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    ‘The crowd just gasped’ – Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton was so good Barcelona tried to sign him aged EIGHT

    ADAM WHARTON has enjoyed a monumental rise since signing for Crystal Palace.The midfielder signed for the Eagles in January 2024 in a £22million transfer from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers.Adam Wharton is set to appear in the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyHe came through the ranks at BlackburnCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversHe once caught the attention of Barcelona scoutsCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversHe was sold in 2024 to Palace for £22millionCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversWharton, 21, is now prepping for the biggest game of his club career so far.He and Palace will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.It won’t be his first final as he was in the England squad for the Euro 2024 final against Spain.And had things turned out differently, England’s opponents that day might have been far more familiar with the youngster.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDuring an appearance at a youth tournament, he was scouted by Barcelona coaches and offered a spot at their famous La Masia academy.Daniel Stubberfield, who coached Wharton for five years in his younger years, revealed that the midfielder could have had a very different career path.He told the Mail: “There was a trip to Holland where he was player of the tournament at Oldenzaal.”He scored a half-volley in a seven-v-seven game but it felt like it was a long way out, arrowed as an adult would hit it, rocketed straight in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”He was outstanding against Barcelona when he was eight.”To the point where the Barca coaches actually said to his parents: ‘Look, if you ever come to Spain, call us, we’d love him’.”Incredible footage shows Adam Wharton dazzling defenders aged 10 before rising to Euro 2024 stardom with EnglandWharton came up against Jobe Bellingham in his youth daysCredit: RexHe first played at Wembley when he was tenCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodHe impressed in a video that went viralCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodHe was featuring in a school’s cup finalCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodWharton came up against the like of Jobe Bellingham in his academy days.The two were pictured duelling for the ball in a youth game between Blackburn and Birmingham City.Wharton has since earned one cap for England as he played 28 minutes at St James’ Park against Bosnia last year.He played a crucial role for Oliver Glasner’s side as they beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final in April at Wembley Stadium.However, that was not his first time playing at the home of football.When he was ten years old, he featured in a school’s cup final at the 90,000-seater stadium.Wharton represented Salesbury CoE Primary School in the National Primary Schools Final in 2015.Video showed his impressive skills that included a Maradona-spin, which left the crowd gasping.His former teacher, Stephen Bird, said: “There are around 10,000 people in the ground at that stage. The crowd just gasped.”They purred a bit when the replay came on the big screens.”Last month, SunSport exclusively revealed that Wharton was a £50m target for Liverpool.Read More on The SunThe Anfield transfer team believe that the midfielder’s passing ability could help the Reds tick.But before the transfer rumour mill goes into overdrive, Wharton will be looking to guide Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory this weekend.Adam Wharton has picked up a cap for EnglandCredit: GettyHe was vital in the FA Cup semi-final triumph over Aston VillaCredit: Alamy More

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    Former Premier League stadium undergoes major works with all the seats ripped out as EFL club share update

    BLACKPOOL have torn apart their Bloomfield Road stadium as a major revamp gets underway.All the seats have been torn out of the East Stand as part of work ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign.Photos released by the club show all of the seats from the East Stand have been removedCredit: https://x.com/BlackpoolFCThere are changes being made to this historic groundCredit: GettyThis stadium used to host Premier League games back in the dayCredit: STEVE ALLENThe upgraded stand will replace a temporary structure originally built during the club’s Premier League days, aiming to enhance the match day atmosphere for fans.The project will include the replacement and refurbishment of all boards and seating, along with new media facilities and a camera platform.The club also plans to repaint the South Stand roof in tangerine and white over the summer.Fans can also expect the introduction of safe standing, with railings set to be installed over the coming months.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Subject to planning approval, the club aims to make further improvements to the East Stand and its facade.New LED floodlighting will be introduced throughout the stadium, along with a new tannoy system – both part of the second stage of stadium upgrades.Following confirmation of these developments, owner Simon Sadler highlighted progress both on and off the pitch.He said: “I am delighted that we are about to embark on this major build and refurbishment project in and around Bloomfield Road.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS “I am very excited about what lies ahead for our club. I am particularly pleased that we have found a cost-effective solution to rebuild and address the deficiencies of the East Stand by utilising its existing frame, which I’m assured has at least another 20 years of life.“While I understand there may be some disappointment among fans that we aren’t building a new cantilevered stand from scratch, the savings-likely in excess of £10 million-are substantial.Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponent“These savings free up funds to invest elsewhere in and around the stadium and also mean we won’t have to sacrifice stadium capacity during the construction.“The installation of railings in the North Stand and the addition of tangerine to the underside of the South Stand roof are key improvements, but more can still be done to stamp our identity on Bloomfield Road.“As such, we will formally reach out to fans and fan groups to explore ways to add more colour and vibrancy throughout our home.“When completed, the Sports Village will be a fantastic asset for our Community Trust and Academy, both of which will be based at the Bloomfield Road complex.“This means that in the heart of Blackpool, we will have a busy, vibrant facility used seven days a week by local boys and girls, men and women, for a range of football and sport-related activities.“With Squires Gate training ground receiving further off-season investment and the Sports Village set for completion next summer, the club—from the Academy to the first team—will soon be the most integrated and professional it has ever been.“For the first time, we will have Championship-level facilities throughout, giving us a strong foundation for future success.“I truly believe that after several years of disappointment, we have turned the proverbial corner. We now have, by far, the best all-round footballing setup during my time as owner—and make no mistake, promotion back to the Championship is our goal. Better times lie ahead for us all.”Read More on The SunBlackpool finished ninth in League One, falling just short of the play-offs.They were last in the Premier League back in 2010/11 and last in the Championship for the 2022/23 campaign. More

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    Cole Palmer eats jam sandwich and Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit video that was leaked

    CHELSEA’s kit launch video for the 2025/26 campaign had it all.The Blues have revealed their new home kit for next season with a brilliant video on social media.Cole Palmer featured in Chelsea’s new kit launchCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCHe ate his favourite jam sandwichCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCThe new kit is inspired by LondonCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCLauren and Reece James feature in the promo videoCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCThe club’s new kit keeps the traditional blue shirt and shorts with white socks.The shirt and shorts have neat detailing on the body with a white collar.But it was the video that took centre stage as it featured star player Cole Palmer eating his favourite jam sandwich.The midfielder was filmed entering a cafe and ordering the dish before tucking in while wearing the new shirt.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLChelsea 2025/26 Home Kit: Available Now!*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue.The promo also featured Madness singer and Chelsea fan Graham ‘Suggs’ McPherson.The British singer-songwriter stars as a taxi driver who gives a lift to the club’s women’s captain and Lionesses’ star Millie Bright.During his scene in the cab, he turns the radio over to play Madness’ iconic song Our House which serves as the music for the remainder of the video.Chelsea stars Reece and Lauren James also appear with the men’s captain having his haircut at a barbershop.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLauren jokes that the trim is better than when their “dad did it”.Fans have loved the brilliant video as they flooded social media.Arsenal reveal new home kit for 2025/26 season with major change to badge and eye-watering price More

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    Captaincy options for Gameweek 36: Dream Team bosses putting their faith in Erling Haaland

    DREAM TEAM managers are putting their faith in Erling Haaland (£7.8m) ahead of Gameweek 36.Not only is Manchester City’s No9 the second-most popular recruit this week, he’s currently the most selected captain.Mr PopularCredit: Dream TeamMohamed Salah (£6.8m) has been the most popular skipper almost every week since he established a healthy lead at the top of the rankings but many gaffers are reverting to Haaland because Pep Guardiola’s side are one of just four teams with two fixtures to fulfil this Gameweek.There’s the small matter of the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace this Saturday before a Premier League meeting with Bournemouth at the Etihad on Tuesday night.The Norwegian poacher returned from injury against Southampton last weekend and mustered just two points but his overall record of 30 goals and 352 points remains highly impressive.Rotation is the lingering spectre that haunts almost every Man City asset and Haaland may be particularly susceptible having just returned from a spell on the sidelines, with Omar Marmoush (£4.8m) a more than competent understudy.But it goes without saying that Haaland is capable of earning enough points to justify the captain’s armband in just 15 minutes if everything clicks, such is his goalscoring pedigree.PICK YOUR WINNERGet 60/1 on Palace or 30/1 on City with talkSPORT BETCLAIM HERE18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet max £1 on Crystal Palace – Match Betting – 90 Mins vs Man City by 16:30 on 17/05/2025. Enhanced odds paid in Free Bets, which expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyCommercial content notice: Taking one of the betting offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.Will Fernandes come through for Man United again?Credit: GettyThere’s no shortage of options for Dream Team bosses who want to take on Haaland in Gameweek 36.Bruno Fernandes (£7m) has been a near-permanent inclusion among the captaincy candidates in the second half of the campaign and with good reason.Manchester United’s captain averages eight points-per-game having notched 19 goals and 19 assists in all competitions this term.Most read in Dream TeamRuben Amorim has said that his team selection to face Chelsea this evening will not be overly disrupted by preparations for Wednesday night’s Europa League final.If we are to take the Red Devils’ boss on his word then Fernandes is surely in line to start against both the Blues and Spurs this coming Gameweek.Not to be overlookedCredit: GettyElsewhere, Eberechi Eze (£5.1m) is a tempting option as someone who would provide a key point of difference.Crystal Palace’s No10 is the most-popular transfer target ahead of today’s 6pm deadline but not currently among the most selected captains.Eze excelled in Gameweek 35 with an 18-point haul at Tottenham’s expense and is therefore well placed to provide healthy returns again with Man City and Wolves in his sights.However, it’s hard to predict Palace’s starting line-up on Tuesday night as they don’t have much to play for in the league.If the Eagles triumph at Wembley then Eze and friends may still be partying by the time they’re due to host Vitor Pereira’s side.WildcardsCredit: GettyLastly, we’ll include Ollie Watkins (£4.4m) and Morgan Rogers (£4.3m) in the captaincy candidates.Aston Villa only have one fixture this coming Gameweek but it might be a profitable one.The Villains are due to host Spurs this evening and there’s every chance Ange Postecoglou will name a weakened XI to prioritise the Europa League final.Read More on The SunThe North Londoners haven’t got the tightest defence at the best of times – they’ve shipped 82 goals in all competitions this season! – and so Villa’s most prominent attackers could thrive against a second-string outfit with other things on their mind.Make sure to select your captain (and vice captain) before 6pm today!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    ‘Not by choice’ – Former Premier League star, 38, claims he’s being forced out by Wrexham in emotional statement

    STEVEN FLETCHER claims he’s being forced to leave Wrexham after their promotion to the Championship.It comes as Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney oversee a staff shake-up ahead of their return to the second tier.Steven Fletcher has announced he is to leave Wrexham this summerCredit: GettyThe former Stoke striker helped fire the Dragons to a third successive promotionCredit: GettyFormer Burnley striker Fletcher credited the Welsh side with helping him “fall in love” with football again.Fletcher has scored 15 goals in 71 games since joining Wrexham in the summer of 2023. The 38-year-old netted crucial goals this season – mostly off the bench – to help fire the club to the second tier. But he announced on Thursday he is being released – and it was “not by choice”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFletcher wrote in an emotional statement on Instagram: “It’s with a heavy heart, and not by choice, that I unfortunately have to announce my departure from what I can only describe as the most magical club I have ever played at!”In my 22 years of stepping onto a pitch, I have never experienced anything like this club.”I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to come here and fall back in love with the game!”Wrexham achieved a third-straight promotion as they finished second in League One behind runaway champions Birmingham. Most read in FootballIt continued a remarkable rise for the club since being bought by Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney in the National League four years ago.Fletcher continued: “To have had the experiences and the opportunities that this club has given me has been just incredible.Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party”And this group of lads are the best that I have ever shared a changing room with.”It’s not just a team or a changing room. This group of boys, fans and staff have been my family for the past two years.”You welcomed me with open arms and open hearts and made me feel like I had a purpose again.”SunSport has contacted Wrexham for comment.’The worst part’Co-owner McElhenney said on social media that exits such as Fletcher’s were “the worst part” of ownership. Wrexham’s success has been built on ruthless decision-making behind the scenes, with a high turnover of personnel expected this summer. McElhenney added: “They are not just players on the team. They are my friends and people I admire”.Wrexham director Humphrey Ker posted he was “slightly in awe” of Fletcher “on account of his extraordinary career at the very top of the game”.He continued: “Now, after two glorious years in his company, I’m even more in awe of him, on account of his abilities, his leadership and friendship. Read More on The Sun”[He’s a] man who’s given me moments of joy that’ll last a lifetime.”It was announced yesterday that fan-favourite Mark Howard is also leaving the club. More

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    Arsenal vs Newcastle prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Premier League preview for crunch top 4 clash

    HEADING into the weekend, Arsenal and Newcastle both have a second place finish in their own hands as they meet in a huge Super Sunday clash.Just two points separate the sides heading into the penultimate Premier League weekend and yet neither side has Champions League football secured heading into the weekend’s matches!SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the Emirates showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.New sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesArsenal vs Newcastle previewIt seems almost incomprehensible that in a two-horse title race, Arsenal could end up finding themselves third after the weekend’s action!The decision to focus on the Champions League after crashing out the title race has almost backfired on the Gunners, who are now without a win in their last five games.Their last home win came against Real Madrid, with four games since that have seen two draws and two defeats.Mikel Arteta’s men are now just two points ahead of Newcastle in third ahead of the pair’s clash at the Emirates.Newcastle have won the last three meetings between the teams too – two in the Carabao Cup semi finals – and haven’t conceded a GOAL in any of the three victories.Results on Friday night could determine whether these sides are into the Champions League or not, or signify quite how important this game is in the race for a spot amongst Europe’s elite.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 1-1 at 13/2 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Anthony Gordon 13/1 with talkSPORT BET – HEREArsenal vs Newcastle latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Arsenal vs Newcastle predictionsNothing to split themLeague points, previous results, goals scored. There isn’t much to separate Arsenal and Newcastle at the minute.The Gunners’ final game of the season should see them looking to put on a show but they probably couldn’t have asked for a tougher assignment for that.Newcastle have had their number this season and the recent Arsenal run of results and wait for a win could continue.Match to end a draw and both teams to score at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREYellow RiceArsenal’s disciplinary issues have been spoken about plenty this season but Jurrien Timber tops the yellow card stats with just seven.Next placed is Declan Rice, with just five yellows in the league but also with two in his last four games, having missed Anfield last week through injury.Will return here and comes up against arguably the strongest midfield in the league with Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali as direct opponents. Tough afternoon expected.Declan Rice to be carded at 17/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    Arsenal vs Newcastle: Get up to £40 free bets to spend on football with talkSPORT BET

    ARSENAL and Newcastle are in a battle to finish as Premier League runners-up when they meet at the Emirates this weekend.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on Sunday’s showdown.Arsenal vs Newcastle: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*Arsenal vs Newcastle: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)*18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    ‘Knew the camera was on him’ – Fans divided by Nathan Jones as Charlton boss kneels down and PRAYS before final whistle

    FANS were left divided by Nathan Jones’ bizarre antics after the Charlton boss dropped to his knees and prayed BEFORE the final whistle against Wycombe.The 51-year-old gaffer was highly emotional as he led his side to the League One play-off final at Wembley later this month.Fans were divided by Nathan Jones’ antics towards the end of Charlton’s win over WycombeCredit: Sky SportsThe Welshman fell to his knees and prayed moments before the final whistleCredit: Sky SportsJones was highly emotional as the final whistle blewCredit: Sky SportsHe was mobbed by fans as they toasted their playoff winCredit: Sky SportsAn 81st minute strike from Matty Godden was enough to seal a 1-0 aggregate win for the Addicks on Thursday night.They will now play Leyton Orient for a spot in the Championship, with Charlton relegated from England’s second tier in 2021.But it was manager Jones who stole the show with his touchline dramatics at The Valley.The former Luton, Stoke and Southampton gaffer joined Charlton in February 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the pressure appeared to get to Jones as last night’s match entered its last innings.With just seconds left on the clock, the Welshman dropped to his knees and began praying for the final whistle.Jones, a devout Christian, waved his arms to the sky before joining his hands together.And as the game ended, he once again collapsed to the ground before being mobbed by fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut supporters watching at home were left with mixed feelings.One declared: “He knew the cameras were on him.”Harry Maguire gets over Man Utd woes with trip to watch former club in Championship play-off clashAnother noted: “It’s a semi-final, not the Oscars.”One said: “How can anyone not love this passion?”Another added: “Done some job at Charlton.” More