Football’s increasingly global nature means Manchester United will approach the FA Youth Cup final with Sheffield United pledging to continue their worldwide search for talent. The likelihood is Paul McGuinness’ side for Tuesday’s first-leg duel at Bramall Lane will include representatives from Italy, Holland and France. Spanish World Cup winner Gerard Pique appeared in the competition for United in recent years, as did Giuseppe Rossi and Federico Macheda. And, given the glory Lionel Messi has helped Barcelona enjoy since arriving in Catalonia as a 13 year old, it is clear operating purely within the boundaries of Greater Manchester is not an option.

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21 April 1999, Stadio Del Alpi, Turin, Champions League Semi Final, second leg –  The man who will be trying to mastermind a Marseilles defeat over Manchester United at the Velodrome on Wednesday night was an influential  member of the Juventus side in that unforgettable match. Midfielder and France World Cup winning captain Didier Deschamps admitted “United played superbly. We did well in the first 20 minutes but after that we really suffered and they deserved to win. We should have won the away leg but at 2-0 up we should have done the hardest part.” Deschamps won everything as a player and has so far had a hugely successful start to his career as manager. He gave Sun Sport’s European Football Correspondent Antony Kastrinakis an exclusive interview at Marseille’s training ground ahead of the French champs’ clash with Manchester United in the Champions League.

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21 April 1999, Stadio Del Alpi, Turin, Champions League Semi Final, second leg –  The man who will be trying to mastermind a Marseilles defeat over Manchester United at the Velodrome on Wednesday night was an influential  member of the Juventus side in that unforgettable match. Midfielder and France World Cup winning captain Didier Deschamps admitted “United played superbly. We did well in the first 20 minutes but after that we really suffered and they deserved to win. We should have won the away leg but at 2-0 up we should have done the hardest part.” Deschamps won everything as a player and has so far had a hugely successful start to his career as manager. He gave Sun Sport’s European Football Correspondent Antony Kastrinakis an exclusive interview at Marseille’s training ground ahead of the French champs’ clash with Manchester United in the Champions League.

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