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    Man Utd takeover LIVE: Jim Ratcliffe faces competition for ‘No.1 target’, Ten Hag dedicates win to Sir Bobby Charlton

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE and Manchester United face competition from Saudi Pro League clubs for highly-rated sporting director Paul Mitchell.The former Tottenham and Southampton chief has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of a management shake-up if the British billionaire buys into the club and takes control of football operations.
    Meanwhile, United boss Erik ten Hag has dedicated his side’s 2-1 win away at Sheffield United to the late great Sir Bobby Charlton after the club legend passed away at the age of 86.
    The Dutchman said his team “showed our respect” for the legendary 1966 World Cup winner after coming away from Bramall Lane with all three points.
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    Follow ALL of the latest from Old Trafford below…
    Neves fee
    Man Utd are willing to meet Benfica’s £61m asking price for midfielder Joao Neves.
    The Red Devils reportedly see the 19-year-old as the longterm replacement for Casemiro.
    He has already represented Portugal at senior level.
    Catalan media outlet Nacional claim Utd serious about a move for the youngster.
    Competition for Ouedraogo
    Man Utd face competition for Assan Ouedraogo from Liverpool, according to reports.
    Italian outlet Calciomercato claim the Red Devils are hot on the trail of the highly-rated Schalke midfielder.
    The 17-year-old German is highly thought of in his homeland, and a host of European clubs are interested in signing him.
    Chelsea were thought to be one, now Liverpool have thrown their hat into the ring.
    Battle to land Mitchell
    Manchester United are hoping to make Paul Mitchell their next sporting director.
    But the ex-Spurs and Southampton chief is also wanted by several Saudi clubs.
    Mitchell is a wanted man after leaving Monaco this summer.
    And United will be hoping he’s not interested in the riches of the Middle East as they look for a fresh start under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
    Pott luck for Devils
    Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Graham Potter as their next manager.
    The former Chelsea and Brighton boss is appreciated by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who will stick by Erik ten Hag for now.
    But if the Dutchman fails to improve results and the general atmosphere, Potter could seal a sensational Premier League return with United.
    Is this how the Red Devils could look under the English tactician?

    SunSport’s Man Utd WhatsApp chat
    Want to contribute to our conversations around Manchester United?
    Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
    Old Trafford tributes
    Fans are still at Old Trafford paying tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
    Credit: PA
    Credit: PA
    Man Utd women pay tribute
    Man Utd women paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before this afternoon’s match against Everton.
    Captain Katie Zelem laid down some flowers and both teams observed a minute’s silence.
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Getty
    Fans honour legend
    Man Utd fans are flooding to Old Trafford to pay their respects to Sir Bobby Charlton.

    Man Utd hit with sickness bug
    Man Utd women were hit with a sickness bug ahead of today’s match against Everton.
    After announcing the team news on social media, United’s admin wrote: “A sickness bug in camp means that several Reds have been ruled out of today’s fixture.”
    Key stars Geyse and Leah Galton are among those who have been affected.
    More fans arrive at Old Trafford
    More fans have arrived at Old Trafford to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
    Credit: PA
    Credit: PA
    Man Utd players to wear black armbands
    Man Utd women will wear black armbands when they face Everton this afternoon.
    There will also be a minute’s silence in tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
    Rashford pays tribute
    Marcus Rashford has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton with a heartfelt Instagram post.
    He wrote: “I signed my first professional contract at Man Utd with Sir Bobby.
    “Thank you for all the support and advice that you provided to me. That win was for you and your family.”
    Credit: Instagram @marcusrashford
    Fans gather at Old Trafford
    Fans have gathered at Old Trafford this morning to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
    Credit: AFP
    Credit: AFP
    Player ratings
    Read SunSport’s player ratings from yesterday’s match here:

    ‘His impact will live on’
    Man Utd defender Raphael Varane has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton on social media.
    He tweeted: “My sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton today.
    “We as players at this special club stand on the shoulders of giants every day, and Sir Bobby was the biggest of them all. His impact will live on for generations to come.”
    ‘A great player and even greater man’
    Fans have laid flowers outside Old Trafford with messages in honour of Sir Bobby Charlton.

    United’s move for sporting director to be hijacked
    Man Utd face competition from Saudi Pro League clubs for highly-rated sporting director Paul Mitchell.
    The former Tottenham and Southampton chief has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of a management shake-up if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys into the club and takes control of football operations.
    But Saudi clubs are also looking at Mitchell as they plan the next phase of their recruitment drive.
    The former Manchester City youth player, 42, left Monaco earlier this year and recently moved back to his native North West, fuelling talk that United would be his next port of call.
    Mitchell’s record of identifying players with world-class potential like Son Heung-Min, Sadio Mane and Dele Alli, is also attracting attention in Saudi Arabia.
    ‘A legend and true pillar’
    Former Man Utd goalkeeper David De Gea has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
    He tweeted: “A legend and true pillar of Manchester United, whenever people think of the club around the world, they think of Sir Bobby Charlton. You will be missed throughout football. RIP.”
    Credit: X / @D_DeGea
    Fans pay tribute at Old Trafford
    Football fans gathered outside Old Trafford last night to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
    Credit: EPA
    Credit: EPA
    Credit: PA
    Erik ten Hag dedicates win to Sir Bobby Charlton
    United manager Ten Hag said post-match: “Very sad, our thoughts are with his family, especially his wife, his children and grandchildren.
    “What he achieved in football was immense. Also his personality off the pitch. The football world lost a big man.
    “We had to show our respect for him and I think we did that today. We wanted to celebrate but also to remember him.
    “[The tribute from our fans] was fantastic. We have to pay contribution, pay our big goodbye, remembering Bobby Charlton because what he did was magnificent.
    “He was outstanding on the pitch and off it.
    “We wanted to remember Sir Bobby and I think we did it in a decent way.”
    Casemiro’s return
    Erik ten Hag is not unhappy that Casemiro played with an injured ankle for Brazil against Uruguay, but expects him to be fit for the Manchester derby next weekend.
     “You can’t – they are the rules,” the Dutchman said.
    “And he’s played for his nation and he’s playing for us and we all understand Casemiro is a solider and he is always available for every game, he will always gives his best for nation and Manchester United.
    “He was injured in the first game and he came off but he played the second game, it was an important one. I’m sure that game didn’t help him but it’s a small injury and he’ll return next week and he will be healed and ready for our next game, I’m sure.”
    Recruitment is key says Souness
    Graeme Souness believes that recruitment will be key for Sir Jim Ratcliffe if he is to address Man Utd’s slump.
    “They [United] are one of, if not the biggest club in the world. Yet, they have a modest group of players,” the Scot told the Daily Mail.
    “Because of that, there is one area Ratcliffe must address with urgency. Recruitment.
    “This is the most important thing you have to get right at any club. Man United, since Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill left in 2013, have given a masterclass in how not to do it, and they’ve spent over £1billion in the process.”
    Mark of respect
    Man Utd’s stars wore black armbands in respect of Bobby Charlton’s passing.
    Here is Harry Maguire showing off his after a win against Sheffield United.

    Greenwood stops at Burger King
    Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood could be in for a grilling — as he is clocked grabbing a Burger King with his father.
    His new coach at Spanish club Getafe, José Bordalás, forbids players from eating junk food.

    But Greenwood, 22, and dad Andrew stopped off to collect two Burger King meals after training yesterday in Madrid.
    Bordalás says the players are weighed every day and get a fine if they are too hefty.
    Greenwood was loaned this summer after charges including attempted rape were dropped.
    Ten Hag’s quotes on
    Erik ten Hag calls Charlton a “giant” of the game.
    A legend, a giant, his achievements are so immense and global… I never had the honour to meet him but what I heard, despite all his trophies and games, he was so humble and a big personality, he’s an example for all of us in society and global wide.”Ten Hag on Charlton’s passing More

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    Kalvin Phillips ready to forfeit £17.5MILLION pay-off to seal Man City transfer exit in January

    KALVIN PHILLIPS will give up a multi-million pound pay-off if he cuts his ties with Manchester City in January.Phillips, 27, has finally accepted that his only chance of regular football will be a move away from the Etihad, with his place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro plans also at risk.
    Kalvin Philips has one eye on Euro 2024 as he appears to be deciding he’ll need to leave Man City to earn more regular game time in the PremCredit: Getty
    Several clubs were interested in the summer, but the midfielder insisted he wanted to stay and fight for his place at City.
    Yet he is no nearer forcing his way in, and knows playing cameo roles for the rest of the season is likely to affect his England hopes.
    Newcastle, West Ham and Bayern Munich are all keen.
    And if City recoup close to the £42million he cost from Leeds two seasons ago, a deal could be done.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    They would also listen to loan offers – if the successful club covers his wages and gives a commitment to buy next summer.
    Phillips still has four-and-a-half years left on his £150,000-a-week contract, and City were resigned to paying a huge chunk of that to smooth an exit path.
    Yet City insiders claim the player is ready to accept around half that figure to get his career moving in the right direction again.
    Etihad chief Pep Guardiola has accepted failing to get the best out of Philips since his arrival in 2022.
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    And the player himself told Channel 4 during the international break: “I want minutes and I want to go to Euro 2024 and we’ll see what happens.
    “As a football player, you always want to be playing, and that’s the case with me.
    “I want to be playing as much as possible and obviously I haven’t done that over the last year and a half, so that’s one thing I want to do.” More

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    Steven Gerrard out to hand Sean Dyche another major blow with shock transfer bid to bring Everton star to Saudi

    STEVEN GERRARD is ready to offer Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin a lucrative move to Saudi side Al-Ettifaq.Liverpool legend Gerrard wants to raid his old Merseyside rivals for their star front man.
    Steven Gerrard wants to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-LewinCredit: Reuters
    Calvert-Lewin is back fit and firing after a miserable time with injuries.
    And Calvert-Lewin, 26, could be sold by the Toffees, who are in the middle of a protracted takeover.
    Bidders 777 Partners held talks with other interested parties in a secret summit at the club’s training HQ last week.
    Gerrard will have to move out some foreign players to land Calvert-Lewin but his side have only had an average start.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Al-Ettifaq are currently seventh in the Saudi Pro League after nine matches, winning five of those.
    Four ex-Premier League stars have already joined Gerrard in Saudi Arabia, including Jordan Henderson and Demarai Gray.
    Calvert-Lewin has scored three goals in seven matches for the Toffees so far this term despite hamstring and cheekbone injuries.
    His strikes have taken his tally for Everton to 63 goals in 216 matches for the club.
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    Calvert-Lewin is a transfer target for Al-EttifaqCredit: AP
    He was unable to help his side avoid defeat in Saturday’s Merseyside derby, though.
    A second-half brace from Mohamed Salah sealed all three points for the Reds at Anfield. More

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    Jadon Sancho offered new career lifeline as new club from THIRD league join January transfer race for Man Utd outcast

    JADON SANCHO has been offered a fresh career lifeline after a club from a third league joined the race to sign him.The Manchester United outcast has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford in January.
    Jadon Sancho is now attracting interest from the Turkish Super LigCredit: Getty
    United are open to offers for Sancho when the transfer window re-opens, with a potential loan move on the cards.
    According to Sky Sports, clubs from the Turkish Super Lig have now entered the mix to land Sancho’s services.
    The interest from Turkey joins existing links to clubs in Germany and Italy.
    A handful of teams have now held internal discussions over a potential short-term loan deal until the end of the season.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    However, former club Borussia Dortmund have distanced themselves from links to Sancho, the report adds.
    Their interest is understood to be dependant on the wage structure of a potential loan.
    Sancho has not played for United since August after hitting back at Erik ten Hag’s claim he had been dropped due to poor training performances.
    The winger implied his manager was lying in a now-deleted social media post.
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    Sancho appears set to leave Manchester United in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    He has since been training on his own and is currently banned from all first-team areas at the club’s Carrington base.
    Sancho’s United career appears to be over, with Ten Hag telling reporters before Saturday’s clash with Sheffield United: “I’ve said everything there is to be said about it.”
    The 23-year-old still has over two years remaining on his Red Devils contract, with the club holding an option of a further year.
    Since his £73million arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, Sancho has scored 12 goals and added six assists in 82 appearances. More

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    I lived my dream at Newcastle but now I’m unemployed aged 23 – I’m more of a fan and still go to training ground

    A FORMER Newcastle star “who lived the dream” at his boyhood club is still a regular at the training ground despite now being unemployed.Sean Longstaff has been tipped for an England call-up by Toon boss Eddie Howe due to his recent displays in both the Premier League and Champions League.
    Former Newcastle starlet Matty Longstaff is now unemployed aged 23Credit: PA
    Sean Longstaff is currently tearing it up for the Magpies under Eddie HoweCredit: Getty
    The midfielder, 25, is often cheered on from the stands by his younger brother Matty, 23, and the rest of his family.
    However, it could quite easily have been his sibling earning the headlines against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain after his own dramatic breakthrough into the Newcastle first-team.
    Matty burst on the scene in October 2019 with a debut man of the match display and the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
    He was only earning £850-a-week at the time and a host of big clubs were soon circling as they chased his signature.
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    Italian sides Inter Milan and Udinese were both allegedly keen as were French giants Marseille.
    Speaking to Sport Bible, Matty said: “Out of nowhere, you suddenly become this hot thing and everyone’s talking about you, making offers or seeing whether you’re interested.
    “It was a weird one, really. I went from playing U23’s football to having clubs from all around the world trying to sign me.”
    As his development contract ran out in 2020, Matty was forced to make a decision on his future after three goals in 15 appearances during his maiden campaign.
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    He said: “A few teams were sniffing around. Udinese was a deal that got offered but again, it was a weird one.
    “At the end of that season, there was Covid. The world just stopped. You never really knew what was going to happen.
    “I was in the middle of negotiating contracts. My heart was at Newcastle, though.
    “After what I’d just done, there was no way I wanted to leave but Udinese made an offer. We spoke to them but with the pandemic and everything going on, it was a strange time.
    “I spoke to other teams but when your heart is with a club, and you’re still so young, I just didn’t see beyond Newcastle. You think it’s going stay like that.”
    However, that was when the unfortunate downward spiral that has led to him being unemployed today began after he finally agreed a two-year contract.
    A drop in form and injuries restricted his progress and he failed to shine in loan spells at Scottish club Aberdeen and in League Two with Mansfield.
    Last season he headed to the fourth tier again to try to reignite his career at Colchester United but he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on Boxing Day.
    Matty Longstaff suffered an injury nightmare while on loan at Colchester last seasonCredit: Getty
    “You go from being at the top to the bottom,” said Matty. “I guess me and Sean have both experienced that.
    “When Sean first came through at Newcastle, he was flying. He was being talked about everywhere and then suddenly he was at the bottom and that was similar to me.
    “I came through, did really well and then I was sent out on loan before ending up down at the bottom.
    “It’s football. It’s just one of those things. You have your highs and lows.
    “When I was breaking through, I was at the top and at the minute, I’m probably at the bottom with the injury and things but I guess when you’re there, there’s only one place you can go.
    “I’m really motivated to get back. I want to be a top player.”
    The Geordie was released by Newcastle in June when his contract expired and now he is loving going there as a fan and watching Sean – but the Magpies have not turned their back on him.
    He added: “The club have been unbelievable with me throughout.
    “They have allowed me to stay around the place to do all my rehab, which means I’ve got top physios looking after me every day. If I need extra help on the pitch, the staff will always be there.
    Read More on The Sun
    “They’ll often ask how I’m getting on mentally, as well, and still treat me like I’m one of their players.
    “It just shows how good they are as human beings. They’ve all played the game and had injuries. They know what it’s like.”
    The Magpies are helping Matty Longstaff with his recovery despite him not being at the club any longerCredit: Kenneth Ramsay More

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    Man Utd takeover LIVE: Latest as Jim Ratcliffe deal ‘faces more DELAYS’, United dealt TRIPLE injury boost – updates

    SIR Jim Ratcliffe’s proposed deal to buy a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United may not be completed in time for the opening of the January transfer window, according to reports.The British billionaire is expected to pay £1.4bn for a quarter stake in the club, which would reportedly give his company, INEOS, control over footballing operations at Old Trafford.
    Meanwhile, United have been dealt a triple boost ahead of their trip to Sheffield United tonight.
    Boss Erik ten Hag has revealed Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat are all fit and in contention to face the Blades.
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    Follow ALL of the latest from Old Trafford below…
    Middlesbrough tribute
    Bobby Charlton was born in Ashington, not far from Middlebrough’s Riverside Stadium.
    The Boro paid a special tribute to the football legend on their scoreboard, as fans applauded.

    Infantino pays tribute
    On behalf of FIFA, and the global football family, I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton.
    “We mourn the loss of one of England’s 1966 FIFA World Cup winning team and a football legend, whose impact on the game spanned generations.
    “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was close to him, his former teammates, The Football Association and Manchester United. Rest In Peace.”Gianni Infantino
    Most famous image
    As iconic as Bobby Moore’s image holding the Jules Rimet trophy is, Bobby Charlton is their alongside him.
    A true leader, he was inspirational for England in lifting the trophy in 1966.

    Gary Neville on Insta
    Gary Neville has poured his heart on Instagram about the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.
    Charlton died aged 86, following a long battle with dementia today.

    Simon Thomas choked
    Soccer Saturday’s Simon Thomas choked up as he announced the sad news of Sir Bobby Charlton’s death.
    The 1966 World Cup winner passed away aged 86 today after a battle with dementia.
    The Sky Sports presenter was visibly emotional as he confirmed the passing of the football icon.
    He said: “It’s one of those moments that you kind of knew was coming at some point but it is the moment that has so sadly arrived in the last few minutes.
    “It’s a statement that comes from the family of the Manchester United, the England legend Sir Bobby Charlton.”
    Thomas then read out the family statement.
    Cantona’s Instagram note
    Eric Cantona has paid tribute to Bobby Charlton on Instagram with a poignant message.
    Alongside a snap of the legend in Utd colours, Cantona wrote: “Rest in Peace dear Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the best of all-time.”

    Becks owes Charlton everything
    David Beckham revealed in the past how he owes Bobby Charlton everything.
    Becks told BBC Sport: “To look back all those years ago and to say Sir Bobby was one of the main reasons why I was able to join Manchester United.
    “Because after being at his soccer school, he passed the world on to the club that maybe you should look out for me.
    “I owe everything to Sir Bobby because if not, maybe I wouldn’t have had the chance of living my dream of playing for the club that I supported for so many years and the club that my dad supported, so me and my dad have a lot to thank Sir Bobby for.”
    Geoff Hurst’s reaction
    Fellow 1966 World Cup Geoff Hurst said: “Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football
    “A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.”
    More tributes incoming
    Ex-Man Utd star Gary Neville wrote: “So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton.
    “The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador.
    “A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby.”
    Tributes pour in
    Following the sad news of Bobby Charlton’s passing, tributes poured in from across the world of football.
    Gary Lineker tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man.
    “A World Cup winner, Man Utd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby.”
    Family statement
    A statement from his family confirmed: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.
    “He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
    “We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.” Charlton family statement
    Utd hero
    Bobby was United’s all-time top scorer for over 40 years with 249 goals.
    That was eventually beaten by Wayne Rooney.
    However, his legacy at Old Trafford will never be forgotten.
    Three title wins and a European Cup sealed that forever.
    BREAKING: Sir Bobby Charlton dies aged 86
    Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away aged 86.

    Rooney makes managerial return
    Wayne Rooney returned to the dugout for his game in charge of Birmingham this afternoon.
    Credit: Reuters
    Fans give mixed reviews on Ferdinand commentary
    Rio Ferdinand’s commentary on the Merseyside Derby generated a mixed response from football fans this afternoon.
    The Manchester United legend was on punditry duty for TNT Sports ahead of the game, but he moved up to the commentary box after kick-off.
    Ferdinand, 44, joined Ally McCoist in providing analysis throughout the match.
    But he jokingly issued a quick apology to viewers after reacting to a shot from Dominik Szoboszlai.
    As the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike from around 30 yards out, Ferdinand shouted: “Wow!”
    Which prompted commentator Darren Fletcher to say: “I think Rio thought he was in!”
    Szoboszlai’s shot narrowly flew over the crossbar, but Ferdinand was convinced that Jordan Pickford wouldn’t have been able to save it if it was on target.
    Ferdinand then added: “If that was on target I don’t think Pickford’s got enough to get it.
    “Sorry guys, I can’t control myself up here!”
    Credit: TNT Sports
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    Want to contribute to our conversations around Manchester United?
    Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
    Ferdinand in awkward moment with Liverpool fans
    Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand had an awkward exchange with Liverpool supporters ahead of the Merseyside Derby on Saturday.
    The 44-year-old was on punditry duty alongside Jules Breach, Phil Jagielka and Peter Crouch for TNT Sports.
    However, just before going on air he was given a “lukewarm” welcome from fans.
    Breach said: “You got a warm reception as you stepped up here Rio, didn’t you.”
    To which Ferdinand responded: “Lukewarm. It’s better than when I played here I’ve got to say that!”
    Breach then recalled the moment he greeted a group of fans waiting outside Anfield, adding: “He said ‘hello’ and I think one person just went, ‘hiya!'”
    Ferdinand, joking around, then said: “Alright Jules!”
    Credit: TNT Sports
    Premier League ‘considering’ Christmas Eve football
    Prem chiefs are considering the introduction of Christmas Eve football this year, according to reports.
    No Premier League match has been played on December 24 since 1995.

    Ten Hag gives Shaw injury update
    Erik ten Hag has provided a worrying update on Luke Shaw’s injury.

    Ten Hag tells Onana to step up
    Erik ten Hag has warned Andre Onana he must step up his performances after his struggling start at Manchester United.
    Onana has made several mistakes since replacing David de Gea as United’s No1 goalkeeper.
    Ten Hag said at his Sheffield United pre-match press conference: “He knows, we know, he will do much better.
    “‘Every player who’s coming into the Premier League, you need an integration period, but he has to step up.
    “Big United keepers like Peter Schmeichel and David de Gea started not too good. Andre knows that it is good to know a little bit from history.
    “But we live now, we live in the future and he has to make his future by giving better performances. I’m sure he will do.
    “He showed it at Barcelona, Ajax, Inter Milan, he was in the semi-final and final of the Champions League, I’m sure he will give a great performance.”
    Credit: Getty
    Best Premier League stadiums ranked
    A poll has determined which Premier League stadium is the best.

    Shaw set to miss another FIVE weeks
    Luke Shaw is set to be sidelined for another five weeks due to injury.
    During Friday’s press conference, Erik ten Hag said: “For Luke Shaw, I don’t expect him back in this block of games.
    “Aaron Wan-Bissaka, I don’t think he’s too far away from returning to team training and so back in the team.”
    Credit: Getty
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    Want to contribute to our conversations around Manchester United?
    Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
    Inside the Premier League’s left-back curse
    Andy Robertson has become the latest star to fall victim to the Premier League’s left-back curse.
    With Halloween around the corner, there appears to be a spooky curse causing injuries to left-backs across the division.

    Promised land
    Man Utd fans have been told that they can look forward to better times with “no bulls***” Sir Jim Ratcliffe by Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff.
    Wolff, who holds a 33 per cent stake in Mercedes, was asked ahead of this week’s Austin F1 GP what Ratcliffe would bring to United.
    And he provided plenty of positives to fed-up supporters who are sick of the Glazers being in charge.
    The Austrian said: “Jim and his partners, they are first of all complementary.
    “They are huge in terms of profit and decisions being made very quickly, three bullet points on a page and here we go.
    “With Jim, all the bulls*** is cut out and I think that wherever he gets his power and resource and character behind it I think that’s going to be an add on for any team.”
    The Merc chief added: “He’s a Manchester boy. He has the resource that are needed, the heart in the right place for this team and I’m sure that he can be very creative for Manchester United.
    “With us he’s been a fantastic shareholder and a good sounding board for myself.” More

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    Liverpool paid £2m for me when I was just 14 but now I’m playing for little known Belgian minnows at 26

    FORMER Liverpool star Sheyi Ojo was bought by the Reds for £2MILLION at the age of just 14.The winger was one of the most sought-after talents in England before Liverpool secured his services from MK Dons in 2011 for what was a lucrative fee at such a young age.
    Sheyi Ojo scored for Liverpool in the FA Cup seven years agoCredit: –
    Ojo, left, now plays for Kortrijk in BelgiumCredit: 2023 Isosport/MB Media
    He was subsequently sent out on a number of loans to the likes of Wigan, Wolves, Fulham, Cardiff, Millwall, Reims and Rangers.
    In amongst those spells, he returned to Liverpool and played 11 times during the 2015-16 campaign.
    And he scored in an FA Cup third-round replay against Exeter at Anfield.
    He then fractured his back and would feature just twice more for the Reds.
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    Ojo eventually left Liverpool permanently in 2022 when he signed for Cardiff.
    He penned a two-year contract with the Championship outfit and played 39 times last season.
    The Welsh side finished down in 21st place, avoiding relegation by just four points.
    Then in the summer Ojo was deemed surplus to requirements.
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    Belgian Pro League club Kortrijk agreed a season-long loan deal for the attacker – who earned one cap for England’s U21s in 2017.
    And he has started each of their last seven league games – only one of which they have won.
    Kortrijk, who are owned by Cardiff chief Vincent Tan, sit bottom of the table with just five points from 10 matches.
    And things do not get easier for Ojo’s new club as they prepare to host Belgian champions Club Brugge on Saturday. More

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    Man City ‘make move to sign £44m-rated centre-back’ despite Pep Guardiola spending £200m on the position in three years

    MANCHESTER CITY are interested in signing Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, according to reports.The 19-year-old has impressed for the Serie A side.
    Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini is attracting plenty of interestCredit: Rex
    Scalvini, 19, was identified as an alternative to Josko Gvardiol in the summer.
    And according to Calciomercato, City remain interested in his services.
    They add that he would be expected to cost around £44million to prise away from Atalanta.
    Scalvini has started nine of his side’s ten games in all competitions so far this term.
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    He has also become an Italy regular, already earning seven caps for the Azzurri.
    City could add him to an impressive pool of centre-backs, having spent over £200m on the position in the last three years.
    Ruben Dias cost £64.5m and Nathan Ake £41m in the summer of 2020.
    While £15m was splashed out on Manuel Akanji last year, and £77m on Gvardiol in August.
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    Man City have forked out on the likes of Ruben Dias and Nathan AkeCredit: Rex
    Should City push to sign Scalvini, they will have to fend off interest from elsewhere.
    Bayern Munich are reportedly eager to bring Scalvini to Germany.
    While Juventus would love to sign Atalanta’s star prospect.
    Scalvini played with Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund last season.
    The Danish forward subsequently moved to Old Trafford for £72m.
    Scalvini went up against Harry Kane on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty More