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Sliding Doors Moments: What if Shearer signed for Manchester United in 1996?

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The first sliding doors moment we are going to explore involves Manchester United and Alan Shearer. Author - Liam C In the summer of 1996, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made a huge effort to sign England striker Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers.  Shearer was the most prolific goal scorer in English football at the time, having just won the Premier League Golden Boot in both 1995 and 1996.  Ultimately, Shearer chose to join his boyhood club, Newcastle United, for a then-record fee of £15 million. However, an alternative scenario in which Shearer decided to sign for Manchester United could have dramatically affected both the club and the footballing landscape in the Premier League. The Old Trafford club decided to sign a certain unheard-of Norwegian at the time. He didn't do too badly... So, what if Shearer moved to Manchester United in 1996? In this alternate reality, Manchester United sign Shearer and he joins a team fresh off winning the Premier League and FA C

Icons: Dennis Law

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 It's time to explore another football icon. This time it's Denis Law Denis Law had a fantastic career and many older fans of Manchester United still refer to him as The King of the Stretford End. Early Life of Denis Law He grew up in an Aberdeen Council Flat and was the youngest of six siblings. His dad George Law was a fisherman, and this fact would later feature in a chant created by Manchester United fans.  He supported Aberdeen and watched them on the terraces when he had the money to do so. He got his first pair of football boots as a teenager after receiving them as a present. The obsession with football led to Law turning down a place at the local grammar school as their sport of choice was Rugby.   The start of a glorious football career After being scouted by Huddersfield Town, he was eventually signed by the Yorkshire side in April 1955. Not long after, he had an operation to remove his quint. This greatly improved his self-confidence. Following Huddersfield’s r

Transfer News: Varane to leave United at the end of the season

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There has already been an announcement about a Manchester United player's future It has been announced that Manchester United defender  Raphael Varane  will leave the club when his contract runs out at the end of the season. Varane joined from Real Madrid in July 2021 for an initial fee of about £34m and has made 93 appearances for The Red Devils.  This was the article published from our friends at News Ball UK.  Manchester United announce Varane signing The former France international helped United win the Carabao Cup in 2023 when manager Erik ten Hag's side beat Newcastle United 2-0. If he regains fitness, Varane still has the chance to win another trophy as United have a final to play in this season, despite a poor season for the club as a whole.  EFL Cup: Manchester United win at Wembley Varane won three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies in his time at Real Madrid before joining United under then-manager  Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Did Varane deliver for Manchest

The Big Discussion: The Fight for the Soul of Manchester United

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The recent news that the Glazer family are selling Manchester United has created a lot of rehashed discussion, enhancing a lot of debates created back when the American family first bought the club.  Twitter user @Heathen1878 explores this and the current state of affairs regarding Manchester United. Warning and disclaimer - The views here are of the writer, not us. He's more than happy to discuss points made on his Twitter.  It was around September 2021 when I arrived back in Manchester for the first time since March 2020. I landed on the morning of Man United's Premier League game against Newcastle. It was also Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the club. I stopped going to Old Trafford in 2005 and have only been back once. I stopped going due to the Glazer takeover and general sadness with the way modern football is going.  It was at this point that I really realised how much United's support had changed over recent times and also wondered what this might mean for t

Premier League: Fernandes shines for Man United

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 Manchester United 4 - 2 Sheffield United Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes scored twice to ensure that another chaotic performance ended with a victory against relegation-threatened Sheffield United.  With the visitors taking the lead twice, The Red Devils were on the verge of a humiliating loss to a team that had only won three times this season Fernandes levelled from the penalty spot before driving Manchester United in front from 25 yards nine minutes from time. Four minutes later, the Portuguese created a first goal since February for striker Rasmus Hojlund. This moved his side up to sixth spot and earned praise from his manager and many fans inside Old Trafford. Harry Maguire  had previously levelled the score to make it 1-1.   Despite a much-improved performance from Sheffield United, you'd still have to say Manchester United deserved this win. They looked more of a threat going forward and a bit more quality could have seen the home side easily score 7 or 8.  F

Community Shield: Some of the best ever matches

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More than a pre-season friendly? As we look forward to Saturday's Community Shield, this article will look back on some of the most memorable clashes between some of the country's top sides in what is the English football season's traditional curtain raiser.  Wembley awaits Leeds United vs Liverpool - 1992 In a thrilling match, champions Leeds defeated Liverpool 4-3 with a hat-trick from French forward and Premier League icon, Eric Cantona . However, by the end of the season, Cantona had joined Manchester United and helped them win the league title. The game was filled with compelling goals and high drama, setting the stage for the twists and turns of the following season. Manchester United v Newcastle United 1996 Fresh off a Premier League season that saw United narrowly edge past the Magpies to clinch the title, this match was full of tension from the very first whistle. Manchester United were too powerful on the day.  The match was a sign of United's ability t

Icons: Patrice Evra

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 It's time to explore another football icon. This time it's Patrice Evra A brief summary He is a French football coach and former professional player. Originally a forward, he mainly played as a left-back.Evra served as captain for both Manchester United and the France national team. His former manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised Evra for his leadership, also describing him as one of the best left-backs in Europe. <Click here to read about more icons> The start of Evra's career Evra was born in Senegal and arrived in Europe when he was a year old. Evra started his career with the Italian club Marsala. The following season, he joined Monza but returned to France a year later to play for Nice where he was converted into a full-back. In 2002, he joined Monaco and was part of the team that reached the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final.  Becoming a Manchester United legend Evra's performances for Monaco culminated in a move to English club Manchester United in January

Memorable moments between Leeds United and Manchester United

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Let's have a look at some previous memorable encounters between Leeds United and Manchester United The original version of this article was first posted on Greater Manchester Football.  Memorable Encounters Between Manchester United And Leeds United (greatermanchesterfootball.blogspot.com) The video below is a prologue to a documentary about one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, Manchester United vs Leeds United.  LUFC Lewis - YouTube Leeds United 0 - 3 Manchester United (September 2011) Despite making several changes, Manchester United eased into the next round of the 2011/2012 League Cup following a 3-0 win. Michael Owen scored twice and Ryan Giggs got one. All the goals came before half-time. Leeds United 0 - 0 Manchester United (February 1993) This game had no goals but was made memorable by Eric Cantona returning to Leeds for the first time since he signed for Manchester United. Man United reach 1977 FA Cup final The 1977 Fa Cup semi final was played at Hillsbor

FA Cup Reaction: A turning point for Manchester United?

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 Manchester United won the FA Cup, let's explore some of the best reaction from around the world. It was a great end to the season for Manchester United and a disappointing way for City to finish what has been a successful end to a campaign where they clinched their 4th successive Premier League title.  Reaction from this involved This is how Erik ten Hag responded to presenters from MUTV. The video was uploaded to the Manchester United YouTube account. After the match, the Manchester United players published an open letter to the fans. This starts off: "To every Manchester United fan. We all know that this club is special. As we fought to win the FA Cup, the incredible atmosphere you generated inside Wembley helped push us over the line. Celebrating all together was beautiful. Fans, staff, players — all united as one. Those memories will live with us forever.   "It was a further reminder that with your support behind us, and the United badge on our chests, we can ach

Premier League: Manchester United win against rivals

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 Manchester United 2 - 1 Liverpool The best report and the best reaction from a raucous night at Old Trafford Who got the match-winning goal? 🙋‍♂️ 👀 @MarcusRashford #MUFC || #MUNLIV pic.twitter.com/zixPPmeZCy — Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 22, 2022 Manchester United produced an outstanding display to defeat Liverpool and give manager Erik ten Hag his first Premier League victory at a thunderous Old Trafford. Ten Hag took the bold decision to drop captain Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo and was rewarded with a performance that lifted the mood of crisis around Manchester United and leave Liverpool still searching for a first win of the season. Jadon Sancho showed superb control and composure to deservedly put United in front after 16 minutes before Marcus Rashford raced clear to beat Alisson from substitute Anthony Martial's pass eight minutes after the interval. Mo Salah set up a tense finish when he scrambled in a header with nine minutes left but United survive

Premier League: Man United move closer to Champions League places

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 Aston Villa 1 - 2 Manchester United Manchester United gained a valuable 2-1 away win at Aston Villa to earn a long-awaited victory away against top-nine opposition. The Red Devils started the match at Villa Park, hoping to extend their recent game streak across all competitions. More Premier League news here:  Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Villa made a good start to the game and looked to keep possession of the ball for long spells to draw Manchester United onto them. However, the visitors had other plans as they sat back and looked to hit on the counter. Rasmus Hojlund gave them the perfect start as he fired the Red Devils 1-0 up after 17 minutes following an assist by Harry Maguire. United had 42% of the ball in the first half and attempted seven shots, but hit the target just once for Hojlund’s goal. Villa had 10 attempts with three on target but neither side managed to alter the scoreline as the visitors led 1-0 at the break. Unf

Transfer Rumours: Manchester United linked with Dani Olmo

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 Another day. Another Manchester United transfer rumour. The Red Devils have entered the race for RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo, who has a £52m release clause this summer. Manchester United and Real Madrid are reportedly among the clubs maintaining a watching brief on Dani Olmo this summer. The Spanish international is excelling for Red Bull Leipzig, and he has a clause that becomes active this summer when he can leave for £52million. Olmo recently starred for Spain against Brazil, where he was utilised in the number ten position where he scored a superb individual goal. He dribbled through Brazil's defence before finishing with a curling left-foot shot to give Spain a 2-0 lead in a 3-3 draw at the home of Real Madrid.  United are assessing targets across Europe for attacking and creative options, and Olmo may be of interest depending on their budget and departures in the summer. The Red Devils are also in the market for a forward, centre-back and full-back this summer plus a ce

From the archives: Aston Villa 2 - 3 Manchester United

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As Manchester United prepare to host Aston Villa in the Premier League, we are looking at one of the most memorable encounters between the two clubs.  This article was originally posted on Greater Manchester Football. You can read that here What happened on the night? Manchester United were 2-0 down and seemingly heading out of the FA Cup when a Dutch legend answered Man United's alarm call from the substitutes' bench. On this day 17 years ago... Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sparked a dramatic 3-2 FA Cup win for United away to Aston Villa in 2002 2-0 down, Solskjaer scored in the 77th minute before Van Nistelrooy scored two late goals to seal a remarkable comeback #mufc pic.twitter.com/US4ytm74vV — United In Focus (@UnitedInFocus) January 6, 2019 In a stunning five-minute spell, Villa's 2-0 lead was turned on its head. It was a nightmare for Villa and a wonderful evening for all associated with Manchester United. Incredible following from Manchester United This match went d

Premier League: Man United drop points again

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AFC Bournemouth 2 - 2 Manchester United Manchester United's hopes of securing European football were dented again after they dropped one place to seventh following Newcastle United's 4-0 win over Tottenham earlier in the day.  They are currently two points clear of West Ham United having played one game less. They're 6 points ahead of Chelsea, however, the London side has played two games fewer.  A brief match report Bournemouth's positive start was rewarded by Dominic Solanke's goal in the 16th minute. Solanke got the better of Willy Kambwala and finished the ball confidently, low into the corner of the net. This goal motivated the home side further, as they continued to dominate the proceedings.  The home team missed several opportunities to score, and they ultimately paid the price when Fernandes scored from a pass by Alejandro Garnacho. Kluivert quickly restored the hosts' lead five minutes later with a straightforward pass from Marcos Senesi that exp

FA Cup: Man United progress after tense semi-final

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Brighton & Hove Albion 0 - 0 Manchester United United won 7-6 on penalties Manchester United set up a final against Manchester City after beating Brighton in a dramatic penalty shootout. In a match that finished goalless after extra time, United defender Victor Lindelof scored the decisive spot-kick after Solly March sent his effort high over the bar. The result means Erik ten Hag's side has reached their second domestic final of the season. In a scrappy semi-final, both goalkeepers excelled with David de Gea making several fine saves and Brighton's Robert Sanchez brilliantly turning away Marcus Rashford's deflected effort in extra time. With Manchester City still battling for a Treble after beating Sheffield United 3-0 with a Riyad Mahrez hat-trick, the two Manchester sides have a huge game to look forward to. Whatever happens, it will likely  be a match that people talk about for a long time. FA Cup reaction as Man City progress to final (eurosuperfootball.blogsp

Icons: Denis Irwin

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It's time to explore another football icon Denis Irwin was a key member of the Manchester United of the 90's that dominated the Premier League If you don't know much about him, this article will help you out. Before Man United Denis Irwin began his career with Leeds United in 1983, making 72 appearances in the Second Division, before moving on to Oldham Athletic on a free transfer in 1986.  Watch:  Oldham Athletic's Denis Irwin scores a free kick v Plymouth Argyle at Boundary Park 88/89 He helped Oldham reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the final of the League Cup in 1990. Playing a part in United's dominance  In the summer of 1990, he was transferred to Manchester United for a fee of £625,000.  In 12 years at Old Trafford, he made 296 Premier League appearances and won seven Premier League title medals, as well as two FA Cup winner's medals (1994 and 1996), a League Cup winner's medal and UEFA Champions League and European Cup Winners' Cups.