manchester united

MANCHESTER UNITED are one of multiple Premier League clubs interested in Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude.

Bellingham, 20, followed in his brother’s footsteps when he left newly-promoted Sunderland to join German giants Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

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But now, according to reports from German outlet Bild, the midfielder’s next move could bring him back to the UK.

The highly-rated prospect has struggled to find minutes under manager Niko Kovac after starting in the opening two games of the season.

He has played just 74 minutes in the four league games since those games, and could grow frustrated at the lack of opportunities at the club, having been the main man at Sunderland last season.

These frustrations didn’t take long to boil over, with Jobe’s father Mark Bellingham reportedly storming to the dressing room to confront club officials after the youngster was substituted at half-time in their season opener against St Pauli.

The fallout from the scene saw the families of all players banned from the dressing room at Signal Iduna Park.

And it was not the only distraction affecting the youngster off the field, following news emerging on Monday that Mark and Jobe’s mother Denise Bellingham have appeared to separate after more than twenty years together.

United would pose an interesting option for the Stourbridge native to rekindle his meteoric rise, with their midfield struggles being one of their biggest issues under Ruben Amorim this season.

There is a sense that despite having much left to prove on the biggest stages, Bellingham could make an instant impact at Old Trafford.

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However, if game time is the deal-breaker in Dortmund, then tales such as that of the consistently snubbed teenager Kobbie Mainoo could be a warning sign to steer clear.

Bellingham joined the Germans in summer for a fee of £27million, and it is hard to picture the Red Devils getting him for anything less than that.

Another club interested in the England youth international’s services is reportedly Crystal Palace, who were also interested in him while he was with the Black Cats.

Palace have been excellent this season, sitting four places above United in sixth, despite having European football to contend with.

He could partner Eagles starlet Adam Wharton, or potentially open the door for an exit for the 21-year-old, who United are also interested in.

MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Jim Thwaites has been hailed as a “cheat code” by fans.

The youngster has been added to first-team training by manager Ruben Amorim.

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Thwaites, 17, plays in central midfield and has already seen comparisons to United legends David Beckham and Paul Scholes.

Reports have claimed that he trained with United’s senior players on Friday.

This came following his brilliant performances in the youth sides so far this season.

It is claimed that he is viewed as one of the most technically good players in the academy.

It is added that Amorim and his coaching staff have been impressed in the sessions he has had with the first team.

Thwaites has also been likened to Barcelona and Spain midfielder Pedri with his ball skills.

This is extended to his passing vision as he often breaks defensive lines with his through balls.

The midfielder also possesses plenty of ability in carrying the ball forward up the pitch.

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There is said to be some hope among the coaching staff that he can continue to impress and get an opportunity in the first team this season.

Thwaites has made 48 appearances across the United U18s and U21s, scoring 12 goals and assisting four times.

He was a part of the U18s side that won their age category Premier League in the 2023/2024 season.

Videos of his performances have started to flood social media, leaving plenty of fans optimistic over his potential.

Clips of his matches showed he was comfortable on the ball and able to beat opposition presses multiple times.

One fan posted: “Jim Thwaites is a first-phase cheat code.

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“Press him at any speed, from any angle, he will find a solution and move his team up the pitch.”

A second wrote: “This is more of what we need in our midfield.”

A third commented: “I am always happy watching this boy play, very good player.”

A fourth said: “They not ready for this Michael Carrick regen.”

Another added: “Like Scholes and Beckham wrapped into one.”

Thwaites appeared for United in the pre-season 1-0 defeat to ASEAN All-Stars and left a good impression on Amorim.

The manager suggested that there would be “space” in the squad for players like the teenager.

He said: “I think Jimmy [Thwaites], in the last 15 minutes, as a midfielder, he wants to play.

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“It doesn’t matter how many minutes. These kind of young kids are really important. They will have space in our team.”

Meanwhile, United will be itching to get back on the pitch to try and keep the momentum after beating Sunderland before the international break.

Their first match will be away at Anfield against the reigning Prem champions Liverpool.

This will then be followed by clashes with Brighton and Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest.

UP here at the Tory Party conference in Manchester, comparisons between Kemi Badenoch and United’s Ruben Amorim write themselves. 

Two gaffers tasked with getting a once-formidable colossus back to winning ways — and both finding that nothing they do seems to work. 

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Supporters who long for the glory days of old are solemn, and the dressing room is fast losing faith. 

Both watch enviously as their gloating rivals in light blue continue to shine. 

Both beg for more time. 

After her bullish conference speech ­yesterday, Badenoch has bought herself that time. 

It was well delivered and she hit the right notes on the economy, welfare, crime and immigration. 

Her pledge to abolish stamp duty should also prick the ears of voters who until now have not been paying her ­attention. 

As an exercise in corralling despondent Tory members and seeing off any immediate leadership threat, it’s job done, Kemi. 

Back down to Earth 

Much the same can be said of Sir Keir Starmer’s run out in Liverpool, where he successfully united his party against their common enemy, Nigel Farage. 

He too delivered an address lapped up by his grassroots to the extent the prospect of impending mutiny melted away. 

The North West has been kind to them both, and they appear stronger. 

But the crashing thud of reality awaits them back in Westminster, where the mirage of the past fortnight will soon be shattered. 

Party conferences are bubbles frozen in time, and it is easy to be suckered into believing a leader has played a blinder just because their own side cheers them to the rafters. 

Both Badenoch and Starmer now need to come back down to Earth and confront some home truths. 

The first is that Nigel Farage is still leading the polls by a mile, opening up a 12-point gap according to More In ­Common.

May’s local elections are almost certain to be bloody, with the party at risk of ­falling to a humiliating fourth in both Wales and Scotland. 

Labour’s conference failed to make a dent, with the party registering “no change” in its position at 20 per cent ­compared to Reform’s 33 per cent. 

If Badenoch also fails to make inroads, the same doubts over her leadership will come flooding back. 

May’s local elections are almost certain to be bloody, with the party at risk of ­falling to a humiliating fourth in both Wales and Scotland. 

Badenoch’s allies are setting expectations on the floor — but as one of her Shadow Cabinet tells me: “You can roll the pitch as much as you like, nothing prepares you for the pain until it actually hits.” 

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Mass losses would spark a fierce ­internal debate between those gunning for regicide and those who despair at the thought of the Tories killing off yet another leader. 

One prominent donor has been telling friends that he will close his chequebook forever if Badenoch is toppled. 

Whereas a Shadow Cabinet minister says: “If she’s not going to be Prime ­Minister, you might as well get rid of her now.” 

Her main rival, Robert Jenrick, is sitting back, but king cobras also sit back before they strike. 

While plotters are setting their watches for the May 1 polls, smart Tories are ­looking towards November 26 to mount a fightback. 

The upcoming Budget on that date was barely ­mentioned in both Manchester and ­Liverpool, but it could turn the fortunes of all parties on their head. 

Last year Chancellor Rachel Reeves claimed her £45billion tax raid was a one-off forced upon her by years of Tory ­economic recklessness. 

Now she is coming back for more in a Budget that risks being even more toxic. 

Bond markets have put the Chancellor in fiscal handcuffs, rightly stopping her borrowing even more money on the slate. 

Labour MPs have put her in a political straitjacket by vowing to vote down any serious spending cuts, including to the eye-watering benefits bill. 

Despite the chaos of Liz Truss, voters on YouGov’s tracker still view the Tories as the most trusted custodians of the public finances. 

And growth is so puny that it will barely move the dial, all pointing to ­taxpayers being rinsed even further to make the sums add up. 

Ms Reeves is privately furious with the Office for Budget Responsibility, whose decision to downgrade productivity leaves her with an even bigger black hole — in the region of £30billion. 

Perhaps she regrets fawning quite so much over the economic watchdog when it was a thorn in the Tory side. 

She is preparing to once again blame the Conservative record, but that is unlikely to wash for a second time, ­especially if she finds money to lift the two-child benefit cap to placate her own MPs. 

A fight on the economy is fertile ­territory for Badenoch, who spent much of yesterday attacking this “high-tax, low-growth doom loop”. 

Shock therapy 

Despite the chaos of Liz Truss, voters on YouGov’s tracker still view the Tories as the most trusted custodians of the public finances. 

Some at the top of the tree believe ­economic implosion is the shock therapy needed to get them back in the game. 

One Tory Shadow Cabinet minister tells me: “People don’t yet realise how bad things are, but be in no doubt, we are flying into the mountainside. And when we crash, that is our chance to make our case to the country once again.”

Farage will of course give this short shrift, arguing he is not only reaping ­justified anger from years of immigration failure, but also decades of working people feeling no better off. 

It is clear Badenoch still needs to go toe-to-toe on borders to have any hope of winning back voters. 

But if a miserable Budget sees voters crying out for economic competence, the Tories might at last have their pitch. 

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OLD TRAFFORD continues to suffer from a rodent infestation after a fan claimed to catch a live MOUSE during the game between Manchester United and Sunderland.

A travelling Black Cats supporter shared a post to social media of them claiming to have been next to someone who caught the rodent while in attendance at the ground for the game.

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The social media post showed a photo of a mouse being held in a tall plastic cup.

It was partnered by a caption which said: “How dirty is Old Trafford??

“Woman behind has just caught a mouse in the away end at Old Trafford…

“I’m running out of things I’ve not seen at the match now.”

Other fans also ripped into the stunning pictures on social media, with another fan saying: “No way. Even mother nature is taking the p***.”

SunSport have approached the club for comment.

United emerged with a much-needed 2-0 win against newly-promoted Sunderland thanks to first half goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.

There was also a noteworthy performance from new goalkeeper Senne Lammens in goal as he helped stop the leaks between the sticks with the Red Devil’s first clean sheet of the season.

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Old Trafford is no stranger to hosting unwelcomed guests in the form of mice.

In February of this year one rodent was seen scurrying over the pitch when United took on Ipswich.

On that occasion a member of staff picked up the mouse before carrying it away.

The mice infestation at the ground was confirmed by hygiene inspectors during a visit to Old Trafford in December.

Mice droppings were found in a food kiosk on the concourse, which prompted a reduction in the hygiene levels at the stadium to drop from four to just TWO stars.

Unfortunately, the source of the rodent problem is believed to come from the location of the stadium itself being between a railway line and a canal.

Following the arrival of minority owners Ineos, United have announced plans to build a new 100,000-seater £2billion stadium which they have dubbed the “Wembley of the North”.

However, last month those plans hit a snag with company owing the land United wanted to build a huge canopy on refusing to budge for less than £400million – way above United’s own estimate of £50m for the lands worth.

Ruben Amorim‘s squad travel to Anfield to face Liverpool after the international break hoping to generate some momentum and pick up consecutive wins for the first time under the Portuguese boss.

Their poor form also saw a United fan refusing to cut his hair until the men’s team win five games in a row celebrate the one-year anniversary of his challenge on October 5.

What we know about the ‘new’ Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.

The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.

The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.

A capacity of 100,000 is expected.

It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.

The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.

United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.

There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.

However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.

The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.

The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.

Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.

The target is for completion by 2030.

PRO-Palestinians have hit the streets of Manchester to protest against Greta Thunberg’s flotilla detention.

It comes just hours after the vile terror attack on Manchester‘s Heaton Park synagogue, which unfolded on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

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Protesters were marching at Manchester Piccadilly station today in solidarity with the members of Global Sumud Flotilla – a fleet of 40 ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Israeli navy intercepted several vessels at sea beginning Wednesday, after warning activists against entering waters it says fall under its blockade.

As the nation mourned the sick terror attack against the Jewish community – which killed two people – protesters marched through the streets of Manchester.

Hundreds of them gathered outside the Manchester Piccadilly Station banging drums and chanting slogans against the Israeli authorities. 

They were seen waving Palestine flags and holding placards that read “Freedom for Palestine” and “Stop starving Gaza”.

Organisers of the protest said they “condemned in the strongest possible terms” the attack in Heaton Park – and called for a minute’s silence in respect for the victims.

Another protest took place in Parliament Square as activists gathered to demonstrate against Israeli authorities.

The protest sparked fury, including from Conservative MP Susan Hall, who described it as “disgraceful, disrespectful, despicable behaviour”.

The demonstrations come in the wake of today’s vile Manchester attack.

An assailant drove a car into people outside a synagogue and then began stabbing them, killing two and seriously wounding four in what police called a terrorist attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year.

Officers shot and killed the suspect outside Manchester, police said.

Authorities said he was wearing a vest that made it appear as if he had explosives. Police later said he did not have a bomb.

The Metropolitan Police force in London, which leads the nation’s counter-terrorism policing operations, declared the rampage a terrorist attack.

Israel slammed the UK government for not doing enough and warned that antisemitism is on the rise after the vile synagogue attack.

Tel Aviv said British authorities “failed” to tackle the “toxic wave of antisemitism” which led to the terror rampage.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said: “I am appalled by the murderous attack near the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on the morning of the holiest day for the Jewish people: Yom Kippur.

“The truth must be told: blatant and rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement, as well as calls of support for terror, have recently become a widespread phenomenon in the streets of London, in cities across Britain, and on its campuses.

“The authorities in Britain have failed to take the necessary action to curb this toxic wave of antisemitism and have effectively allowed it to persist.”

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country “grieves with the Jewish community in the UK” after this morning‘s “barbaric terror attack” in Manchester.

“Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded,” he said on X.

“As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it.”

Sir Keir – who cut short his trip to Denmark and rushed back to chair a Cobra meeting – condemned antisemitism and said that Britain “must defeat it once again”.

Speaking from Downing Street, the PM blasted the “terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews”, committed by “a vile individual”.

Sir Keir said: “Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.

“So many Jewish families first came to this country as a place of refuge, fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicted on a people, and Britain welcomed them.

“Communities like the one attacked in Manchester provided safety, but also the security that comes from a promise that this is a country that stands up to hatred and that we don’t just provide refuge, we provide a home.”

Starmer said the Jewish community in Britain will see a “more visible police presence” as he promised to do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve”.

Protests spread in Europe

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Barcelona today to denounce Israel’s interception of a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

Columns of demonstrators, many waving Palestinian flags, converged on the central Plaza de les Drassanes from multiple parts of Spain‘s second-largest city.

Protesters chanted slogans including “Gaza, you are not alone,” “Boycott Israel,” and “Freedom for Palestine.”

Other protests were reported in other Spanish cities tonight, including Madrid, Valencia, and Bilbao.

Thousands also gathered in Italy on Thursday in support of the Gaza aid flotilla ahead of a strike in solidarity with activists.

As dusk fell in Rome, several thousand protesters gathered near the Colosseum in solidarity with the flotilla and against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni‘s support of Israel — a day after a similar protest on Wednesday evening.

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Footage showed Israeli forces boarding the boats and detaining activists, including Greta Thunberg, as they headed for war-ravaged Gaza.

In video footage, Greta Thunberg can be seen being detained, as well as onboard vision of the flotilla at the time of the interception.

In a statement posted to the social media platform X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said: “several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port”.

“Greta and her friends are safe and healthy”.

In a second post, the ministry shared two images of the flotilla activists, saying: “Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin”.

“The passengers are safe and in good health,” the post ended.

Activists can be seen with life jackets on, holding their hands up in the surrender position.

Yesterday, members of the Global Sumud Flotilla reported army personnel jumped onboard and “illegally intercepted” their journey just hours after they were circled by a warship.

The humanitarian convoy was attempting to get essential aid, including baby formula and medication, to Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is made up of more than 40 civilian boats carrying an estimated 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, including Thunberg.

On Wednesday, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said the activists aboard the flotilla will be deported once the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur ends on Thursday.

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RASMUS HOJLUND pointed to the Champions League badge on his Napoli shirt before winning man of the match in Europe’s elite competition.

While the current Manchester United squad watched from their Cheshire sofas, Hojlund and two other Man Utd cast-offs collected individual awards on Wednesday night.

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United failed to qualify for Europe after losing last season’s Europa League final to Tottenham – but several of their former players proved the doubters wrong this week.

The Red Devils have endured another dismal start, with the club 14th in the Prem after six matches, following three defeats, two wins and a draw.

Hojlund, who was dropped from Ruben Amorim‘s squad after the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig at the start of the season, continued his impressive start to loan life in Naples.

The Denmark striker‘s two goals secured a 2-1 win over Amorim’s former side Sporting Lisbon at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Hojlund, who joined United for £72m, opened the scoring in the 36th minute after racing onto a through ball from Kevin De Bruyne before calmly slotting home.

After Sporting equalised in the second half from the penalty spot, De Bruyne’s cross again assisted Hojlund’s header to restore Napoli‘s lead.

Ex-City rival De Bruyne praised Hojlund by offering a comparison to his former team-mate Erling Haaland, who is arguably considered the best striker in the world.

De Bruyne, 34, said: “We deserved the win today. I was trying to get into that space for the first goal and was waiting for the right moment to pass it to Rasmus.

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“Luckily he did the rest. I think Rasmus is growing a lot and is very similar to Haaland. I think they are very similar because they both like to attack the depth.

“Maybe Hojlund comes to play the ball towards us more, but he needs to attack the space a lot because he can score and give us a big hand.”

Hojlund has now scored three in his first five matches for Antonio Conte’s side since signing an initial loan, which carries an obligation to buy for £38million.

The 22-year-old, who would often become emotional after scoring for United, said: “It was the night you dream of, playing in the Champions League.

“I celebrated touching the Napoli badge because I’m happy to play here and the Champions League badge because I love to score in Europe.”

Hojlund wasn’t the only United reject to shine on Wednesday night.

Anthony Elanga and former loanee Marcel Sabitzer also scooped player of the match awards.

Elanga has continued his rise since leaving Old Trafford for Nottingham Forest for £15m in 2023, with the winger earning a £55m move to Newcastle.

The Carrington graduate played a key role in the Toon’s first two goals in their 4-0 thrashing of Union Saint-Gilloise.

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His cross to Sandro Tonali led to Newcastle‘s first goal with the Italian’s shot flicked in by former United target Nick Woltemade, before he earned a penalty after being brought down by Fedde Leysen.

Marcus Rashford also continued his superb form for loan club Barcelona to take his goal contributions to six in six games.

The England star’s quick thinking low cross assisted Ferran Torres’s opener against holders Paris Saint-Germain in the 19th minute.

Despite PSG fighting back to win 2-1, with Senny Mayulu and Goncalo Ramos scoring for the French side, Rashford was a constant threat before coming off for Robert Lewandowski with 20 minutes to go.

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Sabitzer, who had a short injury-ravaged loan spell at United in 2023, picked up the gong as Borussia Dortmund earned a 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Alejandro Garnacho, who started on Tuesday night, had played a big hand in Chelsea’s only goal of the game in their 1-0 win over Benfica at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that United could consider organising midweek friendlies for their players to get more match-playing time.

The pressure is growing on Amorim ahead of their clash against an in-form Sunderland outfit at Old Trafford on Saturday.

But United are unbeaten in their previous 23 Prem meetings with newly- promoted teams – if that run were to end this weekend, it might prove fatal for Amorim.

Man Utd’s transfer deals

IN

• Bryan Mbeumo – from Brentford – £71m
• Matheus Cunha – from Wolves – £62.5m
• Diego Leon – from Cerro Porteno – £7m
• Benjamin Sesko – from RB Leipzig – £74m
• Senne Lammens – from Royal Antwerp – £18m

TOTAL – £232.5m

OUT

• Alejandro Garnacho – to Chelsea – £40m
• Marcus Rashford – to Barcelona – Loan
• Victor Lindelof – released
• Christian Eriksen – released
• Toby Collyer – to West Brom – Loan

TOTAL – £40m

MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE

MANCHESTER UNITED are weighing up a cash-spinning mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia.

A trip to the Middle East could reunite the Red Devils with Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Old Trafford on bitter terms to join Al-Nassr in 2022.

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United are holding early-stage talks with stakeholders while looking into possible dates and opponents.

But a face-off with CR7 would be the most lucrative prospect at a time when they’re crying out for funds.

United could stage midweek friendlies this season after failing to qualify for any European competition.

Losing May’s Europa League final to Tottenham meant a £100million reward fell by the wayside.

And with roughly £750m worth of debt weighing on Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s shoulders, United are being forced to get creative.

Their schedule thinned out even more with defeat to Grimsby Town in round two of the Carabao Cup.

SunSport exclusively revealed last month that AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Lazio and Sevilla – four big clubs who missed out on Europe – have also been scouted out as potential friendly opponents.

United’s new plan comes after they scrapped the idea of a fly-on-the-wall documentary, which could have earned them millions.

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And Ruben Amorim could be sold on a trip to the Middle East if it doubles up as a warm weather training camp in the winter months.

Ratcliffe has sacked up to 450 United employees as part of his ruthless efforts to get finances back on track.

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But he insists the issue had to be tackled head-on, telling the BBC in March: “We can’t put our head in the sand.

“We have to deal with the problem. And it’s a big problem, not a small problem.

“We are in the process of change and it’s an uncomfortable period and disruptive and I do feel sympathy with the fans.”

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OLIVER GLASNER, Fabian Hurzeler and Andoni Iraola are among the coaches under consideration to replace Ruben Amorim if he is sacked by Manchester United.

Amorim suffered his 17th Premier League defeat out of 33 games in charge of United against Brentford on Saturday, who have lost three of their six league matches this term.

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Although Amorim retains the club’s backing, United are keeping an eye on potential replacements amid their alarming form.

Club sources insist they do not have a successor to Amorim lined up but accept the speculation around the manager’s role.

Erik ten Hag was dismissed after four defeats from the first nine league fixtures last term, though the United hierarchy is more invested in Amorim, the first managerial appointment under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United initially placed an emphasis on Premier League-proven signings in the summer with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and could apply that to their next managerial search.

That has had an impact on former England manager Gareth Southgate’s chances – he has not managed in the Premier League since Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009.

Southgate has suggested he may not return to management while his friend and ally, United director Sir Dave Brailsford, is no longer visible at the club after his disastrous attempt to improve performance at Old Trafford.

Glasner guided Crystal Palace to their first piece of silverware in the FA Cup last season and the Eagles are the only unbeaten side in the top flight, having ended Liverpool’s winning run with a 2-1 triumph on Saturday.

Iraola took charge of Bournemouth two years ago and led them to ninth last season.

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Despite the high-profile departures of Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez, the Cherries are currently third.

Hurzeler replaced Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton at the start of last season and presided over an eighth-place finish.

The Seagulls beat Chelsea 3-1 on Saturday to rise to tenth.

Glasner, 51, uses the same 3-4-2-1 system that Amorim is wedded to, which could be a deterrent.

The Austrian has European pedigree from his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, whom he led to Europa League glory in 2022.

Palace have so far failed to tie down Glasner on a new contract as his current one expires at the end of the season.

Iraola’s deal also runs out in the summer of 2026, while Hurzeler is tied to Brighton until 2027.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Xavi would be extremely keen on the Old Trafford gig.

However, there is not believed to have been any interest from the Red Devils as yet.

Amorim insists he’s right man

Amorim signed a two-and-a-half year contract with United when he was appointed as Ten Hag’s replacement last November but the club finished 15th last season, their worst top-flight finish since the team was relegated in 1974.

United have invested £256.82million in six signings on Amorim’s watch but the team have plunged to 14th following Saturday’s loss.

Sunderland travel to Old Trafford next week before the October internationals and United resume their schedule against Liverpool at Anfield on October 19.

United are winless in their last ten at Anfield and have not won there since January 2016.

Asked if he can turn it around at United, Amorim replied: “I’m always confident as I know what to do.

“When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum.”

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WAYNE ROONEY has been encouraged to face Cristiano Ronaldo in the boxing ring in a football super fight.

Malik Scott, former coach of heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, suggested the fight, labelling such a bout a ‘global event.’

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Scott, 44, told CanadaCasino: “Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Wayne Rooney would bring more eyes to boxing, and I’m all for it.

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“Any time boxing gets more attention, it’s a good thing. I want people to enjoy the spectacle, not just critique it.

“Just enjoy the carnival. It would be a global event because these are high-level names that would draw huge numbers.”

Scott is no stranger to the world of football, having married fan-favourite CBS sports broadcaster Kate Abdo in September last year.

His prospective competitors were iconic teammates at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, making over 200 appearances together.

Their relationship was believed to have turned cold following Ronaldo‘s protests to the referee earning Rooney a red card in a 2006 World Cup quarter final, which Portugal would go on to win on penalties.

He also made headlines for his comments on the heated Messi vs Ronaldo debate, backing the Argentinian over his former teammate.

But earlier this week the England legend rubbished rumours of bad blood between the two on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.

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Rooney, 39, said: “People think I hate him (Ronaldo).

“I love him. I think he’s an absolute genius and what he’s doing is incredible.

“I love Cristiano and playing with him. I don’t think people realise actually how close me and him were.”

While it seems that a boxing score-settler between the two is unlikely, it is not the only fight that Rooney has been tipped of late.

He was called out earlier this week by former Leeds United and Ireland international keeper Paddy Kenny.

Kenny is himself set to face former Prem footballer Curtis Davies at a charity event next month, and is keen to keep the ball rolling on his new boxing escapades.

MANCHESTER UNITED appear to be ditching the controversial canopy from their new Old Trafford stadium plans — after huge land-buying problems left the club stuck.

The giant “umbrella” roof, which caused a storm when it was revealed in March, looks set to be scrapped, according to a report on the Athletic.

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The canopy, designed by Sir Norman Foster and championed by club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was supposed to cover fans from the weather and create a stadium like no other.

But talks to buy the land needed to build the massive canopy have hit a brick wall.

The freight company Freightliner owns much of the land United wanted west of Old Trafford — space needed for the new stadium and thousands of homes.

Freightliner are demanding a whopping £400million, way above United’s £50million estimate, according to the report.

The company could move its freight terminal — but only if it gets a big payday.

Because of this, United are scrambling to rethink the whole project.

New drawings are being drawn up without the “vast umbrella,” which Foster once called a stunning feature.

But others loved how the three giant prongs holding the canopy looked like the devil’s trident on the club badge.

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Ratcliffe said back in March the stadium would be a “world icon” — a building everyone would recognise as Manchester United’s home.

He said: “When anybody in the world sees that stadium, they’ll know it’s Manchester United.”

But with the canopy off the table, the new designs will look more traditional — less flashy, but more practical.

United want to keep the project moving fast and avoid costly delays from the land fight.

The club has asked the government for help with funding for infrastructure around the new stadium.

But six months on, no cash has been confirmed.

Local mayor Andy Burnham said talks with Freightliner were “far from being concluded,” but the city can use compulsory purchase powers if needed.

Freightliner’s UK rail and road operations are about to be bought by French shipping giant CMA CGM — and what that means for United’s land talks is unclear.

United have yet to hire a final stadium architect, with a tender underway.

Foster + Partners, who designed the original canopy, are busy with the new San Siro stadium in Milan but remain favourites.

The stadium was originally budgeted to cost around £2billion — but United’s finances remain tight.

United told fans the stadium designs so far are just “concepts” — with more detailed plans and fan input still to come.

They promised the new stadium will be the “heart of the masterplan” to regenerate the area around Old Trafford.

The saga continues — but for now, the giant canopy that captured imaginations looks set to be just a memory.

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MANCHESTER UNITED clash with Brentford in Saturday’s Premier League showdown at the Gtech Community Stadium.

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Punters can get either Bryan Mbeumo OR Bruno Fernandes to score for Manchester United at a colossal 6/4 – that’s boosted from odds-on 4/6!

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Brentford vs Man Utd EPIC BOOST

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CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN was booed back at Brentford in United colours for having the temerity to join England’s biggest club three years ago.

And Bryan Mbeumo can expect similar treatment after the rancour around his transfer.

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United felt Brentford attempted to railroad Mbeumo into joining Tottenham or Newcastle United, convinced that he would be on a lower wage that would then drive up his transfer fee. Mbeumo joined United for £65, rising to £71m.

When Brentford finally relented and sold the AWOL Yoane Wissa to Newcastle on deadline day, it was for £50m plus £5m in add-ons. 

Wissa is an actual striker and scored as many goals as Mbeumo last season, which undermined Brentford’s belief that they could have recouped more from Spurs or Newcastle for Mbeumo. 

Xavi Simons and Nick Woltemade, Tottenham and Newcastle’s most expensive summer signings, were not as costly as Mbeumo.

The press room at the Community Stadium is so tight you tend to literally rub shoulders with colleagues. Staff from United and Brentford may keep their distance.

MAIN ATTRACTION

KOBBIE MAINOO is out of the United side and one of his closest teammates, Alejandro Garnacho, was out in the cold before he left last month.

But Mainoo has a new best pal in Leny Yoro.

Mainoo and Yoro have grown close since the latter joined United from Lille last summer.

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Mainoo started learning Spanish while he was out two years ago as Garnacho and Amad are both fluent in the language.

Garnacho remains tight with Amad – the pair are represented by the same agent – as they demonstrated with last week’s infamous Instagram Story that Amad received online abuse for.

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Mainoo is something of an outlier in that he has gravitated towards foreign teammates.

Although Yoro spoke impeccable English at the time of his £59million transfer. 

PORT OF CALL

PORTUGUESE pair Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot both attended the Lewis Capaldi concert at Co-Op Live after last week’s victory over Chelsea.

Members of the Fernandes family had flown over from Portugal for the occasion.

Or to provide childcare for his two children.

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CARR INSURANCE

THE NEW home matchday schedule for United players to report at Carrington before boarding a bus for Old Trafford caused confusion for some of the younger squad members last month.

A handful of youngsters assumed the team coach would ferry them back to the training complex after the game, where they had naively left their vehicles.

Senior players are usually dropped off at Carrington by a spouse or confidant and so their vehicle is in place at the stadium post-match.

Some stranded junior members of the squad had to get Ubers to the training base after a game to be reunited with their vehicles.

Erik ten Hag scrapped United’s pre-match stays at The Lowry Hotel in 2022 and the squad would arrive four hours before kick-off for home games.

Ruben Amorim has opted to delay United’s travel time and they now tend to get to their ground an hour-and-a-half before kick-off.

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HARDY ABLE

UNITED are in the process of signing teenage goalkeeper Charlie Hardy from Derby County.

Hardy, 16, has played five times for England Under 16s and is going through formalities to complete a move to United. 

He was named on the bench against United U18s when he was only 14 last year and made his debut for Derby U18s at the age of 15.

As a category one scholar, Hardy can move to another English club at any time over the course of the season.

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PELL RINGER

MANUEL PELLEGRINI thinks Antony just needed an arm put around him and a club that makes him feel important.

United reject Antony, 25, has been reborn at Real Betis after a miserable two years at Old Trafford.

The Brazil winger sparkled after joining Betis on loan in January and made the move permanent after long talks brought a deadline-day switch for up to £21.6m.

United included a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the deal for Antony, who followed a classy assist with a late goal to secure a 2-2 draw in Wednesday’s Europa League opener against Nottingham Forest.

Before the game, Betis boss Pellegrini, 72, said: “I try to make them feel the best so that they can also give me their best.”

Antony is much better suited to La Liga, where he is more comfortable with the ball at his feet and not so physically pressed.

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BRYAN ROBSON has told Manchester United chiefs to back Ruben Amorim for the long haul and slammed the club’s recent history of signing flops.

The United legend says the revolving door of managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 has wrecked any chance of stability, and insists under-fire former Sporting Lisbon boss must be given at least THREE years to fix the mess.

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Speaking to The Telegraph, Robson said: “We’ve changed managers that many times since 2013.

“I feel you have to stick and say, ‘No, we are not sacking the manager. We are not blaming.’

“When you have a little bit of money and the club are going to allow you to change your squad, you need three years to get the team right.

“For me, three years at Manchester United should be enough.”

Amorim, 40, has had a disastrous start to life as United boss, winning just eight of his first 31 games.

But Robson is urging the board to give him more time, despite fans on social media calling for his sacking.

Robson didn’t hold back when reflecting on the transfer blunders of the Ed Woodward era, suggesting too many signings simply weren’t up to scratch.

He fumed: “Look at the money we spend. It’s up to you to go around the world and get top players who are going to improve you.”

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“I think five years ago some of the players we bought were just not good enough to be Manchester United players. It’s an accumulation of that.”

And Robbo, who captained United through some of their most hard-fought years, believes the club lost its way by ignoring experienced Premier League stars in favour of flashy foreign names.

“The other thing I think we went away from is getting good, experienced Premier League players.

“So when they get to 28, you bring them on board if you can. There have been loads of players who have left clubs.”

And his message to United’s decision-makers couldn’t be clearer.

He added: “When I was in management, I believed that if you bought average players, you got an average team.”

United will get a chance to bounce back from their derby defeat to Manchester City last weekend when they host Chelsea in Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off at Old Trafford.

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CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN has said that his defibrillator implant is “just part of me now” as he admitted that he only remembers it is there during airport security checks.

Eriksen, 33, collapsed on the pitch during Denmark‘s opening game against Finland at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament in 2021.

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The former Manchester United midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest and needed life-saving resuscitation on the pitch.

He was later fitted with a defibrillator implant (ICD) before returning to football with Brentford and then United in 2022.

Now Eriksen has signed for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, having been let go by Man Utd at the end of the season, and has opened up on how he rarely thinks about his heart condition these days.

Speaking at his official presentation for Wolfsburg on Friday, the Dane discussed how setting off alarms when going through airport security body scanners is his only reminder of the incident.

He said: “I only have to go past the scanner and undergo a separate check. That’s all. There are no restrictions. Nothing.

“I have never felt anything since then. It is just a part of me now – nothing strange or sad.”

Eriksen went on to explain that he won’t delve into the details of what happened until after his career is over.

He added: “[I’m happy to] be seen as a footballer again, and not as the guy who had this moment at Parken [Stadium].

“I will only talk in detail about it after my career – it is something very personal.”

Eriksen, who was approached to join Wrexham this summer, could make his debut for Wolfsburg this weekend in a league clash with Borussia Dortmund.

He leaves Man Utd having made over 100 appearances in which he helped the club win both the FA Cup and the League Cup.

And despite the turbulent few years at Old Trafford, Eriksen had nothing but positive things to say about his time in Manchester.

He said: “Personally, I had a great time being at United. When I came back to football with Brentford, getting the chance to play against United was a massive thing.

“I also think I proved myself as a footballer at United. I had a really great time, and my family loved it there, and I’m sure we still have a lot of friends from our time there.

“I had a good time at the club, but it was a strange time because there was a lot of stuff going on at United.

“The focus and the perception of the club from the outside world is a bit different sometimes to how it really is.

“There are some lovely people at the club who are really working hard and trying their best, but it does not always go your way.”

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO returns to Old Trafford on Saturday just 21 days after he said his goodbyes.

But he might find that goodwill is in short supply as it was not just Ruben Amorim who tried in vain to get him to see the light at Old Trafford.

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Several senior players – including Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Harry Maguire – urged him to start thinking of the team instead of just himself.

But he wouldn’t listen and in the end the manager felt the Argentine youngster was bringing a negative vibe to the dressing room.

And his regular outbursts on social media – as well as the mainstream media – also riled the former Sporting Lisbon coach.

Amorim was looking forward to working with the winger when he took over in November but that all changed after his conduct in Plzen in December.

The coach also tired of Garnacho’s moodiness and temper tantrums when things were not going his way.

So in the end a parting of the ways became inevitable and sources close to Amorim say he has not regretted his stance once.

Could that change if the Carrington graduate inspires a Chelsea win at the Theatre of Dreams this weekend though? 

Battle to keep ‘Kid Messi’

UNITED starlet JJ Gabriel continues to catch the eye with his performances both within the club’s academy and further afield. 

A host of German clubs are understood to have made their interest in him clear should he and his family wish to follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho by leaving England to further his career in the Bundesliga. 

The 14-year-old, who recently enjoyed a holiday in Barcelona, is contracted with United until the end of next season, and has produced a string of impressive performances after being promoted to the U18s.

A source said: “The success of the likes of Bellingham and Sancho in Germany is a big selling point for German clubs trying to poach some of the Premier League’s best young talents. 

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“They can offer them first team football at an earlier age than a lot of clubs in the UK.”

United remain convinced they gave JJ and his family compelling reasons why Carrington remains the best place for him to continue his development. 

The teenager has met with manager Amorim and could well spend time training with the first team squad this season. 

His development is being closely monitored by United U18s boss Darren Fletcher. 

Under the knife

SPEAKING of Fletcher, his success as U18s academy boss has been noted with four wins out of four so far this season. 

It’s all the more impressive given the former midfielder injured himself during a United v Celtic legends game earlier this month raised money for both clubs’ foundations. 

Fletcher opened the scoring in the game which ended 2-2 before Celtic clinched victory on penalties. 

Fletcher, 41, underwent an operation on his knee this week as a result, but refused to take time off and has been on the sidelines for each game. 

A source said: “He’s Scottish. He’s made of tough stuff.”

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Denis Irwin’s sweet return

UNITED fans are invited to engage with three organisations doing big work to improve men’s mental health at Old Trafford this Saturday.

Representatives from ‘Andy’s Man Club’ will be stationed within the Pop-Up Pub by the Stretford End, inviting supporters to learn more about the suicide prevention charity. 

The group offers free peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online, as part of their mission to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health through the power of conversation.

Fans with tickets to the game can enjoy live music, fast pours, local food and a Q&A with club legends Denis Irwin and Gary Pallister. 

 Salford-based charity ‘Talk About It Mate’ will also have a space in the East Stand forecourt from 2pm before kick-off.

Man Utd’s transfer deals

IN

• Bryan Mbeumo – from Brentford – £71m
• Matheus Cunha – from Wolves – £62.5m
• Diego Leon – from Cerro Porteno – £7m
• Benjamin Sesko – from RB Leipzig – £74m
• Senne Lammens – from Royal Antwerp – £18m

TOTAL – £232.5m

OUT

• Alejandro Garnacho – to Chelsea – £40m
• Marcus Rashford – to Barcelona – Loan
• Victor Lindelof – released
• Christian Eriksen – released
• Toby Collyer – to West Brom – Loan

TOTAL – £40m

MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE

Chido Obi potential

CHIDO Obi enjoyed a meteoric rise last season, signing for United from Arsenal and quickly making his first team debut under Amorim. 

The 17-year-old went on to make seven first team appearances but has found himself back down the pecking order after United splashed out £74m on Slovenian target man Benjamin Sesko. 

And while Danish international Chido hasn’t been on the bench for any first team games this season, his development – in both size and skill – are continuing at the academy. 

A source said: “Chido is still sometimes involved in first team training now but the noticeable development for him is his size. 

“He is a tall boy but has started to put on some significant muscle on his frame, which he needs.”

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Chido is working under the guidance of United’s sharpest academy coaches who regularly provide updates to Amorim. 

United’s U21 boss Travis Binnion said earlier this season: “We have not even scraped the top of the iceberg with him yet. There is loads to come.

“He is dying to be a footballer. He is hungry. He is learning the game. He is learning how to project himself and how to play in a team. 

“For us, he is a priority. He is 17. He needs to understand this is a golden period to develop his game.”

Hitman tribute

RICKY HATTON may have been a Blue, but United’s players, staff and fans were equally as devastated by news of his passing before Sunday’s derby. 

Many of the first team had met the boxer at big fights and were admirers of his hugely successful career, which delighted fans from both sides of Manchester. 

The club intends to mark his tragic passing in the programme for the clash against Chelsea. 

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MANCHESTER UNITED fans are calling for a club legend to replace struggling manager Ruben Amorim at the helm.

This comes after the five-time Premier League champion made his punditry debut at Amazon Prime during the Champions League‘s opening week.

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That is none other than United hero Michael Carrick, who was joined by fellow club icons Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney, with whom he won the Champions League in 2008.

And Man Utd fans were left in awe with the ex-England international’s knowledge and insight while discussing tactics at the studio ahead of his other former club Tottenham‘s clash with Villarreal.

So much so that a number of the Red Devils’ faithful took to social media calling for minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to bring the former Middlesbrough manager to the Old Trafford hotseat.

One fan tweeted: “I want Carrick!”

Another commented: “Would give Carrick a run.”

A third wrote: “Give Carrick at a run at it. If he’s good give him a permanent.”

This fan said: “Why is Carrick doing punditry? He should be at home planning the filthy 4-2-3-1 he’s gonna cook up for us in a few weeks.”

That one posted: “Carrick such an intelligent and good pundit.”

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And another fan stated: “Michael Carrick doing punditry for Amazon, bring him to the club.”

This comes amid United‘s worst ever Premier League start which has seen Amorim’s men lose two of their first four matches, of which they barely won one.

This follows the Manchester giants’ worst ever Prem finish last season, which saw them sink to 15th place under the Portuguese tactician.

But club bosses are continuing to back the 40-year-old as it is still early in the season.

Nevertheless, Man Utd would have to pay the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss a huge severance fee if they sack him before November 1.

Amorim would be in line to pocket a whopping £12million if he is axed before the first anniversary of him taking the job.

The United head coach’s coaching staff would also be in line for a pay-off if Ratcliffe decided to pull the plug.

THE return of the long throw has had an impact on how much football Prem fans have seen this season.

Brentford’s stoppage time leveller against Chelsea after the Blues could not cope with a ball hurled into their box came in the week that Thomas Tuchel signposted his willingness to go direct with England.

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And the statistics show that the Bees are not the exponents of old-fashioned Pulis-ball.

In the 40 Prem games so far this season, there have been 130 long throws, at an average of 3.3 per match.

That compares to last season’s average, over the 380 games, of 1.5 per match – a doubling of the frequency.

And senior figures believe the return of the long throw has been a factor in a significant shortage of actual playing time.

Figures provided by Stats Perform show that across the 40 top flight games the ball has only been in play for an average of 54 minutes and 21 seconds, down 133 seconds from last season’s average.

The analysis by Prem insiders suggests that one major reason is that the extra number of long throws has seen more teams sending their centre-backs up into the opposition box.

A similar amount of positioning, by both attacking and defending sides, at corner kicks, has also been noticed, with many sides now having specialist set-piece coaching teams.

And with goalkeepers unable to hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds under the new Laws, also taking longer at goal kicks when the ball goes out of play, fans are getting less value for their ticket prices.

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One expert explained: “What we’re seeing makes it clear that the amount of long throws in particular is making a difference.

“It will be interesting to see if it continues for the rest of the season or is just a passing fad.”

RUBEN AMORIM has told wantaway Kobbie Mainoo: “You have to do better.”

Midfielder Mainoo, 20, was keen to quit Manchester United before the transfer deadline because boss Amorim is not giving him enough game time.

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Italian champs Napoli were interested but the Red Devils were unwilling to sanction a loan exit for the England star.

Amorim ignored Mainoo while the window was still open but had a heart-to-heart during the international break — telling him he is not the finished product and could do more.

The Portuguese coach, whose side face Manchester City in today’s Manchester derby at the Etihad, said: “Like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. 

“I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed but I did this week. 

“I didn’t want him thinking I was having the conversation just to hold on to him. Some people think he is there but I think he can do so much better. 

“For some guys it’s enough, for him it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo.

“I have the same feeling that you have. That he’s a top, top player. But he can be so much better. So I’m focused on that.

“He’s not used to fighting for his place, maybe. He is uncomfortable but he is a very good kid — and he is fighting.”

Mainoo looked set for superstardom when he scored for his boyhood club in their FA Cup final win over City and then started for England in  the Euro 2024 final, despite defeat to Spain.

Amorim added: “I know he started the final of the European Championship in a team that has a lot of talented players.

“Phil Foden played that game. Cole Palmer was on the bench. He was playing. But sometimes I have  a different way of seeing the game.”

The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss explained where he thinks Mainoo can improve.

The United boss added: “He needs to have the technical ability that he has but he  needs more pace. 

“He needs to play at different speeds. Sometimes he’s slower and sometimes he’s faster. He can improve on that.

“And then he has to beat Bruno Fernandes. He has to beat Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. They are good players also. I need to choose.”

Amorim pointed to fellow Portuguese Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield general, as a player who once struggled but is now thriving.

He said: “Sometimes it’s about the opinion of a coach. I remember Vitinha was not playing for Wolves. Nowadays, Vitinha is maybe the best midfielder in the world.”

Man Utd’s transfer deals

IN

• Bryan Mbeumo – from Brentford – £71m
• Matheus Cunha – from Wolves – £62.5m
• Diego Leon – from Cerro Porteno – £7m
• Benjamin Sesko – from RB Leipzig – £74m
• Senne Lammens – from Royal Antwerp – £18m

TOTAL – £232.5m

OUT

• Alejandro Garnacho – to Chelsea – £40m
• Marcus Rashford – to Barcelona – Loan
• Victor Lindelof – released
• Christian Eriksen – released
• Toby Collyer – to West Brom – Loan

TOTAL – £40m

MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE

MANCHESTER CITY host Manchester United on Sunday with both clubs looking for a result to springboard their season.

To mark the Super Sunday contest, our team of betting experts has put together a 14/1 Bet Builder for the encounter, courtesy of Betfred.

And there’s more – new customers who sign up with Betfred and place a £10 bet on football will receive £50 in free sports bets.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

How to claim..

Betfred welcome offer

1. Visit the Betfred website HERE*
2. Register an account using the link provided
3. Deposit £10 using a Debit Card
4. Place your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greater
5. Once that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free Bets

Man City vs Man Utd tips

Our Bet Builder selections: Double chance – Draw/Man Utd, Bruno Fernandes to score, Casemiro to be carded and Erling Haaland 2+ shots on target.

Here’s why we’ve made those selections..

• Double chance – Draw/Man Utd: United have won the last two times they’ve visited the Etihad and are actually unbeaten in their last four games against City – inside 90 minutes anyway. United have been made into a joke team so far this season, yet sit a point and few places above toiling rivals.
• Bruno Fernandes to score: Got off the mark for the season with that 97th minute penalty winner against Burnley. That coming after a miss at Fulham in league game prior. Usually man for big occasion and has three goals in 11 league games against Cityzens.
• Casemiro to be carded: Booked in two of last three games after yellow at Craven Cottage then on international duty with Brazil against Chile. Sat out second game on break due to suspension but should come in from start here and midfield battle key.
• Erling Haaland 2+ shots on target: Norwegian superstar has been on fire and added to it with FIVE goals in one international game when away in break. Started season well too and obviously main man for City.

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PREMIER LEAGUE football is back after another dreary international break.

And the highlight of this weekend’s action is undoubtedly the mouthwatering Manchester derby on Sunday.

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City vs United is one of the top fixtures of the season.

But there could be some huge changes for both sides, with Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim each signing a new goalkeeper on deadline day.

Will Gianluigi Donnarumma and Senne Lammens get their first taste of English football action in one of world football’s biggest games?

SunSport’s tactical expert Dean Scoggins dives into another brilliant analysis…

NEW GOALKEEPER ‘TRAP’ BATTLE

I reckon both teams will be nervous about potential debuts for their goalies! But United fans should be the most nervous about what decision gets made.

City don’t cross it very much so that’s one thing in favour of sticking with Altay Bayindir over Senne Lammens. 

Another thing in his favour is United have learned to play out with him, and Amorim may decide to leave Lammens out.

With Gianluigi Donnarumma, City don’t have to worry about mistakes, he will make stacks of saves, he’s absolutely class.

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But what they should be nervous about is how they’re going to cope with playing out.

Pep’s hardly going to stop playing out from the back, but Donnarumma is perceived to not be great with his feet, which could give James Trafford a chance.

Tactically, United will play 3-4-3 and when they’re pressing from the front, they almost slot into a 4-4-2 diamond.

We’ll expect City to drop the centre-backs in and push the full-backs on. You’d then think the goalie plays over the top.

But United will put real pressure on then. The striker will drop on City’s No6 to stop him getting the ball.

They will then press either side with curved runs to block off Donnarumma’s channels.

United want to set a trap by leaving a City player free —  they want Donnarumma to play to him.

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When he hits it, United are going to shuffle across. It’s a trigger for a press. And City fans will be very nervous in that playing-out scenario.

United should be willing to take that risk to make Donnarumma play those passes, and that could mean a lot of joy.

As for Lammens, he looks really confident on the ball. He puts his foot on the ball to bait people in.

But with City’s set-up, they leave United’s 8’s for a trap. That could see them take advantage of United playing out with a new inexperienced goalie.

I’m a bit nervous if Lammens goes straight in, it takes time on the training ground to prepare these things.

They’ve been very brave with Bayindir so far. Lammens is very confident on the ball but it takes time to get used to set-ups in the Premier League.

WHAT SYSTEM WILL PEP USE?

We’ve seen 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 so far. That’s with 11 injuries.

In attack they want to be in a 3-2-5 shape. But what they’ve done quite a lot this season, not successfully, is get into a 2-3-5 shape with a full-back moving in.

But up against Bryan Mbeumo, and with injuries, I’d be nervous about that shape.

Nathan Ake could come in for a back three, but I think Bernardo Silva will be the key man in this game with his interchanging.

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Tottenham and Brighton had loads of joy against City by leaving four up top.

I think City will use Matheus Nunes as a generic right-back with two in midfield like a 4-2-4 shape.

As for United, I think Amad Diallo will play on the left of attack, with Noussair Mazraoui at right wing-back.

There’s a question mark over midfield, is it two or one at the base? It depends on injuries.

HOW WILL MAN UTD ATTACK?

It’s a 3-5-2, but will Amorim start Sesko? United have been the most direct team in the league this season.

They’ve had the most direct chances but haven’t scored one yet.

Mbeumo’s gone close so that’s what they’re going to do.

I think Sesko has to play just for his physicality. Spurs used Richarlison to great effect against City.

If Cunha isn’t fit, you don’t want Mbeumo moved from the right. Don’t make two changes for the sake of one.

If Mount is out too, does Diallo go to the left? You’ve got other options at wing-back.

Diallo turned the game on its head last season and made a fool of Matheus Nunes so can do that job.

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United will form diamonds and triangles all over the pitch. It gives them options on either side.

But they’ve particularly liked overloading the left side this season.

That leaves Mbeumo to isolate his defender, with the ball going in behind for him to attack the space.

City have been susceptible to balls over the top and have conceded twice from them so far.

United are having more of the ball on the left, but attacking more on the right. That will be the move they want to get.

That’s something for United fans to lick their lips over in attack.

Long passes are back in fashion. City have been more direct and United are now doing it too.

I fancy United to get some joy in this.

DO RODRI AND NICO BOTH PLAY?

I think they should in this game. Reijnders was outstanding against Wolves but got overrun by Spurs physically and caught out against Brighton.

Because City get greedy with position, a midfielder move forward and the other has a lot of space to cover.

Rodri can’t cover that space, especially after his injury.

I think both Rodri and Nico Gonzalez should play as the two, with Bernardo Silva the key on the right as the most flexible player.

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He can come inside and bring Nunes forward, forcing Dorgu back.

In the direct way of playing and how open they’ve been, it should be a two.

Also, Pep Ljinders. City are pressing more with him as assistant.

It leaves space open for balls over the top, while City have also been playing a very high line.

It’s too much space so two are needed to make it solid. Trust your attackers to break down United.

If they are struggling, take over Nico and bring on a winger. But start with a solid base.