claiming that he is “more out than in” at Anfield. More

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    Antonio Conte ‘wants to go back to Man Utd for unwanted star’ after Scott McTominay transfer was huge success

    NAPOLI manager Antonio Conte could try and sign another Manchester United ace in January, reports suggest.That’s after Scott McTominay’s successful £25million move from Old Trafford to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium last summer.Napoli boss Antonio Conte wants to sign another Manchester United aceCredit: RexThis comes after Conte signed ex-Man Utd ace Scott McTominay at NapoliCredit: RexNapoli want to sign Joshua Zirkzee amid a tough Man Utd startCredit: RexAccording to Il Mattino, Conte, 55, is now keeping tabs on Joshua Zirkzee who has struggled for consistency at United.Man Utd signed Zirkzee, 23, from Bologna last summer following a £36.5m deal.However, there is already speculation over the striker’s future with Juventus said to be monitoring developments.And the Partenopei appear to also be considering a move for the Netherlands international.Read More on Man UtdIn fact, the same report claims Conte has given the “green light” for Napoli to enter the race and sign the Dutchman from United.Zirkzee would reportedly be interested in a return to Serie A after a successful campaign with Bologna where he registered 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances last term.Conte has long been a fan of the forward.He wanted to sign him last summer before the Red Devils won the transfer race for his signature.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat would see the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss landing another United ace struggling to establish himself in the starting line-up.McTominay, 28, couldn’t seal a starting place under former Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag but quickly turned into a fan favourite at Napoli.Chelsea ‘send Antonio Conte lucrative offer to return’The Scottish midfielder already counts four goals and two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.And Zirkzee has amassed three goals and two assists in 21 appearances on his debut season at Old Trafford.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More

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    Pep Guardiola set for January transfer binge for first time in SEVEN YEARS as Man City identify two big-money targets

    PEP GUARDIOLA plans to hit the January sales for the first time in SEVEN years in a bid to halt Manchester City’s alarming slump.Guardiola will be handed a war chest after the champions made more than £250million on player trading over the past two years.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola may splash the cash in JanuaryCredit: AFPNewcastle star Bruno Guimaraes is believed to be keen on a move to Man CityCredit: GettyReal Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is now more open to offersCredit: GettyNewcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and fellow midfielder Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad are on City’s radar following Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury.The champions have lost seven of their last 10 matches with injuries hitting them hard during a nightmare six weeks.So they will scour the market when the window opens next month in a bid to save their faltering season.City are aware it is difficult to sign top players in the winter and have not done major business since they signed centre-back Aymeric Laporte in 2018.Read More on FootballAnd the board will back Guardiola if the right man is available at a good price.Bruno is believed to be keen on a move to City but persuading the Toon to part with one of their key men in the middle of the season will be tricky.He was valued at £100m by his club in the summer – which was considered unrealistic by City – but his form this season has not justified that figure.Zubimendi was a target for Liverpool earlier this year and opted to stay in Spain but is now more open to offers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Etihad hierarchy have always tried to plan their windows in advance but the long list of injuries has left the squad creaking with a lot of matches still ahead.Meanwhile City’s below par Champions League form has already cost them almost £6m.’I won fair and clean,’ says Jose Mourinho as he hits back after Pep Guardiola dig And they could be hit in the pocket by another £9m if they fail to reach the Last 16 in the New Year.Under the new league format, teams receive £1.7m for a win and around £600,000 for a draw.Rivals Liverpool have led the way, banking the maximum amount from their six league fixtures so far.Meanwhile, City have won just two of theirs – against Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague.They drew with Inter Milan as well as Feyenoord and lost to Sporting Lisbon as well as Juventus – leaving their participation in the latter rounds in the balance.Under Guardiola, City traditionally made light work of the group stages – and won all six last year.This time they sit back in 22nd place in the table and will need points in their final two games next month to avoid an embarrassing early exit.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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    Real Madrid ‘interested in TWO Man Utd defenders’ with Ruben Amorim ‘willing to allow fan favourite to leave’

    REAL MADRID are reportedly keeping tabs on TWO Manchester United defenders ahead of the January transfer window.Real have endured a mixed start this season after winning LaLiga and the Champions League titles last term.Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Manchester United fan favourite Lisandro MartinezCredit: AlamyReal are also targeting Diogo Dalot after an impressive season with Man UtdCredit: AlamyMan Utd manager Ruben Amorim is willing to let Martinez goCredit: GettyAnd their plight has has not been helped by a defensive injury crisis, with Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao all out.Carlo Ancelotti is already looking for ways to reinstate Los Blancos as the team to beat in the coming transfer window.And, according to talkSPORT, he has, for some reason, set his sights on Old Trafford.The Madrid boss is said to be keeping tabs on United’s defensive duo Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot.Read More on Man UtdMartinez, 26, has been one of the Red Devils’ biggest fan favourites since his arrival from Ajax in 2022 thanks to his talent and passion.Nevertheless, new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim would be open to letting the centre-back go as he looks to impose his own philosophy.Real also appear impressed with Dalot, 25, who enjoyed an impressive campaign at Old Trafford last season and was voted as the Players’ Player of the Year.The full-back stood out by showing his ability to cover both flanks amid the Manchester giants’ injury crisis, before struggling to match that form so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal would find that useful with ageing right-back Carvajal suffering a devastating injury that ruled him out for the season.Ancelotti has also been unable to find the right man to cover at left-back.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanThe same report claims the Italian tactician has set his sights on other Premier League targets as well.One of them of course is Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in June.Tottenham ace Cristian Romero is also being monitored by the Spanish giants.Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex More

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    Man Utd legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer REJECTS emotional return to former club three years since Old Trafford axe

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has rejected the chance to return to management, according to reports in Norway.Solskjaer, 51, has been out of work since his dismissal by United in 2021.Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been offered a return to MoldeCredit: EPASolskjaer isn’t keen to return to Molde after leaving Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Norwegian tactician, who enjoyed tremendous success with the Red Devils as a player, earned the full-time job at Old Trafford after a stint as interim manager in 2018.However, despite a promising start with United, the former striker was axed after two-and-a-half seasons.Now, according to VG, Solskjaer has been offered the chance to take over another former club, Molde.Solskjaer kicked off his coaching career with the Norwegian giants in 2011, after a stint in charge of United’s reserves.Read More on Man UtdHe then had a short spell in charge of Cardiff in 2014 before returning to Molde a year later and ultimately leaving to take over United.Molde recently sacked their manager Erling Moe after a disappointing fifth-placed finish, with Norway’s domestic league finishing last month.And chairman Leif-Arne Langoy is said to have immediately called Solskjaer in a bid to convince him to come back.However, Solskjaer is not interested in a third spell and turned the opportunity down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis was not the first offer the ex-United boss rejects as he was also approached and asked to take over as Denmark’s head coach.However, he did express an interest to work as Norway’s manager if the opportunity ever arose.‘Don’t tell anyone!’, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson said to make him stay at Man UtdSolskjaer said: “I am a proud Norwegian, and of course if the question arises, when Stale [Solbakken] decides to give up, I will happily engage in discussions.”I am a proud Norwegian and proud of where I come from.” More

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    Sandro Tonali agent addresses transfer talk while Callum Wilson releases ’emotional’ 110-word statement after new injury

    SANDRO TONALI’S agent has rubbished reports that he is unhappy at Newcastle and wants a return to Italy next month.The midfielder, 24, returned from the ten-month betting ban in September that scuppered his first season following his £55m move from AC Milan.Sandro Tonali’s agent insists that the star is happy at NewcastleCredit: GettyWith that now over, and despite some impressive displays of late for club and country, Tonali has still struggled to nail down a place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.That led to speculation in Tonali’s homeland that Newcastle could look to offload him to help with PSR issues while there were also claims he was not happy in the North East and wanted a loan switch back to the San Siro.However, his agent Guiseppe Riso says: “Sandro is absolutely not considering to return in Serie A.“He’s happy at Newcastle, happy to play in the best league in the world and he’s an idol for Newcastle fans who’ve always supported Sandro in every moment.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMeanwhile, an “emotional” Callum Wilson vowed to do “everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself” after his latest injury nightmare.Though his fresh setback has not changed Newcastle’s transfer stance in the January transfer window.The 32-year-old England international striker recently returned from a five-month lay-off with a back and hamstring problem and had been building up his fitness with four sub outings.But any hopes Eddie Howe had of Wilson being able to lighten the load on Swedish forward Alexander Isak have now gone up in smoke.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI’m a former Newcastle striker who filled ex-England star’s car with rotten fish as revenge for him cutting up my clothes The ex-Bournemouth star, who becomes a free agent in June, is out for at least two months with a hamstring strain on his other leg.Wilson posted an emotional message to supporters on Thursday, saying: “Despite all the hard work I’ve put in pushing to get back to full fitness, I need to take a little step backwards unfortunately guys.“Frustrating as it is for everyone out there waiting for my return and to be able to help the team, these shortcomings also upset and frustrate me more than anybody else.“I will, and I am doing everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself and finally get off this emotional rollercoaster, which I’m hoping 2025 will bring.“Appreciate the patience, love and support from all those closest that know how hard I really work and how professional I always am. Callum.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story…That leaves Howe low on options in attack, with winger Anthony Gordon now being the main back-up in front of William Osula, 21, as backup to Isak.However, Sun Sport understands that will not lead to a move to bring in more reinforcements up front once the window opens – unless there are further injuries.Instead, the Magpies will continue to prioritise a new right-winger and also focus on strengthening their centre-half options.Callum Wilson has opened up on his latest injury nightmareCredit: Getty More

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    Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd stars they are ALL on trial ahead of January transfer window with no player safe from axe

    RUBEN AMORIM told Manchester United’s stars they are ALL on trial before the January transfer window.Erik ten Hag and sporting director Dan Ashworth have already been axed this season — and new boss Amorim admits more exits will follow if results do not improve.Ruben Amorim is willing to play the pantomime villain by axing some the failing Man Utd castCredit: GettyHe has warned that every player is on trial and could leave as soon as January if results do not improveCredit: ReutersAhead of taking on Viktoria Plzen this evening in the Europa League, he said: “We have good players, we need time to teach them our ideas and then we’ll see because this is a massive club.“If we don’t win, the coach goes, the player goes — so you have to know that.”Hit-or-miss opening results for the Old Trafford faithful have also left Amorim with no qualms about playing the pantomime villain as he considers changing the cast.The problem is that, after a £660million splurge under Ten Hag in just over two years, there are just beans rather than gold coins left to work with.READ MORE IN MAN UTDAmorim is ready to search in the land of the giants to start with, believing that the squad is just too short to deal with set-pieces at both ends of the pitch.United have conceded three goals from corners in the last two games, as well as a looping header from Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood.And if United’s players rest for a minute in Amorim’s set-up, it is worth reminding them: “He’s behind you!”Amorim said: “I’m really focused to see my players and to understand my players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We have to focus on what we have. We have to focus on the academy and to have a clear profile of the players. So it’s a lot of details you have to manage.“You can see at set-pieces, sometimes you look at our team, we are a small team compared to others.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-up“Every detail counts and we have to be very clear in the profiles, arrange all the process and go to that phase of buying and selling players.“We have to improve as a team, we have to arrange a lot of things in our club before thinking just about buying or selling players.”If anyone thought Amorim was a modern-day footballing Merlin who could immediately magic better performances out of this team, two successive defeats have suggested otherwise.The limitations seen under Ten Hag were evident away to Arsenal and at home to Forest.Amorim said that against title-chasing Arsenal in particular, you could see how far behind a team of that calibre United were. It got no better against Forest — and Amorim has no time on the training pitch to try to change things with games coming thick and fast.The Red Devils travelled to the Czech Republic yesterday ahead of tonight’s Europa League game against Viktoria Plzen. And on Sunday it is the Manchester derby at the Etihad.Amorim said: “I know it’s a big job. It’s really tough to win in our league. We have to improve. There’s a lot at stake in this moment — we have a lot to do, a lot of games. We don’t have time to train.Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil CustisThe blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS “Sometimes I have one idea in the first week, second week I have a different idea and then we have to see what happens as everything is so close, all the games before what is happening in the window in January.”United currently stand 13th in the Premier League but Amorim already has his sights set on the ultimate goal of winning the title during his time in charge.He said: “We want to take this club to win the Premier League and be an elite club, like this club should be.”For now he understands that this season, reaching the Champions League has to be a realistic target.To do that, it could be easier to do so by winning the Europa League, as Jose Mourinho accepted back in 2017 and achieved that by beating Ajax in the final in Stockholm.Amorim said: “You can do the maths and understand what is needed for the Champions League and look at the table and see that the Europa League is easier.”United are currently 12th in the Europa League standings on the same points as tonight opponents Viktoria Plzen in the Doosan Arena.The top eight qualify automatically for the knockout stage and Amorim says it is vital they do that to avoid a two-legged play-off in February.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “It’s really important to go to the next stage. We need to win this game because of all of that.“If you pass to the next stage without the play-off, we take off two games.”Man Utd ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNTED slipped to another defeat under Ruben Amorim after being shocked 3-2 at Old Trafford by Nottingham Forest.Here’s how Neil Custis rated the players…ANDRE ONANA – 3Had an absolute shocker. For the second Forest goal Morgan Gibbs-White shot is straight down the middle along the floor.It maybe swerves a foot at most and he somehow couldn’t stop it. For the third he just let it loop over his head. He cannot command his area.LENY YORO – 6The 19-year-old was making his first start for United and immediately looked unphased. Ruben Amorim has high hopes for someone he calls ‘a special talent’.He is easing him into the team after his summer injury and subbed him just past the hour.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Amorim has tasked him with bringing the ball out from the back to set United moves going.Looked good in the first balf but what was he doing for Forest’s third as he let Chris Wood’s header go thinking it was going wide.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 4It was said his lack of height would not be a problem but it was after 80 seconds here as Nikola Milenkovic headed home on 80 seconds.Then for Forest’s third he didn’t known what to do as the ball went over him at the far post.AMAD DIALLO – 7Looking more and more like a United star with his positive forward runs from his new wing-back role.Had a couple of good chances himself but shots were weak, then made a great run and cut back before setting up Fernandes for United’s second.MANUEL UGARTE – 7Looked constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandably.Is a solid presence on the pitch though and a decent buy compared to plenty of others.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Ugarte was having a good game in front of the back three allowing Mainoo to get further forward in the second-half when he became more of a threat.DIOGO DALOT – 6Compared to Amad on the opposite flank did not have much of an influence. Got forward a lot more in the second-half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was always involved. But does the captain really have to contest every single decision the referee makes against his team.Made up for his loose pass that gave away possession for Forest’s second by scoring a fine goal himself.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6That’s three goals in three games after his pair against Bodo Glimt but there is still not enough movement from the front man.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Not his best game and looked far from happy when he was hauled off early in the second-half for Marcus Rashford.SUBSTITUTIONS…MARCUS RASHFORD (for Garnacho, 58) – 6These are the games he should be starting and starring in but that’s just not the case.MAZRAOUI (for Yoro 66) – 6One of those the recruitment team did at least get right.HARRY MAGUIRE (for De Ligt 65) – 6When Amorim decides on his best starting eleven Maguire should be in it.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (for Ugarte 76) – 5Not surprisingly failed to have an impact.MASON MOUNT (for Fernandes 76) – 6Amorim has high hopes for him but he is still to convince the United faithful. Needs a long injury free run. More

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    Man Utd ‘identify £4m star from little-known league’ as Ruben Amorim’s first signing but he can’t join in January

    MANCHESTER UNITED have identified their first signing under new manager Ruben Amorim ahead of the January transfer window.According to talkSPORT, United are are in talks to sign Cerro Porteno’s teenage star Diego Leon, who plays in Costa Rica’s first division and is valued at around £4million.Manchester United are are in talks to sign Cerro Porteno’s teenage star Diego LeonCredit: Instagram @ccp1912oficialLeon is valued at around £4m but Man Utd can’t sign him until he turns 18Credit: Tigo SportsNegotiations are being led by Man Utd technical director Jason Wilcox after Dan Ashworth’s shock exit as sporting director just five months into the job.However, Leon, 17, won’t be able to move to Old Trafford during the winter market.That is because the left-back is under 18 and thus the Red Devils will have to wait until at least April.FA and Premier League rules do not allow clubs to sign players based abroad before their 18th birthday.Read More on Man UtdHowever, the rules do not prevent teams from agreeing deals for underaged players.The Paraguayan ace stood out last season in Costa Rica with 19 appearances, which saw him score twice.United have struggled at the left-back position with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being stricken by injury.Shaw recently returned from a calf strain but suffered a setback and immediately returned to the treatment room.Most read in FootballInside Man Utd chaos amid Ashworth departureTHE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them. Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game. Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis comes after reports suggesting new manager Amorim will work on a much smaller budget than predecessor Erik ten Hag.During Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half years in charge, the Manchester giants splashed more than £600million.Ruben Amorim discusses defensive strategy against Arsenal scoring from corners That included £86m on Antony, £70m on Casemiro, £72m on Rasmus Hojlund and £60m on Mason Mount.However, Amorim will have to work with less amid the growing PSR theat.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More