Erik ten Hag’s refusal to let Manchester United players visit the Neighbours set on their summer tour has had a knock on effect on their Christmas plans.
Paddy Power News has learned that the squad were intending on having their yuletide shindig at Coronation Street’s famous Rovers Return, but that has now had to be shelved.
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“The gaffer hates soap operas,” a club insider told us, “As a kid he was forced to watch Home and Away every night on Dutch TV and it’s left a scar.
“As soon as he heard the lads wanted to visit Ramsey Street it opened all the old wounds. They knew immediately that their Christmas plans had to change.”
The Coronation Street set is just a wayward Anthony Martial effort from Old Trafford and it seemed like the logical venue for their Christmas p**s-up.
An unnamed member of the squad explained to us that, “We thought that the lads returning from the World Cup could do with some down-time.
Ronnie was looking forward to sampling one of Betty’s hot pots
“Now the new gaffer has put the kibosh on it.”
Another member of the Old Trafford backroom staff told us: “Cristiano loves his soaps.
“One of the reasons he is reportedly keen to move to Chelsea is because the club offered to take him for a drink at the Queen Vic – and would let him wash his designer underwear in the laundrette as part of the deal.
“Ian Beale’s his favourite ever soap character and Cristiano admits privately that his relentless drive to be the best no matter the obstacles is all down to the inspirational example set by Walford’s top entrepreneur.”
Ten Hag’s assistant Steve McLaren, starting his second stint alongside the boss at Old Trafford, told friends of his disappointment at the news.
“Steve is gutted,” one of them explained. “Back in the day when Fergie was in charge, some of Corrie’s biggest hitters were regulars on match days.
“Kevin Webster’s a close mate of Mac’s and used to do all the players’ MOTs for nothing.”
“The cast will probably all f**k off to The Etihad now because Pep (Guardiola) is also a massive fan of the show and he’s even asked if City can have a quiz night down at The Rovers before the start of the new season.”
Another of Ten Hag’s backroom staff also had this chilling warning for the players, “The boss has made it quite clear to the men and women’s first teams, and youth squad, that anyone copping off with one of the cast of Hollyoaks will immediately be transfer-listed.”
*Paddy Power’s breaking football news coverage is 100% fake news*
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