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Man Utd dressing room split after LGBTQ+ plans ‘abandoned’ because of one player’s ‘refusal’

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    Man Utd decided to scrap their usual Rainbow Laces campaign plans after one player ‘refused’ to join the initiative, leading to a dressing room split.

    Premier League clubs are showing their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport by participating in charity Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign between November 29 and December 5.

    There has been controversy stoked by the actions of some Premier League captains, with Ipswich’s Sam Morsy opting not to wear the rainbow armband and Marc Guehi risking an FA ban for writing notes related to his religious faith on his.

    Ipswich defended Morsy by saying they respected his choice based on “religious beliefs” as a practising Muslim, adding that they are committed to “being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone”.

    Palace are in full support of Guehi, too, with manager Oliver Glasner saying: “The quote of this campaign is to be tolerant and Marc is very tolerant.”

    MORE ON THE ARMBAND ARGUMENT FROM F365
    👉 ‘Well done Sam Morsy’ and other fan views after rainbow armband stance
    👉 Sam Morsy, the rainbow armband, indefensible Ipswich and how tolerating intolerance is never the way

    Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire both donned the rainbow armband against Everton but in recent years, Man Utd have tried other initiatives to show their support.

    The club have worn pride-themed gear for warm-ups and to walk out for games during the Rainbow Laces campaign in the past two seasons and were planning to again wear walk-out tracksuits ahead of the 4-0 win over Everton.

    But that idea was ‘abandoned’ just ‘hours before the game’ after Noussair Mazraoui ‘refused’ to take part.

    The Morocco international ‘was not prepared to wear the outfit, citing his Muslim faith as the reason,’ and so his teammates took the decision that no player would wear them as they felt that would be better than having Mazraoui be ‘the only one seen publicly to be refusing to wear it’.

    Adam Crafton of The Athletic has revealed that ‘not everyone in the dressing room was happy with this decision’.

    Nor were Manchester United’s shirt manufacturers and biggest sponsors Adidas, who are said to be ‘disappointed by the development’ but ‘declined to comment’ on the situation.

    Man Utd did release a statement, saying: “Man Utd welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.

    “We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters’ club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination.

    “Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club’s position.”

    READ NEXT: Five potential next moves for Wayne Rooney after inevitable Plymouth exit include Everton, Celtic

    United “pushing hard” to land Amorim’s dream defensive signing who will take them to the next level – report

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      Manchester United are pushing hard to sign Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies at the request of Ruben Amorim.

      Strongly linked with Man United in recent times, it appears as if the club will do their utmost to acquire the Canadian defender given Amorim’s interest in the player.

      In fact, it appears as if United have already reached out to the player to get the ball rolling.

      “Manchester United have checked in on Alphonso Davies to gauge his interest in joining the club, as Ruben Amorim has said he wants him,” TEAMtalk reported.

      “TEAMtalk has been aware for some time that the Red Devils would like to land Davies if possible. Now, sources state they have taken the next step, checking in with the Canadian defender himself to gauge his interest in joining the club.”

      The article concluded that the pursuit for Davies comes “after new boss Amorim greenlit the operation, which would be a free transfer in the summer or a potential cheaper transfer in January.”

      Davies has proven to be a hot commodity in recent times, making him a difficult signing for United to land. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have emerged as interested parties, which makes sense given his status as one of Bayern’s key players in their starting lineup.

      Still, with his contract at Bayern set to expire at the end of the season, there is the possibility that Davies may opt for a contract extension, as The Peoples Person noted yesterday.

      There is also the issue of cost, with United reportedly unwilling to meet Davies’ wage demands, according to a previous report.

      Despite such issues, United may yet manage to find a way to lure Davies to Old Trafford for a reasonable price. Should the player confirm his interest in joining United, Amorim may be able to negotiate a better financial deal.

      What’s more, the United manager may be able to get ahead of other interested parties by putting together a January transfer offer, landing a deal for the player while competitors wait to snag him on a free deal in the summer.

      Given Luke Shaw’s latest injury setback, United are in need of a world-class left-back who can perform on a regular basis. Davies could certainly fit the bill.

      Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

      A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.

      Sporting put big discount on Gyokeres asking price, United “one of the most interested” – report

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        Sporting CP have placed an asking price on star striker Viktor Gyokeres and it is good news for Manchester United.

        Gyokeres is one of Europe’s hottest strikers at the moment and his success has much to do with United head coach Ruben Amorim, who was his manager at the Portuguese club until he came to Old Trafford.

        United have been credited with an interest in the Swede since even before Amorim joined, as they seek to bolster their attacking options. But a €100 million release clause represents a steep obstacle to overcome for a club struggling to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.

        However, A Bola have claimed this morning that the Lisbon club are willing to accept €70 million for the 26 year old, a significant discount on the buyout figure.

        The outlet states that any club wishing to buy Gyokeres in the winter window will have to pay the full release clause, but “in the summer market the Sporting administration will agree to negotiate and the value to start talks is set at 70 million euros, plus objectives to be defined that will inflate the operation in the medium/long term.

        “And if there is an auction, with more than one club interested, then the numbers could be closer to the termination clause.”

        Whether or not there is an auction will depend on a number of factors, including how the striker completes the season without the guidance of Amorim.

        Gyokeres scored 24 goals in 19 games under the now United boss but has scored zero in two since his mentor left the club.

        If he – and his club – continue to struggle, his stock will inevitably drop.

        Another issue is how many of the clubs credited with an interest – which include Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona – would be prepared to pay that amount – and indeed, whether they might in the meantime pursue other options.

        Nonetheless, A Bola insists that United are “one of the most interested” in the former Coventry man, whose record in the Championship was decent, averaging around a goal every two games.

        But the idea of reuniting with the man who took him to the next level will surely appeal to Gyokeres and could give United a big advantage should they enter negotiations in June.

        Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images

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        Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.

        Amorim warns Manchester United ‘will be found out’ and ‘cannot change’ Bruno Fernandes problem

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          Ruben Amorim has warned that Manchester United ‘will be found out’ and the Portuguese head coach only hopes to receive the same patience as Mikel Arteta.

          Amorim was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s successor on a two-and-a-half-year contract in November and has started with a draw and two wins.

          But even in the 4-0 victory over Everton there was clear and inevitable room for improvement, with Amorim sensing “a rollercoaster of performances” in his first few months, especially in a congested fixture list with little time to work on things in training.

          Ahead of his biggest test yet by far, a trip to Premier League title contenders Arsenal, Amorim predicted many more difficulties at the start of his journey at Old Trafford.

          “I want to say different things, but I have to say it again: the storm will come,” Amorim said.

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          “We are going to have difficult moments and we will be found out in some games. And I know that, because I’m knowing my players and I know football. So I understand the difference between the teams.

          “We are in the point that we are putting simple things in the team, without training. And you feel it.”

          He used the Everton game as an example of a situation where a team posed Manchester United “problems” he could not simply rectify by giving tactical messages for Bruno Fernandes to send to his teammates.

          “Against Everton, they were changing the way they were building up,” he said. “They are a very good team and we had a lot of problems, because you cannot change by calling one thing to the captain. We don’t have this training.

          “So let’s focus on each game, on the performance, what we have to improve to win games. That is the focus. I know it’s hard to be a Manchester United coach and say these things in press conferences.

          “We want to win all the time, no matter what. We are going to try to win, but we know we are in a different point if you compare us to Arsenal. It is what it is. We will try to win and go with confidence to win, but we know we need to play very well to win the next football match.”

          Amorim spoke specifically about his opposite number in the Arsenal game, Arteta, who has benefited from time and patience after his own struggles early in the Emirates dugout.

          “It’s an amazing job, sometimes coaches are just judged on the titles but what he’s been doing at Arsenal, I think it’s been amazing. He’s transformed the team,” Amorim said about Arteta.

          “He’s brought in some youngsters that now are now big talents in this country. I hope to have the same mindset in the difficult moments, because I’ve watched this league for a long time. It’s a very good characteristic in Mikel, so I think he’s doing a great job.

          “That is always important for a coach: to have that confidence.

          “But we have to acknowledge that Manchester United is a little bit different. All the attention you guys are putting here all the time, so I know that sometimes it may not be possible to have all that time.

          “So we will try to manage that and try to do things a little bit more fast, knowing that here there is massive attention and judgement every day.”

          READ NEXT: Lazy Liverpool and negligent Newcastle: Every Premier League club’s worst transfer mistake in 2024

          Video: 1 own goal, 17 possessions lost: United youngster endures nightmare in crushing 5-2 defeat on loan

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            Manchester United youngster Sonny Aljofree suffered a nightmare performance as his Accrington Stanley side lost 5-2 at Grimsby Town.

            The Owd Reds made the worst possible start as they were 4-0 down at Blundell Park after only 33 minutes.

            Aljofree has been impressive for Stanley this season, making himself a regular in the back three and recently scored his first senior goal against Swindon Town.

            He has also started in 11 consecutive League Two and FA Cup ties for his side, demonstrating how important he has become at only 19 years of age.

            Nonetheless, last night was certainly a difficult one for the starlet.

            While he wasn’t directly at fault for the first four goals, the fifth of the night was all his own doing as he scored an own goal.

            The ball was whipped across the area and Aljofree got his footing all wrong and prodded the ball into his own net with his left foot.

            The young defender played the entire 90 minutes and was given a score of 5.9 on Sofascore.

            He was able to make an impressive six clearances, showing he did not shirk his defensive responsibilities despite the tough situation he and his teammates found themselves in.

            He had no blocked shots or interceptions however and could only complete one successful tackle.

            Aljofree won 50% of his aerial and ground duels and gave away the ball 17 times on a wasteful night.

            The 19 year old completed 64% of his passes and connected with three out of his eight long ball attempts.

            Nonetheless, in the marathon season of league football in England, there will always be off days, especially for a teenager.

            Aljofree has shown time and time again he is good enough for this level and will be determined to put things right in his next game for his loan side when they welcome Bromley to the Wham Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

            Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

            Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

            16-yo wonderkid to be named in Amorim’s matchday squad to face Arsenal tonight

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              Manchester United’s defensive injury crisis has offered an opportunity for a young starlet to make a very early first-team debut.

              United face Arsenal tonight without Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans. Lisandro Martinez is suspended.

              The limited options at centre back mean that Noussair Mazraoui is likely to continue in that role, leaving only Diogo Dalot available as a defence-minded wing back in the senior squad.

              Head coach Ruben Amorim has been playing with the likes of Amad and Antony in the right wing back role, but they are converted wingers who were playing against inferior opposition such as Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton.

              Arsenal away is a different matter.

              It is probably for this reason that Amorim has included the insanely talented Godwill Kukonki in his matchday squad.

              The youngster also travelled to Portman Road but was not in the final squad, but according to The MEN, “Kukonki will be named in the United squad for the first time against Arsenal, which will represent a huge milestone in his career.

              “Kukonki was involved in Amorim’s first training session at Carrington and he’s understood to have impressed United’s new head coach, who has promoted him to first-team sessions.”

              The Stoke-born defender stands at 6ft 5in and is left footed, which will be something that appeals to Amorim, who is short of options on that side of the field.

              He is capable of playing at both left back and centre back, which is another asset in his favour.

              Kukonki is unlikely to start tonight’s match despite the lack of options, but could get minutes in what would be an incredible rise to stardom.

              Another left back, Harry Amass, was rumoured to also be in with a chance of playing when he was withdrawn from the Under 21s’ match last night. But the outlet states that “sources have confirmed Amass didn’t play for the U21s due to a dead leg and confirmed he isn’t in the first-team squad.”

              United’s match at the Emirates kicks off at 8.15pm this evening.

              Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

              Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.

              Video: 1 goal, 9 duels won: United Women starlet dazzles in incredible all-round midfield display for England

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                England Women beat Switzerland 1-0 in a friendly game at Bramall Lane last night, with four Manchester United players playing a key role in the victory.

                The United players in the starting line up were Millie Turner at centre back with Maya Le Tissier and Gabrielle George acting as fullbacks in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

                Grace Clinton took up her spot in the middle of the park, partnered by Manchester City’s Laura Blindkilde Brown.

                It was the midfielder who made the biggest impact though, as Clinton continued her fine goalscoring form this season for club and country with the game’s solitary strike in the eighth minute of play.

                After a header from a free kick struck the post, the United midfielder was the first to react as she expertly followed the course of the ball and smashed home a left footed finish to give her country the perfect start on the night.

                Clinton played the entire 90 minutes and was given a rating of 7.6 on Sofascore.

                She took care of the ball with a pass completion rate of 85% and completed one key pass to go alongside her goal.

                The 21 year old battled hard in the centre of the pitch as she won nine ground duels in a titanic tussle in the midfield and also made five successful tackles in an all-round impressive midfield display.

                Le Tissier also impressed and was given a score of 7.5.

                She was heavily involved in an unusually advanced role, making 96 touches and completing 90% of her passes.

                She made one key pass and connected with three out of her six crosses. The United starlet also worked tirelessly in defence, making four clearances, two blocks and two tackles as England held on to their clean sheet.

                The other fullback Gabby George played for 63 minutes before being replaced by Bethany Mead and was given a score of 7 for her night’s work.

                She was again heavily involved like her teammate on the other wing and made 54 touches with a passing accuracy of 81%.

                George made two key passes and connected with three out of her six crosses. She also took one shot on goal but it was off target.

                Finally, the veteran Millie Turner took up her place at the heart of a back three and barely put a foot wrong as she was given a 7.4 by Sofascore.

                The 28 year old played 84 minutes and made four clearances and two interceptions in the match.

                She won her only aerial duel and was immense on the ball as she completed an incredible 95 out of 98 passes for a passing accuracy of 97%.

                United will be pleased that they have so many players making an impact for the national team and will see it as a sign that they are doing something right if their players are regularly called up for international duty.

                United Women will next be in action when they play Liverpool on Sunday afternoon in a mouth-watering tie.

                Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

                Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

                Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

                Ex-Man Utd star names one Arsenal star he’d prefer Ruben Amorim to sign over snubbed Declan Rice

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                  Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha has named the one player he would like new head coach Ruben Amorim to steal from rivals Arsenal.

                  Amorim has been appointed to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd. Under him, the Premier League giants are unbeaten in three matches.

                  The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town in Amorim’s first game. Then last week, his side battled back from behind to beat Bodo-Glimt 3-2 and hammered Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford.

                  Man Utd have a much sterner test on Wednesday night as Amorim takes his team to The Emirates to face Premier League title challengers Arsenal.

                  Ahead of this match, ninth-placed Man Utd are four points adrift of the Champions League places, while Arsenal are nine points short of table-toppers Liverpool.

                  United are a few levels below Arsenal and other sides at the top of the Premier League and Amorim will likely look to overhaul his squad in 2025.

                  The 39-year-old has the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and he’s named the “future” of Man Utd, but Saha has named Martin Odegaard as the one player he’d love his former club to sign from Arsenal.

                  “Odegaard is someone that I really like. His intelligence as a provider is similar to Bruno Fernandes. I like his capacity to be in and out of the box. The area that he’s playing, sometimes he’s playing deep, sometimes he’s playing really high,” Saha said.

                  READ: Isak, Sancho, Gravenberch, Savio: Every Premier League club’s best transfer decision of 2024

                  “He provides the connection with the midfield and the strikers, so I really like his positioning.

                  “I would think that that’s what United needs to create chances, to create a high tempo, to create a bit of extra quality. Technically, when there is a bit of pressure, you can still give him the ball and it doesn’t matter to him.

                  “So I would say Odegaard, even if I think physically, we perhaps need a player like Declan Rice in midfield.”

                  Saha has also encouraged Man Utd’s players to “create an improvement benchmark” when they face Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s side are a “different animal” to Amorim’s recent opponents.

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                  He added: “The players need to actually use this platform against Arsenal to create an improvement benchmark. Arsenal is definitely a different type of animal to the opponents that Amorim has faced so far.

                  “The quality of Arsenal going forward is just amazing and will provide way more trouble that we had against Everton. Definitely, it’s going to be a big test and United need to be in their top form and full of confidence.

                  “Tactically, it will maybe provide a bit more understanding, because he may have chosen a certain type of plan based on the players that he’s got. Maybe you will see something closer to the first 11 that he wants to play week in week out.

                  “It will be a huge test, but if they do win, it’s a massive statement. I’m sure the manager is looking forward to this type of fixture.”

                  This United star always excels against Arsenal, he’ll be buzzing to start tonight

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                    Manchester United travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal in Ruben Amorim’s first real test against one of England’s elite sides.

                    The fixture is one of the most historical in English football as the two sides have played one another an enormous 240 times.

                    United have won 101 of these fixtures with Arsenal coming out on top in 89. There have been 50 draws between the two sides.

                    Amorim’s team will be looking for a vital win despite the odds to take them within three points of the Gunners and really kick start their season.

                    Here are three storylines to digest before the massive matchup later this evening.

                    United’s recent wretched run at the Emirates

                    The Red Devils have been very poor against Arsenal for a long time, especially when travelling to London.

                    They have lost seven of their past nine Premier League away games against the Gunners.

                    Last season saw an unfortunate 3-1 loss when they thought they had gone 2-1 up late in the game but Alejandro Garnacho’s strike was chalked off and Arsenal replied with two late sucker punches.

                    In fact, United’s last win at the Emirates came in the FA Cup in January 2019 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer oversaw a 3-1 win.

                    The last Premier League victory stretches back to December 2017, seven years ago, when Jose Mourinho’s team won 3-1 after two goals from Jesse Lingard.

                    Amorim will hope to inspire his side to a rare win in North London this evening.

                    United do have a fine record playing midweek in Premier League

                    While United’s run of form against tonight’s opponent may be rotten, they have done a lot better in general in midweek league games.

                    Usually when United are in action on a weekday, it is because of European or domestic cup action.

                    However, sometimes the schedule dictates that they play a league game at this time and they have been in top form during these contests.

                    According to the BBC, “United have won six of their past seven midweek league matches, which have produced 38 goals in total.”

                    Marcus Rashford will want to shine against the Gunners again

                    The Englishman is currently loving life under Amorim, scoring three Premier League goals in two matches.

                    His double strike at the weekend meant he has scored seven goals this season, one less than he managed in the entire campaign last year.

                    The Englishman has netted on his two last visits to the Emirates stadium, in January and September 2023.

                    Rashford also has six goals in total against the Gunners and will be champing at the bit to add to his tally tonight.

                    In fact, Rashford announced himself on the Premier League stage with a double on his league debut versus the Gunners in a 3-2 win under Louis van Gaal in 2016.

                    He then went 12 games without a goal versus tonight’s opponent before netting four in his last three matches against them.

                    Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

                    Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

                    Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

                    3-4-3: Amorim will draw first blood from Arteta with this brilliant attacking United line-up

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                      Luke Shaw’s return for injury was short lived and he is not travelling to London to face Arsenal this evening.

                      With Victor Lindelof out, Jonny Evans doubtful and Lisandro Martinez suspended, head coach Ruben Amorim is going to be working with bare bones when picking his defence.

                      It looks as if Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt will be the centre backs. Leny Yoro is finally fit and is expected to be in the squad, but it is highly unlikely he will start.

                      Having said that, Amorim did throw Tyrell Malacia straight in the starting XI after 550 days out, so he could spring a similar surprise with Yoro.

                      Had either Shaw or Martinez been available, or were he to risk Yoro, given the opposition we would have expected the boss to pick two more defensive-minded wingbacks in Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui. But with the latter needed at centre back, there are no real defensive wing back options available other than Dalot.

                      We therefore think Amorim will start with the in-form Amad at RWB again, despite his inexperience in the position. Dalot will continue at LWB.

                      Manuel Ugarte should come in to central midfield in place of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes could push back into the 8 role to join him.

                      Kobbie Mainoo is suspended. Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount are other options.

                      Up front, Rasmus Hojlund should come back after being rested against Everton.

                      Alejandro Garnacho was also rested and should come back in as one of the twin 10’s, with either Marcus Rashford or Mount as the other.

                      Josh Zirkzee is another option, having had an excellent game on Sunday. Antony is also an option but seems an unlikely starter.

                      Andre Onana will, of course, be in goal.

                      With all that in mind, here is our predicted starting XI for tonight’s 8.15pm kick-off:

                      Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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                      Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.

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