CHELSEA remain top of the Premier League after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.
But there were worrying scenes from the terraces early in the contest with the match suspended for 35 minutes while a supporter was given CPR.
In the Merseyside derby, Jurgen Klopp’s side showed no mercy on out-of-form Everton as Liverpool romped to a 4-1 victory over their big rivals.
And the agent of Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa has shot down rumours linking the Brazilian to the Premier League.
Arsenal have been linked with the 25-year-old, but the star striker is said to ‘very happy’ in Brazil.
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Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
PEP LINKED TO NEW YORK MOVE
Pep Guardiola could move to New York City FC – part of the City Football Group – when he leaves Manchester City.
And plans are being prepared to take Guardiola 50, to the Big Apple, according to 90min.
The City boss could be keen on the move after spending a year in New York on sabbatical after his Barcelona exit.
Last month Guardiola praised NYCFC and the work the club has done to promote football in the city, such as its mini-pitch project.
He said: “I’ve spent a lot of time in New York City during my career.
“It’s a city I love deeply and over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to see first-hand New Yorkers’ passion for football.
“Young people want to play and need a place to play.
“The fact that there are now 50 new football pitches throughout New York City because of NYCFC and our group is amazing and will make a big difference in the lives of young people.
“I have said it for many years, I believe there is an incredibly bright future for football in the U.S. and amazing projects like this one will play a part in helping to produce the next generation of young American talent.
“All over the world, I’ve seen how football can change lives; it brings people together like no other sport – and I’m very proud that our Group has played a part in using our sport to bring people together and give young people more places to play the game we love here in Manchester and around the world.”
STRU’S THE DADDY
Manchester United want New York Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber to be Ralf Rangnick’s new assistant.
SunSport understands that United have made contact with the Austrian in the last few days over a move to Old Trafford as Rangnick begins his six-month reign in the hotseat.
However, United would have to buy Struber out of his current contract with New York, which has two years left having joined from Barnsley in October 2020.
It is unsure how quickly United would be able to get Struber to Manchester, despite the fact the regular MLS season finished last month.
Rangnick, 63, and Struber, 44, know each other very well after working together at Red Bull Salzburg – the former as director of football and the latter as a youth team coach.
And following the departure of interim boss Michael Carrick from the club, Rangnick is keen to have people around him with the same footballing and coaching philosophy.
Rangnick rates Struber highly, and has watched him develop into one of the game’s most talented young coaches.
Struber spent the majority of his career playing for SV Austria Salzburg – before their Red Bull takeover – and then was a part-time youth team coach at the club while also working in sales at an insurance company.
TAKING AUBA OFF WAS A THIERRY STRANGE DECISION
Thierry Henry has questioned why Mikel Arteta took Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang off with Arsenal chasing an equaliser at Manchester United.
The Gunners captain was replaced by Alexandre Lacazette in the 79th minute last night as United won 3-2.
And with Arsenal a goal behind going into the latter stages of the game, Arteta decided to sacrifice his skipper in a double change.
Aubameyang, 32, was an almost invisible figure against the Red Devils, with the striker failing to offer anything.
His only notable contribution was being denied by David De Gea from yards out, resulting in him being taken off moments later.
It is now five Premier League games without a goal for the Gabon international, but despite his poor form, Henry believes he should have stayed on the pitch.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Arsenal‘s all-time top scorer said: “Aubameyang is your captain. He is your goal scorer.
“You put him as your captain. 15 minutes to go, you’re losing 3-2 and you take him off. 3-2 away from home, you need a goal and you take your captain, your symbol, off the field.
“You know he can score you goals so something is not right there.”
MANE UTD?
Manchester United are reportedly positioning themselves to snap up long-time transfer target Ousmane Dembele for FREE.
The Frenchman’s contract at the Catalan giants is set to expire next June, potentially spelling an end to his injury-hit career at the club.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Dembele’s agent has advised against signing a new deal with Barca.
Dembele is being fed the impression he could pick up more money elsewhere, with Premier League duo Man Utd and newly mega-rich Newcastle circling.
United are believed to have the edge in the race to sign the unpredictable winger, already positioning themselves to make a move.
But it is unclear whether an offer will be submitted in the winter transfer window.
REUNION – Exclusive by SunSport’s Jordan Davies
Manchester United want New York Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber to be Ralf Rangnick’s new assistant.
SunSport understands that United have made contact with the Austrian in the last few days over a move to Old Trafford as Rangnick begins his six-month reign in the hotseat.
However, United would have to buy Struber out of his current contract with New York, which has two years left having joined from Barnsley in October 2020.
It is unsure how quickly United would be able to get Struber to Manchester, despite the fact the regular MLS season finished last month.
Rangnick, 63, and Struber, 44, know each other very well after working together at Red Bull Salzburg – the former as director of football and the latter as a youth team coach.
And following the departure of interim boss Michael Carrick from the club, Rangnick is keen to have people around him with the same footballing and coaching philosophy.
‘STONEWALL PENALTY’
Arsenal fans were left fuming after being denied a potential penalty in the 3-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Takehiro Tomiyasu got away from Harry Maguire on the edge of the box in the first half.
And to prevent Tomiyasu from getting his head on the ball, Maguire gave the defender a tug.
But VAR didn’t intervene and play was waived on.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says the incident wasn’t a ‘clear and obvious error’, which is why it wasn’t given.
One Arsenal fan said on Twitter: “Why haven’t they checked Maguire dragging down Tomiyasu in the penalty box? Stonewall penalty.”
While another fumed: “That’s a clear foul by Maguire on Tomiyasu in the penalty box… What’s the use of VAR?”
MAG-NIFIED
Former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson believes that his old side need to replace skipper Harry Maguire.
He told Paddy Power: “Manchester United must make a few signings at the centre back position, primarily to replace Harry Maguire.
“He’s a great player and leader, but there are a too many moments that he just doesn’t perform, particularly when he’s one-on-one, or up against pacey players. He needs help defending.
“They need someone faster, stronger in the air, that can anticipate what will happen and that will be able to stop counter attacks.
“I like Matthijs de Ligt, Manchester United tried to bring him in a few years ago, but it didn’t quite work out. Manchester United need a player like him. They need to get someone in there to do a better job.”
RON TO REMEMBER
Cristiano Ronaldo has paid homage to Michael Carrick after the caretaker boss announced his departure from Manchester United.
The Portuguese superstar, 36, shared his pride in being able to play alongside Carrick at Old Trafford and to be coached by him over the last few months.
Ronaldo posted his message to Carrick on Instagram and also used the opportunity to welcome Ralf Rangnick to the club.
CR7 shared a photo of him shaking hands with Carrick alongside a caption which reads: “Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well.
“Nothing is impossible for this guy. Personally, I’m proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench.
“But now it’s time to welcome Mister Ralf Rangnick to the wheel… Let’s get started!”
AU REVOIRAU DEAR
Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has incurred the wrath of fans following the loss against Manchester United by ‘liking’ Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebratory post.
The 32-year-old was a passenger for the 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford as the Gunners missed out on the chance to leapfrog West Ham into fourth spot.
Aubameyang missed a sitter from yards out with the North Londoners seeking an equaliser in what was his only contribution in the match as his poor form in front of goal continues.
And his activity following the clash has infuriated the Arsenal faithful after the Metro pointed out that Ronaldo’s Instagram post was ‘liked’ by the Gabon international.
It read: “Our minds are already set on the next game, there’s no time to celebrate!
“Today’s win was very important to get back on track, but there’s still a long road to go until we reach our destination.
“Congrats to all my team-mates, great spirit tonight! And a very special thank you to our supporters, we couldn’t have done it without you.”
PRESSING CONCERNS
Can this be a coincidence, Man United fans?
It seems Cristiano Ronaldo DOES have the energy to press more.
RALF AND READY – by SunSport’s Neil Custis
Ralf Rangnick wants to stay on as Manchester United manager if he is successful at Old Trafford this season.
SunSport revealed last week that despite a contract being drawn up for just six-and-a-half months as manager and then two years as a consultant he had not given up on getting the job full time.
And Rangnick confirmed: “Right now I’m fully aware they might be looking for a new manager.
“If they will then speak with me about that we will see. Maybe if they ask my opinion and everything goes well and we develop the team I might even make the same recommendation to the board that I did at Leipzig twice when I recommended it might be a good idea to keep working with me for one year.
“But this is all hypothetical. For me now it’s about winning the next games and this is the major focus.”
BARC-ING MAD
Manchester United are reportedly positioning themselves to snap up long-time transfer target Ousmane Dembele for FREE.
The Frenchman’s contract at the Catalan giants is set to expire next June, potentially spelling an end to his injury-hit career at the club.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Dembele’s agent has advised against signing a new deal with Barca.
Dembele is being fed the impression he could pick up more money elsewhere, with Premier League duo Man Utd and newly mega-rich Newcastle circling.
United are believed to have the edge in the race to sign the unpredictable winger, already positioning themselves to make a move.
But it is unclear whether an offer will be submitted in the winter transfer window.
JANUARY BLUES
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has admitted that it will be ‘difficult’ to sign good players in January.
He said: “”We haven’t spoken about new players.
“Now is the time to get to know the current squad in detail, the squad is definitely not too small.
“There is enough players.
“Maybe after Christmas, there will be a time to talk about possible transfers in the winter.
“In my experience, winter is not the time for sustainable transfers. It will be difficult in the winter.”
MIKE DROP
Ralf Rangnick has admitted that he tried to convince Michael Carrick to stay on at Man United.
He said: “”Michael, I got to know this two days ago.
“I met with Michael and Kieran, I had a long private conversation for more than an hour.
“I tried to convince him to stay, in the end, I had to accept that.
“I’m more than happy to work with the current coaching staff, I need their expertise.
“I will try to find two or three people that will join us in the coming weeks, but due to Brexit, it’s not that easy.”
KING RALF
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick hasn’t ruled out staying on as Manchester United manager beyond the end of the season.
He said: “The people with whom I’ve spoken with, they have been very clear that it is a six-month role.
“We have never spoken about what will happen in the summer. If they will speak about me with that, we will see.
“If they ask me about my opinion, I might make the same recommendation that I did at RB Leipzig twice, that it might be better to work with me for one year.”
WHAT A MESS
Lionel Messi has been slammed by the French media for his recent performance in Paris Saint-Germain’s 0-0 stalemate with Nice at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.
The Argentine turned in another below par performance, failing to have an impact on the game.
And French outlet L’Equipe blasted the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for playing ‘at the same slow pace’, and say he often looks ‘disconnected’ from his PSG team-mates.
Le Parisien instead shifted most of their fury towards manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The outlet said: “The game of Mauricio Pochettino’s team is slowly heading towards nothingness.”
STICKY SITUATION
Everton have backed under-fire boss Rafa Benitez – despite the Spaniard overseeing the club’s worst Prem run in more than a quarter of a century.
Furious Toffees fans demanded action after their side were humiliated by Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
But in a text message to talkSPORT presenter Jim White, who asked if the club still backed Benitez and which he knew would be broadcast, Moshiri said: “Yes.
“Football is about crisis one day and glory the following day.
“Rafa is a good manager and under-performance is largely due to injuries.”
Everton were without England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose return date from a quadriceps injury is still unknown, Colombian centre-half Yeri Mina and midfielders Tom Davies and Andre Gomes on Wednesday night.
Moshiri added: “Next two weeks, we will get a full squad and in the meantime results will improve.
“Rafa needs time to have his mark on the squad. He will be supported to have time.”
ED AND SHOULDERS ABOVE
Chelsea are reportedly set to offer goalkeeper Edouard Mendy a bumper new deal.
The Senegal international has been a revelation for the west Londoners since joining them last summer to replace the bumbling Kepa Arrizabalaga.
And the Blues brass are said to be keen on rewarding the stopper for his efforts with a sweet new pay packet.
That’s according to Football Insider, who claim talks over a new deal for the former Rennes man are underway.
It’s claimed Mendy, 29, is one of Chelsea’s ‘low earning’ stars on a measly £60,000-a-week.
That figure would likely increase to around £100,000-a-week if he extends his Stamford Bridge stay past 2025.
PEP TALK
Plans are already in place for Pep Guardiola to manage New York City FC when he eventually leave Man City, according to reports.
The Spaniard, 50, has never hidden his love for New York, having spent his sabbatical there after leaving Barcelona.
According to 90min, plans are already ‘afoot’ for Guardiola to join the City Group’s MLS franchise later in his career.
On New York itself, the City boss said: “I’ve spent a lot of time in New York City during my career. It’s a city I love deeply and over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to see first-hand New Yorkers’ passion for football.”
Pep Guardiola could join New York City FC when he leaves ManchesterCredit: Rex LEW BEAUTY
Arsenal reportedly want to sign Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin to replace Alexandre Lacazette, whose contract expires next summer.
The England international has missed the majority of this season with a fractured toe.
But it hasn’t stopped him from attracting interest from a host of top clubs.
According to the Mirror, Arsenal want to sign Calvert-Lewin to replace Lacazette, who looks to be on his way out of the club.
The Frenchman, 30, is being tracked by clubs from across Europe, including Atletico Madrid, Newcastle, West Ham and Juventus.
LLOR BLIMEY
Tottenham could extend Hugo Lloris’ contract by a further year, according to reports.
The Frenchman, 34, confirmed in September that negotiations hadn’t begun, despite his current deal expiring in the summer.
But according to Tutto Mercato, the possibility of an extension is growing after Antonio Conte’s arrival at the club.
They claim that Lloris could stay at Spurs, even if they try and recruit Jordan Pickford from Everton.
SHEAR INEPTITUDE
David de Gea has been slammed for going down too easily in Manchester United’s Premier League win over Arsenal.
The Spanish stopper went to ground in the 13th minute of Thursday night’s 3-2 victory over the Gunners after team-mate Fred accidentally stood on the back of his foot.
Emile Smith Rowe’s long-range effort whizzed past the crocked De Gea to give Arsenal the lead, although the Spaniard was back to his feet a few moments later.
And Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes the 31-year-old made a meal of the contact, saying: “I didn’t see or hear the referee blow. I didn’t see or hear a serious foul on the goalkeeper and it’s only that his own player stands on him.
“I don’t think I’m being too harsh here, but I don’t think the game has changed that much. That happens in every game, someone standing on your foot or ankle.
“With him going down like that, not a care to where the ball is, yes they hurt. But I’m not sure he should be staying down like that. He’s up on his feet a minute later anyway, so it couldn’t have hurt that much.
“There’s an argument, if there would’ve been a serious injury and he couldn’t carry on and had to be stretchered off, then there’s an argument in terms of fairness of play if Arsenal should’ve let Man Utd score.
“But he’s up on his feet a moment later. He’s walking around, he’s not limping. I think you get them in every game.”
CAV A LOOK AT THAT
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani wants to join Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports.
The Uruguayan, 34, has been blighted by injuries this season.
According to The Times, he he wants to depart Old Trafford when his contract expires in six months… to join Catalan giants Barca.
Cavani scored 17 goals last year during an impressive debut season in England, but has managed just one in eight outings this term.
OVERNIGHT ROUND-UP
Michael Carrick overshadowed history-making Cristiano Ronaldo’s match-winning double by quitting Manchester United.
Recalled Ron’s double put United seventh with a 3-2 comeback win at home to Arsenal as he became the first modern player to pass 800 club-and-country goals.
But new interim boss Ralf Rangnick watched as Carrick ended his unbeaten three-game reign by departing the club completely after 15 years.
Emile Smith Rowe’s controversial early opener – as United keeper David de Gea lay injured – had been cancelled out by Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo then fired two sweet goals, including a penalty winner, either side of Martin Odegard’s 54th minute strike.
Outgoing Carrick said: “My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career. However, after a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave.”
Credit: EPA Sergi Canos’ early own goal and Son Heung-min’s superb counter-attacking strike lifted much-improved Tottenham to sixth after a 2-0 win over Brentford in the night’s other Prem game.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte said: “We showed a great desire to win and fight. For sure we can improve and we have a lot of space for improvement in possession.
“We have to continue to improve in many aspects.”
On the transfer front, Newcastle have been linked to SIX major targets.
They include England midfielders in Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard, Chelsea playmaker Ross Barkley and Tottenham link-man Harry Winks, plus Atletico Madrid’s Three Lions’ full-back Kieran Trippier.
Centre-backs on the list are Liverpool’s Nat Phillips and Burnley main man James Tarkowski.
Brazilian left-back Alex Telles is reportedly wanted by both Inter and AC Milan in transfer… but the Red Devils will reportedly reject any January approaches.
Finally, Real Madrid flop Eden Hazard is said to have ‘promised’ he’ll join Fenerbahce – but also has a shock offer to join Belgian minnows KVC Westerlo.
PITCH INVADER SLAM SUNK
A pitch invader was slammed to the ground by security during Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Arsenal.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co watched on in astonishment as the supporter charged the field late on in the Old Trafford clash.
The person managed to make it all the way up to Ronaldo as United attempted to keep the Gunners at bay from a corner.
However, the pitch invader couldn’t make it all the way to Ronnie and his team-mates.
As the person approached the players, security finally caught up with them.
And they were hurled to the ground with a move more akin to a rugby field.
The crowd cheered as security then dragged the pitch invader off with just minutes left in the game.
And there was very soon a louder roar as United secured a pivotal win over Mikel Arteta’s men.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
