SPECIAL REPORT: He's the agent for Mourinho, Ronaldo, Di Maria, Falcao and De Gea and advised on Martial's move to Man United. So, how does Jorge Mendes muscle in on all those big deals?

Jorge Mendes is agent for Jose Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel di Maria, Pepe, Radamel

NEIL ASHTON: By the time Real Madrid got down to the nitty-gritty with Manchester United in the negotiations for the transfer of David de Gea, it had been another good day in the life of Jorge Mendes. The self-styled super agent - who boasts a stable of approaching 100 top-class footballers, with transfer values closing in on £1billion - had already been in the thick of the action over the astonishing £58million transfer of Monaco forward Anthony Martial. De Gea should have been another slam dunk, easy money for a man who picks up the phone to speak to Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez up to 20 times a day.

Sol Campbell's most candid interview ever: 'There are no characters like Cantona and Gascoigne left... apart from Rooney they're all bland!' 

Sol Campbell: 'There are no characters like Eric Cantona and Paul Gascoigne left in

JONATHAN MCEVOY: The former England defender cuts a sophisticated figure as he sips his drink and spoons up the froth, wearing a pink shirt, grey trousers, light blue summer jacket and brown buckled shoes.

Rooney has sights set on history with England striker out to take Sir Bobby Charlton's record against San Marino 

4 September 2015 - UEFA European Championship Qualifying (Group E) - England Press Conference  - Wayne Rooney of England smiles as he leaves the press conference - Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

MATT BARLOW: Wayne Rooney will win his 106th cap, equalling Sir Bobby Charlton, but it is the 1966 World Cup winner's goal record he wants and the sense of relief it will bring.

Georgia 1-0 Scotland: Strachan's side dealt hammer blow in hopes to qualify for first major tournament since 1998

04/09/15 EURO 2016 QUALIFIER
GEORGIA v SCOTLAND
BORIS PAICHADZE STADIUM - GEORGIA 
Dejection for the Scotland players after going behind

STEPHEN McGOWAN I TBILISI: On a night bearing parallels with the defeat here in 2007, hopes of a return from the international wilderness were effectively torched.

Faroe Islands 1-3 Northern Ireland: McAuley double and Lafferty strike edge Ulstermen closer to Euro 2016

Northern Ireland's Gareth McAuley celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the UEFA European Championship Qualifying match at the Torsvollur, Torshavn. Picture date: Friday September 4, 2015. See PA story SOCCER Faroe Islands. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire.

CHRIS WHEELER IN TORSHAVN: Gareth McAuley scored twice and Kyle Lafferty added the third as Northern Ireland moved a step closer to qualifying for Euro 2016.

Gibraltar 0-4 Republic of Ireland: Keane grabs brace after Christie's opener as O'Neill's men win in Faro

CRAIG HOPE IN FARO: Captain Robbie Keane maintained his scoring form with a double to ensure Ireland's Euro 2016 play-off destiny is now in their own hands.

San Marino hit back at Hodgson after he joked he could pick England's cricketers to play against minnows

SAMI MOKBEL IN SERRAVALLE: Roy Hodgson has been slammed for claiming England's cricket team could play against San Marino.

Germany 3-1 Poland: World Cup final hero Gotze scores twice to send Low's side top

Germany 3-1 Poland: Mario Gotze scores twice as Joachim Low's side leapfrog visitors to

Germany's Mario Gotze struck twice as the world champions beat rivals Poland 3-1 in an entertaining Euro 2016 qualifying encounter on Friday to take over top spot in Group D and avenge last year's defeat. Thomas Muller put the hosts in front after 12 minutes and Gotze added a second with a fine solo effort seven minutes later before a third Bayern Munich player, Poland captain Robert Lewandowski, cut the deficit with a diving header from Kamil Grosicki's superb left-wing cross with the outside of his right foot. Gotze, struggling for first-team action in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons, sealed Germany's win eight minutes from time on the rebound. 

FA donate four-figure sum to Greaves stroke fund as football calls for 'legend' and 'genius' to be supported

FA donate four-figure sum to Jimmy Greaves stroke fund as football calls for 'legend' and

The Football Association are supporting the campaign to raise £30,000 to care for stroke victim Jimmy Greaves. Chairman Greg Dyke has made a discretionary donation, understood to be a four-figure sum, to a fundraising campaign set-up to raise money to support the England legend. Dyke is known to have a close relationship with Greaves; the pair having worked together for ITV during the mid-80s.

Hodgson reveals Vardy, Stones and Shelvey will at start for England in Saturday's Euro qualifier in San Marino

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04:  Jamie Vardy, Luke Shaw and Fabian Delph battle for the ball during a training session at St Georges Park on September 4, 2015 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Roy Hodgson will start Jamie Vardy up front with Wayne Rooney as he tries to hit San Marino's part-timers with an all-out pace attack. Vardy has started the season in terrific form for Leicester.

Hodgson's staff shielded from FA cull as England prepare to use Watford's training ground ahead of qualifier

England manager Roy Hodgson during a Stadium visit at The San Marino Stadium, Seravalle. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday September 4, 2015. See PA story SOCCER England. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. Use subject to FA restrictions. Editorial use only. Commercial use only with prior written consent of the FA. No editing except cropping. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 or see www.paphotos.com/info/ for full restrictions and further information.

CHARLES SALE - SPORTS AGENDA: The FA are doing all they can to ensure their mass redundancy programme doesn't affect Roy Hodgson's backroom staff.

Martial sure to be a great player for Manchester United, insists Rooney

French forward Anthony Martial looks on as he arrives for a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on September 2, 2015, two days ahead of the team friendly football match against Portugal. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFEFRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney admits he knows little about new team-mate Anthony Martial, despite the youngster becoming the world's most expensive teenager.

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: This is not a drill... Ireland clash at Twickenham is our last chance to show we can shake the world

England's clash with Ireland is not a drill... it's our last chance to show we can shake

Make no mistake, England's starting XV against Ireland on Saturday is the team inked in to play Fiji in the World Cup's opening game. This is absolutely not just a warm-up match. This is a vital game for England and must be seen as preparing for Fiji in everything the team do on and off the pitch. This is the last opportunity to nail everything.

Burgess will prove his doubters wrong, insists fellow league convert Robinson

Sam Burgess will prove his doubters wrong at Rugby World Cup, says Jason Robinson after

NIK SIMON: England legend Jason Robinson is backing Sam Burgess to prove his detractors wrong in the same manner the code-switching full-back did at the 2003 World Cup. The retired league convert feels he was written off when Sir Clive Woodward drafted him into his Red Rose squad in 2001, before he wrote his name into rugby's history books.

England's forwards must dominate Ireland to make a big statement

England Rugby Captain's Run, Twickenham Stadium,  London, England 4/9/2015
Tom Wood
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

CHRIS FOY: England's pack will go 'back to basics' on Saturday in a quest to resume normal service after the shock of being pushed around by France on successive weekends last month.

England will occupy away dressing room at Twickenham as Lancaster prepares team for Rugby World Cup

File photo dated 14-03-2015 of General view of Twickenham before the game PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday September 3, 2015. 13 ñ the number of stadiums being used to host matches at the 2015 World Cup. See PA story RUGBYU World Cup Numbers. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

England will take the final step in their meticulous preparation for a home World Cup campaign by emerging from the away dressing room at Twickenham to confront Ireland.

Wales on a mission to avenge Warburton's red card in 2011 semi-final

Wales captain Sam Warburton leaves the pitch after receiving a straight red card for a dengerous tackle on Vincent Clerc of France during semi final one of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup between Wales and France at Eden Park on October 15, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.  




AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 15:  
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

NIK SIMON: Wales were left nursing a deep sense of injustice when they crashed out in 2011 and the 'bitterness' is still a potent medicine as they fine-tune their preparations.

Not impressed, lads? Rooney and Co inspect San Marino pitch ahead of qualifier

Roy Hodgson and his England squad examine Stadio Olimpico pitch ahead of Euro 2016

With under 24 hours remaining until England take on San Marino in Serravalle, Roy Hogson's squad have taken to the Stadio Olimpico pitch to have a look around. As is customary with internationals, the squad donned their England tracksuits for a pitch-walk, examining the surface they will walk onto for their Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday. And it appears some of the players were less than satisfied with the state of the grass. As Premier League regulars, the England team will be used to the pristine pitches of the Emirates and Old Trafford, but the Stadio Olimpico surface seemed to be carrying some wear and tear.

Portugal 0-1 France: Manchester United new boy Martial makes international bow as Valbuena earns Euro 2016 hosts Lisbon victory

Portugal 0-1 France: Anthony Martial makes international bow as Mathieu Valbuena earns

ADAM CRAFTON IN LISBON: Another day, another landmark. After a whirlwind week in which the name Anthony Martial has dominated the agenda both in England and France, this was another evening of genuine significance for the 19-year-old forward. These have been a mind-boggling few days for Martial. After completing a move that could be worth £58million from Monaco to Manchester United, he has been catapulted to national and international attention like never before.

'Facts speak for themselves... the FA will back us': Manchester United aim ANOTHER dig at Real Madrid as war of words over De Gea farce continues

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 02:  David de Gea looks on during the Spain training session at Ciudad de Futbol on September 2, 2015 in Las Rozas, Spain.  (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Manchester United have hit back at claims by Real Madrid over their supposed 'naivety' in handling David de Gea's failed move to the Bernabeu.

Griffiths urges Strachan to let him loose against Germany as Scotland bid to keep Euro 2016 hopes alive

04/09/15 EURO 2016 QUALIFIER
GEORGIA v SCOTLAND
BORIS PAICHADZE STADIUM - GEORGIA 
Scotland's Leigh Griffiths (right) sees his effort stopped by Aleksandrew Amisulashvili

Leigh Griffiths has urged Gordon Strachan to let him loose on world champions Germany on Monday. He was overlooked for a starting place on Friday with Steven Fletcher getting the nod.

Wales stand on the brink... tenacity and team spirit are foundations for the golden generation's success

LAURIE WHITWELL: Walking gingerly in Nicosia after a leg-sapping performance, Ashley Williams stopped to speak about the togetherness of the Wales team.

Germany U19s 2-3 England U19s: Aidy Boothroyd's 10 men hold on to away win as Maitland-Niles nets screamer

England Under 19s beat their German counterparts 3-2 at the Belkaw Arena on Friday evening thanks to goals from young prodigies Sheyi Ojo, Dominic Solanke and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Rooney turned down Manchester United TWICE as a kid because of his love for Everton, reveals Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson missed out on signing a Wayne Rooney as a youngster - ultimately costing Manchester United £25million - because of the then young Everton star's love for the Toffees.

Hungary and Romania fans involved in violent clashes ahead of Budapest qualifier

Hungary and Romania fans clash ahead of Euro 2016 qualifier in Budapest

Squads of riot police were called upon to diffuse a heated fracas between Hungarian and Romanian football fans ahead of Friday night's Euro 2016 qualifier in Budapest.  Glass bottles and other makeshift missiles were hurled by both sets of supporters as shocking scenes emerged from the Hungarian capital.  Of course, the intense rivalry between these two sides is nothing new - a similar clash happened ahead of their last meeting back in October last year. 

Snakes on a plane? Sterling and Delph laugh off abuse aimed at them after controversial summer transfers as England pair jet away

Raheem Sterling appears to poke fun at abuse by posing for 'snakes on a plane' snap with

Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has appeared to poke fun at the abuse he suffered following his Liverpool exit by posing for a 'snakes on a plane' snap with Fabian Delph.

Fury vs Klitschko world title fight in Germany to be shown on Sky Sports

JEFF POWELL: Tyson Fury's world heavyweight title challenge to Wladimir Klitschko will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office. Sky's rivals Box Nation withdrew from bidding.

Surrey all-rounder Ansari set for surprise England call for Pakistan tour

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01:  Zafar Ansari of Surrey bowls a delivery during the LV County Championship Division Two match between Surrey and Derbyshire at The Kia Oval on September 1, 2015 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

LAWRENCE BOOTH: Surrey all-rounder Zafar Ansari is set for a surprise winter call-up to the England team as the selectors look to cover all their bases against Pakistan in the UAE.

HOT OR NOT: Green cards are rotten. What's next? Apples for managers?

.

Sportsmail's Laura Williamson runs the rule over who has enjoyed a good week in the world of sport and who has had one to forget.

Wales could soar up to SECOND in FIFA World Rankings next month

graphic FINAL........jpg

These are heady days for the Welsh football team. Not only are they on the verge of qualifying for their first major tournament since 1958, they could rise to second in the FIFA Rankings

REVEALED: One hundred and sixty six
- the staggering number of players currently farmed out on loan by Premier League clubs

A staggering 166 players are currently plying their trade away from their parent Premier

Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and Juan Cuadrado are just three of the 166 players currently on loan from Premier League clubs following the end of the summer transfer window. Premier League champions Chelsea are leading the way with 33 of their registered players currently plying their trade away from the club. Harry Redknapp recently criticised Chelsea for being allowed to loan out a whole squad to teams across the world, as it means Jose Mourinho cannot keep a personal check on his playing staff.

Discipline was most important thing... and it probably cost us titles, reveals former United boss Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has lifted the lid on his famous leadership skills with the release of a new book entitled 'Leading' - where he admits that his fiery temper may have cost United even more titles.

Murray has fun at coach's expense... but he must be wary of Federer's new quick trick

Andy Murray must beware of Roger Federer's new quick trick at the US Open...

MIKE DICKSON AT FLUSHING MEADOWS: Roger Federer took his six-year-old twin daughters Charlene and Myla to the Metropolitan Museum of Art here this week, to look at its current China exhibition. Many in New York are also talking about Federer's own work of genius, one that he has created at the US Open: his new, almost half-volley return of serve that has been working to devastating effect.

Monza on the brink: Historic Italian circuit could be cut from the Formula 1 calendar

Monza on the brink: Historic Italian circuit could be cut from the Formula 1 calendar

JONATHAN MCEVOY: One of the Ferrari-red banners in the grandstand next to the start-finish straight at Monza reads: 'You cannot describe the passion. You can only live it.' 'Go Michael,' says another - the biggest of the lot - in homage to the stricken great, Schumacher. 'Go Kimi,' is written just behind it, in the white and blue of Raikkonen's national flag, of Finland. Just down along the road is one of motor racing's awesome sights, the steeply banked Parabolica curve that leads into the straight.

World No 1 Djokovic defeats Seppi in straight sets to progress to last 16

Top seed Novak Djokovic notched another straight sets win but was given a workout in a 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Andreas Seppi in reaching the fourth round.

British world No 97 Konta upsets ninth seed in longest-ever US Open women's match in New York

MIKE DICKSON IN NEW YORK: Somehow holding body and soul together in the searing heat at Flushing Meadows, Jo Konta played the match of her life to make history at the US Open on Thursday.

Konta feared career was in jeopardy earlier this year before ranking surge

Konta pumps her fist on her way to victory over the US Open's No 9 seed Spaniard Muguruza on Thursday

MIKE DICKSON IN NEW YORK: Jo Konta has admitted that she feared her career was 'in jeopardy' earlier this year after funding cuts forced her to rethink her whole approach.

Chelsea unveil Djilobodji... but is £3m man able to plug Mourinho's dodgy defence?

Papy Djilobodji unveiled as a Chelsea player after his deadline day move from Nantes  

Papy Djilobodji has been unveiled at Chelsea's Cobham training ground, following his deadline day move to the Premier League champions from Nantes. The 26-year-old central defender arrived at Stamford Bridge for a fee of around £3million and signed a four-year contract, but has been left out of their Champions League squad for the group stages. But Djilobodji, who has taken the No 15 shirt, has been included in their Premier League side.

Donald boosts chances of reaching FedEx Cup play-offs as De Jonge leads at the Deutsche Bank Championship 

Luke Donald boosts chances of reaching FedEx Cup play-off but Brendon de Jonge leads at

Luke Donald and Ian Poulter started strongly but it was Brendon de Jonge who took the first-round lead in the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston. De Jonge's six-under-par round of 65 was good enough for a two-stroke lead over a large group of players featuring English pair Donald and Poulter.

SPECIAL REPORT: Inside the United vs Real transfer feud... meet the man who pulls the Spanish strings

PETE JENSON IN MADRID: Relations were already strained between the two biggest football clubs in the world...even before deadline day passed.

Man United have third costliest squad in Europe behind City and Madrid... but which other clubs make top 20?

SWANSEA, WALES - AUGUST 30:  Juan Mata (R) of Manchester United celebrates scoring the opening goal with Memphis Depay during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at Liberty Stadium on August 30, 2015 in Swansea, Wales.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Premier League clubs dominate the European landscape in terms of money spent on their squads, with eight of the costliest teams in Europe's top divisions coming from England.

Pogba 'rejected £62m Chelsea move despite Juventus agreeing to sell him'

Paul Pogba rejected a £62million move to the Chelsea despite Juventus agreeing a deal to sell the highly rated France international to the Barclays Premier League champions this summer.

Dare to smell like Zlatan? Black and white teaser gives Ibrahimovic fans first glimpse of striker's new perfume (called 'ZLA')

Zlatan Ibrahimovic posts devilish black and white teaser of his new 'ZLA' perfume as

It's the scent all real men have been waiting for, but only a few would dare to use.  Zlatan Ibrahimovic has taken to Instagram to reveal his new eagerly-anticipated 'ZLA' perfume as the Paris Saint-Germain striker aims to fire Sweden to Euro 2016 qualification against Russia. While only those able to purchase Ibrahimovic's fragrance in France will know precisely how good it smells, there's every chance the Swedish icon's latest creation is nothing short of superb.

School of hard knocks: Khan posts throwback picture with Campbell, Ogogo and Groves

Amir Khan posts throwback picture with fellow professionals Luke Campbell, Anthony Ogogo

Amir Khan rolled back the years on Friday, when he posted a throwback picture of Luke Campbell, Anthony Ogogo, George Groves and himself all looking fresh-faced. All four have progressed massively during their careers, with numerous world titles being held between them. Khan has yet to announce his next fight but speculation is mounting that he could face Manny Pacquiao in 2016.

Vidal back in booze trouble after being sent back to Bayern after 'turning up at Chile camp under the influence' 

Chile's Arturo Vidal warms up ahead of the Copa America 2015 quarter-finals soccer match against Uruguay at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, June 24, 2015. 


REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

Arturo Vidal was sent home from Chile's training camp by coach Jorge Sampaoli after allegedly arriving under the influence of alcohol, according to reports in the Chilean press

You could have had Suarez or Neymar for £58m, Monaco chief tells United after the sale of rookie Martial

Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev believes Manchester United could have signed Luis Suarez or Neymar for the £58million fee they paid for Anthony Martial.

Another failed bid from United? Bayern Munich chief claims they turned down £60m offer for Muller

epa04904371 Munich's Thomas Mueller gives thumbs up during the German Bundesliga match between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, 29 August 2015.
(EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)  EPA/PETER KNEFFEL  EPA/PETER KNEFFEL

Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says he turned down an extremely lucrative offer for forward Thomas Muller this summer. It is believed Manchester United offered £60m for the player

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Bale touches down on home soil after heading Wales to brink of Euro 2016... and he's nabbed for an autograph seconds later!

Gareth Bale touches down in Cardiff after heading Wales to the brink of Euro 2016

Wales fans may not have come crashing back down to earth yet after their win against Cyprus, but their team have touched back down on solid ground. Chris Coleman's side, who are just one win away from their first  major tournament since 1958, landed back in Cardiff on Friday looking tired by satisfied. Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, whose thumping header was enough to win the game for his country on Thursday, led the way, stopping to sign autographs for the ground staff at Cardiff airport.

Holland face must-win clash with Turkey to hold on to play-off spot after Iceland defeat

Holland 0-1 Iceland: Horror start for Danny Blind as Gylfi Sigurdsson strikes from spot

Iceland moved a step closer to clinching a berth at Euro 2016 after a controversial penalty from Gylfi Sigurdsson secured a shock 1-0 victory over 10-man Holland on Thursday. The referee awarded the spot kick in the 51st minute even though Gregory van der Wiel seemed to win the ball in a challenge with Birkir Bjarnason.

De Bruyne keeps pressure on Wales as Belgium come from behind Bosnia

Belgium 3-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Marouane Fellaini on

BELGIUM 3-1 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA - JACK GAUGHAN IN BRUSSELS: Opportunity knocked for Kevin De Bruyne. It would not have for many others, but this £52million man is that bit different.

Euro 2016 round-up: Serbia secure first win in Group I over Armenia as late Finland strike sinks Greece

Serbia claimed their first victory of Group I after defeating bottom-placed Armenia 2-0. Meanwhile, in Group F, Finland edged a 1-0 win over Greece with Joel Pohjanpalo's goal the difference.

Robben ruled out for four weeks and will miss crucial clash against Turkey

Netherlands Arjen Robben (R) reacts during the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying round football match between Netherlands and Iceland at the Arena Stadium, on September 3, 2015 in Amsterdam. AFP PHOTO / JOHN THYSJOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images

Arjen Robben has been ruled out for four weeks with a thigh injury. The Bayern Munich forward was forced off after half-an-hour of Holland's Euro 2016 qualifying defeat to Iceland.

Euro 2016 round-up: Czech Republic come from behind to beat Kazakhstan and Norway keep their hopes alive  

Borek Dockal of Czech Republic celebrates after the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying round football match Kazakhztan vs Czech Republic on September 3, 2015 in Pilsen city. AFP PHOTO / MICHAL CIZEKMICHAL CIZEK/AFP/Getty Images

Two late second half headers from substitute Milan Skoda gave the Czech Republic a 2-1 come-from-behind win against Kazakhstan on Thursday to keep the home side in the hunt.

Bale says Wales can go all the way to France after coming through tough conditions in Nicosia to beat Cyprus

LAURIE WHITWELL: Gareth Bale is confident Wales can complete the job and qualify for a first major tournament since 1958. The Real Madrid star scored a thumping late header to earn Wales victory in Cyprus.

Hodgson unfazed by Stones saga and insists defender is 'focused' to play  

Roy Hodgson is so sure that a topsy-turvy few weeks will not affect John Stones that the Everton defender is starting England's Euro 2016 qualifier in San Marino.

Bale's Wales on the brink of Euro 2016 as bullet header puts them one win away from first tournament since 1958

LAURIE WHITWELL: Real Madrid star Gareth Bale earned Wales another crucial three points with an 81st-minute header against Cyprus on Thursday night.

Heaslip relishing final World Cup warm-up match against England at Twickenham

Jamie Heaslip relishing final World Cup warm-up match against England

Jamie Heaslip has not forgotten the horror of Ireland's last World Cup warm-up outing against England. 'I distinctly remember it, despite getting concussed,' he said of the 2011 defeat in Dublin. 'I was coming through in the medical room and seeing David Wallace with his family around him and in a bit of pain. I realised how quickly it can all end.'

Will you have World Cup stars training around the corner? Here's your guide to where the 20 teams will soon be based...

England have set up camp at the luxury Pennyhill Park, but where are all the other 19

The Rugby World Cup is just two weeks away, with this weekend's final warm-up matches offering nations a final chance to put the finishing touches to their preparations ahead of the tournament.

Twelve years after England conquered the world, where are Jonny, Johnson and the rest of Sir Clive's heroes of 2003 now?

England won the World Cup 12 years ago: Where are Clive Woodward's squad now?

It is 12 years since England's one and only World Cup triumph to date. Sir Clive Woodward's side won every single match on the way to beating Australia on their own turf. Here, Sportsmail looks at what each member of that squad is doing now...

O'Connell fired up by Schmidt's sharp words ahead of Ireland's clash with England in final World Cup warm-up

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04:  Paul O'Connell, the Ireland captain, stretches during the Ireland captain's run at Twickenham Stadium on September 4, 2015 in London, England.  (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

A repeat performance of Ireland's under-par display against Wales will not be tolerated by Joe Schmidt at Twickenham on Saturday.

Scotland coach Cotter has a strong power base... let's hope he uses it 

04/09/15
SCOTLAND TRAINING
STADE DE FRANCE - PARIS
Scotland head coach Vern Cotter

ANDY NICOL: Vern Cotter has picked his squad for the World Cup and ended all the speculation over who is going and who is not. The selection is strong, but not without some controversy.

England will peak in three years! RFU chief Andrew in astonishing gaffe just a fortnight before World Cup kicks off 

BAGSHOT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03:  Sam Burgess passes the ball during the England training session held at Pennyhill Park on September 3, 2015 in Bagshot, England.  (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

CHRIS FOY: England's lack of experience could ruin their chances of winning the Rugby World Cup, says Rob Andrew, the RFU's professional rugby director.

Back off Clive, we won't pull a fast one on the scrum, insists Edwards as he dismisses criticism of hooker selection

NIK SIMON: Shaun Edwards has rebuked Sir Clive Woodward after he expressed his belief that Wales are wrong to select just two hookers for the World Cup.

Scotland ace Maitland admits he has a point to prove after injury nightmare 

04/09/15
SCOTLAND TRAINING
STADE DE FRANCE - PARIS
Scotland's Sean Maitland

The sense of relief at having made Scotland's Rugby World Cup squad may not last much beyond kick-off in Paris, the French have a way of knocking any joie de vivre right out of their visitors.

North insists injury comeback 'was never a big issue' as he prepares for Millennium Stadium return

CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 14:  George North of Wales is tackled by Johnny Sexton of Ireland during the RBS Six Nations match between Wales and Ireland at Millennium Stadium on March 14, 2015 in Cardiff, Wales.  (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Wales wing George North will make his first Millennium Stadium appearance for almost six months on Saturday after he 'ticked all the boxes' on a long comeback trail from injury.

Call that a friendly? Liverpool and United legends don't hold back in tussle

Manchester United Legends 4-2 Liverpool Legends: Jesper Blomqvist runs Jason McAteer

Manchester United beat Liverpool 4-2 in a less that friendly Legends match at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on Thursday. Liverpool's Robbie Fowler kicked out at United's Bojan Djordjic in the first half, and Jason McAteer, playing at right back, was run ragged by Jesper Blomqvist, cynically tripping the man who famously made way for Teddy Sheringham in the 1999 Champions League Final, on a number of occasions, eventually collecting a yellow card.

Roy Keane's doppelganger found in Renaissance painting with fur-clad subject giving evil eye for centuries

Roy Keane's doppelganger found in Renaissance painting with fur-clad subject giving evil

Roy Keane's beard didn't last long, but his icy stare is not easy to forget. And it seems an uncanny resemblance to the fiery Irishman has been staring daggers for centuries...

Kop flop Balotelli scores stunning goal three minutes into his second debut for AC Milan

Mario Balotelli scores sumptuous goal three minutes into his second debut for AC Milan

After making the headlines for all the wrong reasons while at Liverpool last season it now looks as if a loan return to Italy with AC Milan could be the perfect way for Mario Balotelli to get his career back on track. 

Bayern Munich chief calls for bigger TV deals for Bundesliga clubs to curb 'transfer tsunami' to Premier League

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has called for higher broadcasting revenues for Bundesliga clubs in order to be able to keep up with the spending power of the Premier League.

Liverpool fans furious after club ban flags without prior permission 

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27:  (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Flags and banners wave in the Kop of Liverpool before the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on September 27, 2014 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool supporters have blasted the club for attempting to regulate the flags brought into Anfield on match days.

VERDICT: Arsenal were RIGHT to hide Welbeck injury... and they did the best business of the transfer window

Steve Drew via Press Association Images
Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger gives a thumbs up before kick off

Fans - in the form of bloggers and the Arsenal Supporters Club - have turned on their manager in a way that is becoming traditional at this time of year. But Wenger had the perfect transfer window.

NEIL ASHTON: How Manchester City have overtaken United as the city's best run football club

Manchester City's Vincent Kompany scores 2-0. August 16th 2015 - Manchester, UK - MAN CITY V CHELSEA

PIcture by Ian Hodgson/Daily Mail

Before Manchester City committed £52million to sign Kevin De Bruyne, the club's executive committee examined more than 50 scouting reports on the Belgian midfielder.

Chelsea star Willian backs Hazard and Neymar to challenge for Ballon d'Or

Willian has backed two team-mates at club level and on the international stage to become future contenders for the Ballon d'Or - and believes Lionel Messi is better than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lloris hints that Manchester United deals was on cards... but keeper is happy to stay at Tottenham

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has hinted that a summer move to Manchester United could have happened, but insists he is happy to stay at White Hart Lane and play in the Europa League.

Hero's welcome: Former Man United star Berbatov unveiled in front of 10,000 jubilant fans after signing two-year deal in Greece

Dimitar Berbatov unveiled in front of 10,000 PAOK fans after penning two-year deal  

Dimitar Berbatov was treated to a hero's welcome on Thursday as 10,000 jubilant PAOK Salonika fans turned up to greet the club's new signing at their Toumba Stadium. The 34-year-old was unveiled to the media after joining the Super League club having been released by Ligue 1 side Monaco in the close season. He is the highest-profile signing in the club's history after agreeing a two-year deal.

Charlie Austin interview: I'm happy to stay at QPR... but I can still get big move

Charlie Austin makes a vow... I'm happy to stay at Queens Park Rangers but I can still get

DOMINIC KING: Before Charlie Austin can begin, he wants to apologise. He has arrived a little late for our meeting and he feels obliged to offer an explanation. Had he blamed the slow moving roads of leafy West London, there would have been no need to doubt but Austin wants to give the true reason: his horse, Cautious Optimism, had finished second in the 2pm at Lingfield and he wanted to watch the race before settling down.

DAVID DUNN: It was hard work sitting on Blackburn bench... the Oldham move was a perfect fit for me and my family

David Dunn: It was hard work sitting on the bench at Blackburn... so the Oldham move was a

David Dunn is making up for lost time. The 35-year-old spent most of last season kicking his heels at first love Blackburn Rovers, playing for just 366 minutes as their long-term relationship fizzled out. Now he has found a new squeeze across Lancashire and Rovers's loss is Oldham Athletic's gain - or at least that is how he sees it.

Davies quits after 22 seasons by sharing picture of his boots hanging up, saying 'It's been emotional'

Veteran striker Kevin Davies has announced his retirement from football after plying his trade on the pitch for 22 seasons with six different clubs, although he will be best remembered at Bolton.

Bayern Munich to raise €1m for Syrian crisis... and refugees will be mascots

Bayern's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, right, and Douglas Costa warm up prior to the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen 04 in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Bayern Munich will raise €1million from a friendly match to help tackle the current refugee crisis. The German giants also plan to provide refugees with food and football equipment.

'Green card' to be launched in Italy in revolution to reward fair play

Green card

Serie B is set to launch an innovative new scheme this weekend to help promote fair play in football. As of this weekend, referees in Italy's second tier will hand out a 'green card'.

Referee Moss threatened with legal action after being accused of deliberately injuring assistant official

Referee Jon Moss looks on during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Manchester City at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on December 13, 2014. 

Manchester City won the game 1-0. 


AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS
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CHARLES SALE - SPORTS AGENDA: Jon Moss has been threatened with legal action by an assistant official alleging he was deliberately injured by Moss in a referees kickabout.

Debuchy contemplated quitting Arsenal after losing place to Bellerin

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Mathieu Debuchy of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy admits he considered leaving the club after losing his place in their starting line-up to Spaniard Hector Bellerin. Arsenal signed the French defender for £12million.

We must improve but Chelsea WILL challenge for the title, insists Begovic

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero reacts after Chelsea's goalkeeper Asmir Begovic saved a shot during the Barclays Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England. 

PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday August 16, 2015. See PA story SOCCER Man City. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

EXCLUSIVE: Asmir Begovic has fired a sharp warning to Chelsea's doubters, confidently stating they are united and backing Jose Mourinho.

US Open halted as drone crashes into stands to spark security alert in New York

US Open 2015 match halted as drone crashes into stands and sparks security alert!

A mystery drone interrupted the US Open on Thursday as it flew over the court in Louis Armstrong Stadium and crashed into a section of empty seats. The flying object entered the arena towards the end of Flavia Pennetta's 6-1 6-4 win over Monica Niculescu and play had to be temporarily suspended while security examined the device

Retiring Hewitt bows out of US Open after five-set loss to compatriot Tomic

Lleyton Hewitt bows out of US Open after five-set loss to compatriot Bernard Tomic

Lleyton Hewitt's US Open career ended with a five-set thriller as the veteran lost his all-Australian tie with Bernard Tomic after spurning two match points. Hewitt, who will retire after his final home grand slam in January, is renowned for his fighting spirit and he showed it again in New York as he battled from two sets and a break down to serve for the match at 5-4 in the decider. Tomic, however, ripped up the script against his friend and mentor to win 6-3 6-2 3-6 5-7 7-5 and book a third-round clash with Richard Gasquet

Murray avoids shock after battling back from two sets down to beat Mannarino in second round

Andy Murray advances the hard way in five sets against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino at the

MIKE DICKSON IN NEW YORK: Andy Murray battled the unforgiving heat of Flushing Meadows to survive into the third round of the US Open after going two sets down against France's Adrian Mannarino.

Cilic survives scare from unseeded Kukushkin to keep hopes alive

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 04:  Marin Cilic of Croatia shakes hands with Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan after defeating him in their Men's Singles Third Round match on Day Five of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.  (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Marin Cilic kept his US Open title defence on track but not without a scare as the No 9 seed needed over four hours to put away Mikhail Kukushkin to reach the fourth round on Friday.

Federer makes light work of Darcis to reach US Open third round 

Roger Federer of Switzerland waves to the crowd after winning his second round match against Steve Darcis of Belgium at the U.S. Open Championships tennis tournament in New York, September 3, 2015. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri  
 Picture Supplied by Action Images

Roger Federer kept up his sprint through the early rounds of the US Open on Thursday, steamrollering Steve Darcis of Belgium 6-1 6-2 6-1 to reach the third round of the year's final grand slam

Nadal sees off Schwartzman to set up US Open last-32 clash with Fognini

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, reacts after beating Diego Schwartzman, of Argentina, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Rafael Nadal was made to work hard as he saw off a tricky challenge from Argentinian Diego Schwartzman to reach the third round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.

Results: Latest from men's and women's singles at Flushing Meadows

Keep track of all the latest results from the men's and women's singles at the US Open. Stick with Sportsmail for the best coverage from New York.

Wozniacki wastes four match points before crashing out in thriller

Sep 3, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark sits in her chair against Petra Cetkovska of the Czech Republic (not pictured) on day four of the 2015 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports  / Reuters
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Fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki spurned four match points as she crashed out of the US Open second round in a final-set tie-break against Petra Cetkovska

Sock forced to retire from US Open after falling victim to heat wave

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 03:  Jack Sock of the United States receives assistance from trainer Hugo Gravil for heat exhaustion as Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium talks with him during their Men's Singles Second Round match on Day Four of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Jack Sock is the latest player to fall victim to the New York heat wave after the American retired from his US Open second round match against Ruben Bemelmans on Thursday.

F1 ITALIAN GP MEMORIES: Vettel claims first ever grand prix win, Hakkinen is reduced to tears and Brawn taste the winner's champagne for the last time

F1 ITALIAN GP MEMORIES: Sebastian Vettel claims first grand prix win and Mika Hakkinen is

Monza hosts the Italian Grand Prix as the European season starts to draw to a close in Formula One. So Sportsmail looks back at some of the best historical pictures from one of the crown jewels of F1, which include Sebastian Vettel's first ever grand prix victory and Mika Hakkinen famously bursting into tears of anguish in 1999.

Hamilton lays down gauntlet to Rosberg in practice ahead of Italian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton completes practice session double over Nico Rosberg ahead of Italian Grand

Lewis Hamilton arrived in Monza on his motorbike and retained his sizzling form to complete a practice double over Nico Rosberg ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

Button calls for closed cockpits to avoid further motor sport fatalities

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, Jenson Button has called for the immediate introduction of closed cockpits in single-seater motor-racing to avoid any further fatalities.

Hamilton says it would be a 'disaster' if Pirelli put tyre pressures up in Italy

Formula One - F1 - Italian Grand Prix 2015 - Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy - 3/9/15 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton ahead of the Italian Grand Prix  Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Hoch Zwei Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. PLEASE NOTE: FOR UK EDITORIAL SALES ONLY. FOR ALL OTHER USAGE ADDITIONAL FEES WILL APPLY - PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT MANAGER. *** Local Caption *** --

Lewis Hamilton has warned of a 'disaster' if Pirelli goes ahead with plans to increase tyre pressure limits for this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.

Lotus chief Carter optimistic about cash-strapped team's F1 future

MONZA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 04:  Matthew Carter, CEO of Lotus F1 looks on during a press conference after practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 4, 2015 in Monza, Italy.  (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Lotus boss Matthew Carter insists the cash-strapped outfit will survive the remainder of the F1 season. The British team, who had their cars and trucks released by bailiffs for this week's Grand Prix.

Fierce rivals McGregor and Aldo almost come to blows during UFC's 'Go Big' launch

Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo almost come to blows during UFC's 'Go Big' launch

The pair share a bitter rivalry, so it's no surprise that when you put Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo in the same building, fireworks are likely to be produced. The warring pair were at the UFC's 'Go Big' launch in Las Vegas, when they went toe-to-toe and were close to exchanging blows on stage. They had to be separated by security and president Dana White as the feud threatened to turn nasty before the pair even stepped into the Octagon. 

VanZant in no hurry to carve her name into UFC history books ahead of duel with Chambers

Paige VanZant in no hurry to carve her name into UFC history books ahead of duel with Alex

Paige VanZant insists she is in no rush to make history despite seemingly being destined to break records in the UFC. The strawweight takes on Alex Chambers at UFC 191 in Las Vegas on Saturday night in her third fight with the promotion.

Cricket fan makes Hughes tribute - a miniature stadium costing £3,000 that took SEVEN MONTHS to complete

Cricket fan makes Phillip Hughes tribute, a miniature stadium costing £3,000 and taking

When Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died last year after being struck on the head by a bouncer, the sporting world reacted with a series of heartfelt tributes. Players spoke of Hughes' legacy, fans tweeted pictures with their bats outside their doors, and cricket as a whole mourned his passing. Now, almost a year later, one fan has added his own, unique, tribute.

Holder named new West Indies Test captain ahead of Sri Lanka tour

Jason Holder of  West Indies raises his bat at the end of the drawn match after being undefeated on 103 runs during day five of the 1st Test match between West Indies and England at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on April 17, 2015 in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda.  (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Jason Holder has been announced as West Indies' new Test captain ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka next month. Holder has led the one-day side since last year and replaces Denesh Ramdin.

Rankin reprimanded for showing dissent at umpire's decision

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29:  Boyd Rankin of Warwickshire shows his despair as runs are scored of his bowling during the NatWest T20 Blast Semi Final match between Northamptonshire and Warwickshire at Edgbaston on August 29, 2015 in Birmingham, England.  (Photo by Getty Images)

England Test bowler Boyd Rankin has been reprimanded for showing dissent at an umpire's decision during the County Championship match between Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire.

England were the laughing stock of the World Cup but now we're a different beast now, insists wicketkeeper Buttler

England's Jos Buttler (R) celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Shane Watson after he was run out for 6 runs by England's Ben Stokes during the first one day international (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at The Ageas Bowl cricket ground in Southampton, southern England, on September 3, 2015.  AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK
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Six months ago, you would have struggled to comprehend Jos Buttler's optimism ahead of an ODI series against Australia. But hearing it now, you believe every word.

Leeds 18-32 St Helens: Rhinos suffer cup hangover as Saints halt losing run

Rugby League - Leeds Rhinos v St Helens - First Utility Super League Super 8s - Headingley Carnegie Stadium - 4/9/15
 Leeds Rhinos' Mitchell Achurch scores his sides second try
 Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Craig Brough
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Reigning Super League champions St Helens took advantage of Leeds' Wembley hangover for the second year in a row to break their duck in the Super 8s with a 32-18 triumph.

Welshman Dredge edges into narrow one-shot lead at Russian Open 

Bradley Dredge shot 5-under 66 on Friday to lead the Russian Open by one stroke at the halfway stage. The Welshman started the day tied for third but had a bogey-free second round for 10-under 132 overall.

Rutherford earns Diamond League crown in Zurich just nine days after winning gold at World Championships

Long jumper Greg Rutherford from Great Britain poses with the trophy during the Diamond ceremony at the end of the  Diamond League athletics meeting in the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, Switzerland, Thursday, Sept.3, 2015.(Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)

Greg Rutherford ended a memorable summer on a high as he won the Diamond Race to go with his world long jump title. Rutherford leapt out to 8.32metres to win the Weltklasse Zurich meeting.

Robin Goodfellow's Racing Tips: Best bets for Saturday, September 5

File photo dated 23/11/13 of Gevrey Chambertin and Tom Scudamore on their way to victory in the Betfair Cash Out Fixed Bush Hurdle during the Betfair Chase Festival at Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows, as one of the world's biggest gambling businesses is set to be created after Paddy Power and Betfair agreed a possible merger. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Wednesday August 26, 2015. The new online gaming and betting chain would have revenues of £1.1 billion (1.5 billion euro) and it would be one of the most valuable bookmaking brands on the stock markets. See PA story CITY Bookies. Photo credit should read: John Giles/PA Wire

Daily Mail racing expert Robin Goodfellow (Sam Turner) brings his hottest selections for Saturday's meetings at Haydock, Kempton. Stratford, Thirsk and Wolverhampton.

Buick backing Jack Hobbs to make mark in Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe

File photo dated 27-06-2015 of William Buick celebrates winning the 150th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Jack Hobbs during day two of the Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare, Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday September 4, 2015. Jockey William Buick feels "very privileged" to be Jack Hobbs' companion as the Classic-winning colt takes the final step towards the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Kempton on Saturday. See PA story RACING September. Photo credit should read Pat Healy/PA Wire.

Jockey William Buick believes Jack Hobbs will return to the track on Saturday afternoon a more complete racehorse than when he was last seen winning the Irish Derby at the Curragh in June.

SPECIAL REPORT: Team-mates think he's cocky and arrogant; others reckon he's quiet and misunderstood. But as Berahino hops on a private jet, he faces rocky future

Saido Berahino only has himself to blame  for failed move from West Brom to Tottenham

SPECIAL REPORT: You'd forgive Saido Berahino for waking up with a head full of regret on Wednesday morning. His wish for a move to Tottenham was in tatters, and so was his relationship with West Bromwich Albion following his nuclear post on social media on Tuesday. But if Berahino is looking for someone to blame perhaps he should start with himself.

JEFF POWELL: The transfer window must be shut for good. It is making a mockery of the game we love

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 02:  David de Gea looks on during the Spain training session at Ciudad de Futbol on September 2, 2015 in Las Rozas, Spain.  (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The time has come for someone to smash this accursed transfer window to smithereens. It is ruining the game. Not least by prostituting the old profession of management.

CHRIS FOY: Andrew cool on England hopes... but maybe he's right

On reflection, Rob Andrew will doubtless concede that the eve of a home World Cup is perhaps not the occasion to emphasise the senior England team's long-term potential.

MARTIN KEOWN: Van Gaal's ruthless streak is hurting his players... De Gea saga was farcical and Martial is a risk

Football - Swansea City v Manchester United - Barclays Premier League - Liberty Stadium - 30/8/15
 Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal 
 Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley
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Louis van Gaal has been in charge for over a year and Manchester United's net spend is around £170m. That is a huge investment but the next step has to be pushing for the title.