Philippa Kaur

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    How Pep used the world’s best striker Erling Haaland as a decoy to set up Marmoush masterclass

    PEP GUARDIOLA’S new signings can make a Real difference in Madrid as Manchester City’s ‘mini Rodri’ and Omar Marmoush look ready to start.It was a case of Marmoush? You can’t handle Marmoush… for Newcastle at the weekend. Erling Haaland played a supporting role as Omar Marmoush helped himself to a hat-trick against NewcastleCredit: GettyThe stand-in skipper thrived in his unusual role as sidekickCredit: GettyMarmoush turned on the style with his quickfire trebleCredit: GettyHere, Dean Scoggins from our brilliant Tactics Exposed show, explains how Pep destroyed Newcastle and what that means for the Champions League second leg on Wednesday.HAALAND’S THE DECOYSeems amazing – using the world’s best striker to be a decoy runner.But that’s exactly what Guardiola did against Newcastle as Marmoush bagged a hat-trick.Unselfish captain for the day Erling Haaland dragged Newcastle’s defence upfield and they kindly followed him to allow flying Egyptian Marmoush to run in behind for his first goal. READ MORE ON MAN CITYHis third was more good work from Haaland – who cleverly took the defenders to the back post, allowing space in front of Marmoush for Savinho’s cross to find him. Haaland may not have scored – but City hit four.Haaland started as the lone striker supported by Marmoush, Phil Foden and SavinhoCredit: SunSportWhen Haaland dropped in, the defenders followed and allowed Marmoush to run in behindCredit: SunSportThose runs created space for his team-matesCredit: SunSportHaaland would usually run towards the penalty spotCredit: SunSportBy going outside his marker, Marmoush could move into the gapCredit: SunSportMarmoush operated on the left but came in with devastating impactCredit: SunSportHaaland made 22 touches in the matchCredit: SunSportMINI RODRI GLUES CITY TOGETHERNico Gonzalez gave a midfield masterclass that Rodri would be proud of, and Pep labelled him ‘mini Rodri’ after the game.He’s not very mini at over 6ft and was dominant against a physical Toon.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it was his ability to read the game that was so impressive – he is almost one pass ahead of everyone else.He read where the next Newcastle pass was going and was there to press or cut it out.Man City legend Sergio Aguero’s new career as a racing driver for PorscheNico Gonzalez was dubbed ‘mini Rodri’ by GuardiolaCredit: GettyGonzalez cuts out the passing lines as part of the pressCredit: SunSportThis helps Manchester City win the ball backCredit: SunSportGonzalez is also comfortable on the ball so can play the ‘2-in-1’ roleCredit: SunSportHis stats make for impressive readingCredit: SunSportExactly 100 completed passes knitted City back together and kept them going forward against a stretched Newcastle.EDERSON VOLLEYSAnother assist for City keeper Ederson showed his value, with that help from Haaland’s run. But Ederson also hit some great passes out of his hands to the chests of the City widemen who maintained their width to stretch Newcastle sideways and loosen their grip on midfield.The keeper also stepped into the defensive line to create an overload which meant Newcastle, who press 1v1, didn’t know whether to stick or twist.Ederson picked up yet another assistCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper is happy to step out as the free man and pick his passCredit: SunSportHe is now clear at the top of the all-time assist list among Prem goalkeepersCredit: SunSportNOW A REAL CHALLENGECity set up in attack with a 2-3-5 shape, with the right-back inverting into midfield to give them more dominance and Josko Gvardiol providing attacking width on the left.But that often leaves them exposed defensively, as Real showed in the final ten minutes of the 3-2 defeat in the first leg.With the emergence of Nico and Marmoush, who were both subs in the game, Pep could opt to make it a more 3-2-5 shape with Stones staying in defence from right-back to replace the injured Manuel Akanji.READ MORE SUN STORIESNico could be trusted to play the ‘2-in-1’ role that Rodri plays in attack and defence and it could be Kevin De Bruyne who misses out in attack to allow Marmoush to play in attack for direct balls with Haaland again. But it’s a big call for a big game!Guardiola may go for a 3-2-5 shape against Real MadridCredit: SunSportGonzalez will relish his battle with Jude BellinghamCredit: SunSportKevin De Bruyne may miss out while Josko Gvardiol can offer width on the leftCredit: SunSportJohn Stones may start in the right-back role to step into midfieldCredit: Getty More

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    Premier League introduces new ‘Thierry Henry-style’ ball as fans say ‘has anyone run this past Arteta?’

    THE Premier League has paid homage to its Barclays roots by releasing a new “Thierry Henry-style” ball.Inspired by Nike Total 90 footballs of the past, it will make its debut appearance when Aston Villa host Liverpool on Wednesday.Nike has released a remake of an iconic Premier League ballThe final Nike Prem ball is an updated remake of the T90 Aerow IThis is the current ball used in the top-flightCredit: GettyThe final Nike Prem ball is an updated remake of the T90 Aerow I – used during the 04/05 and 05/06 seasons. Chelsea fans will be buzzing to see it back as this ball saw the Blues win their first ever Prem title, and follow up again the following year.The likes of Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard all scored some beauties with the yellow version.The throwback colourway sees a classic all-white base, paired with some small added details to the classic T90 blue rings.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSOne fan said: “When I see this ball, I see Thierry Henry of Arsenal.”It will replace the current Hi-Vis winter ball for the rest of the campaign and bring an end to Nike’s 25-year ball reign in style.Puma are set to become the official ball supplier of the top flight from the 2025-26 season.But fans have joked that the Prem should “run it past Mikel Arteta first” after the Arsenal manager’s complaints last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArteta suggested that the “tricky” Puma ball used by the EFL in the Carabao Cup had been a factor in his side’s shooting woes during a 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat by Newcastle.The Spaniard said the Puma balls “fly a lot”, admitting “there’s details that we can do better”.Pressed further, Arsenal’s boss added: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.“You have to adapt to that because it flies different.“When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”And fans have used the news of a new Nike ball to poke fun at Arteta.Puma makes the ball for the Carabao Cup matchesOne joked on X: “Someone give it to Arteta and Arsenal to make sure it flies correctly.”A second said: “Please tell me Arteta has checked it first.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Prem has used Nike balls since 2000 but a contract dispute saw the decision to switch to Puma from next season in what was described as a “lucrative” deal.SunSport understands that an exact version of the Carabao Cup ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season. More

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    Arsenal post new footage of Mikel Merino goal… but supporters are more interested in what’s going on in Leicester end

    ARSENAL posted a new angle of Mikel Merino’s celebrations – but some eagle-eyed fans were more interested in the crowd.Supporters spotted what looked like a ‘few matchgoers having a fight “massive punch-up” in the Leicester end.Mikel Merino scored twice for Arsenal as they beat Leicester on SaturdayCredit: GettyFans were distracted by chaotic scenes in the home end after the goalCredit: X @ArsenalMerino came off the bench at the King Power to answer Mikel Arteta’s striker SOS call following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.The Spanish midfielder went up front for the first time in his career.And it worked a treat for the Gunners as he broke the deadlock with a header on 81 minutes.He then showed great composure at the back post to turn in a second and secure an important three points. READ MORE ON ARSENALArsenal took to X the day after the game to post a new angle of the opener from behind the Leicester goal.The video showed Ethan Nwaneri’s cross, Merino’s header and the wild celebrations in front of the travelling fans in the corner of the stadium.However, the 56-second clip was overshadowed by scenes among the home Leicester fans.As Merino’s team-mates embraced the matchwinner, chaos unfolded in the background.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAn individual in grey can be seen tussling with someone before launching something down the stand as their foe walks away.The person in grey then chases after them down the staircase and proceeds to swing several punches as a fight broke out.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old selfIt appears they caught them in the head before the victim stumbled down the stand towards the stairwell, where they can be seen clutching their face.Others nearby seemed to check on their wellbeing before the camera pans away to follow the Arsenal stars walking back towards the halfway line.It is unclear what prompted the scrap and who was involved.Although both were in the home Leicester end, there were suggestions the incident may have been between a Leicester fan and an Arsenal fan who had managed to get a ticket in the Leicester seats and celebrated the crucial goal. And the incident was spotted by several social media users.One said: “Leicester fans fighting in the background lol.”Another replied: “Casually scrapping in the Leicester end in the background lol.”A third added: “Can see the Leicester fans have caught an Arsenal fan in the home end 0:20 in…”And a final user commented: “Massive punchup in the stands!”It is not the first time fans have been filmed fighting at the King Power Stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeicester supporters clashed with one another in May 2023 as the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League. There were also ugly scenes a year earlier in Italy when travelling Leicester fans fought riot police with batons and shields during the Europa Conference League semi-final defeat to Roma. Two supporters can be seen fighting and swinging punchesCredit: X @ArsenalMerino headed over towards the away fans after his headerCredit: GettyHe was congratulated by his team-matesCredit: ReutersTensions boiled over in the Leicester endCredit: AP More

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    ‘He used to FaceTime me from his room’ – Jesse Lingard reveals Jose Mourinho gesture at Man Utd that he’ll never forget

    JESSE LINGARD has opened up on his relationship with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.Lingard, 32, had his most successful years at United playing for the Special One, who now works as the boss of Fenerbahce.Jesse Lingard has opened up on his relationship with Jose Mourinho at Man UtdCredit: GettyHe revealed an incredible gesture which boosted his confidenceCredit: EPALingard, who now plays for Seoul FC, revealed how emotional he was after his last training session at Man UtdCredit: RexThe attacking midfielder contributed to 20 goals (13 goals and seven assists) in all competitions in the 2017/18 season which saw him book a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 World Cup.Lingard, who now plays for Seoul FC in South Korea, revealed how “chill” Mourinho used to be with him.In an interview with The Independent, Lingard said: “Mourinho was so chilled sometimes. “He used to FaceTime me from his room in the Lowry [hotel], ask me what I’m doing. I thought that was a real confidence boost.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“During that season, leading up to the 2018 World Cup, Jose played me most games… it was a big season.”Lingard – who had just 12 caps for the Three Lions before the tournament – thanked Southgate for the faith he showed in him by giving him a starting berth in Russia.He started all but two games there – dead-rubbers against Belgium at the end of the group stage and in the third-place play-off respectively – while scoring once and setting up two goals.Lingard continued: “And you know, going to the World Cup, you’re not expecting to start. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”But Gareth Southgate had a lot of faith in me from a young age, and I played every game.”The 2018 World Cup was England’s best performance in a World Cup finals since 1966 and restored pride in the national team.Jesse Lingard brutally mocked by K-league rival as opponent copies forgotten Man Utd man’s celebration after late winnerHowever, Lingard still believes it was a case of “what might have been”, saying he thinks he and his team-mates should have beaten Croatia in the semi-final.Lingard’s career arguably peaked that summer and that season, with his attacking returns the following campaign dipping to only eight goals and assists.A loan spell to West Ham where he scored nine goals in 16 games looked set to be the career revival he needed after stuttering at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.But he would return to Old Trafford at the end of the spell only to spend his time as a highly-paid benchwarmer.Lingard explained: “Being in the same environment for a long time… it kind of stifles you. In football, you’ve always got ups and downs. You’ve got to be mentally strong.”And, you know, sometimes at United, I wasn’t. Things happen off the pitch that you can’t really control… it affects you on the pitch. “I spoke to Ole and a couple of staff members and they understood, because they’re human as well.”It comes to a certain point where, when you’re not playing regularly, you’re not just going to sit there for the money.”Lingard added: “I was really dialled in and locked in at that time. The way I played, when you come back to your home club, you’re expecting to play. Obviously, that didn’t happen. “You get frustrated. My application in training each day was always 100 per cent, you know… But, you come to a certain time where you need to leave. “The last day, I was crying on the way home… to leave was obviously emotional but it was what I needed to do.”Playing for that badge week in, week out, is one of the best feelings I’ve had.”He eventually left his boyhood club in 2022 to join Nottingham Forest on a one-year deal, though a lack of playing time there, which Lingard puts down to injury, saw him leave the City Ground after one season.Lingard then spent half a year without a club as he was hit by an 18-month driving ban after being found guilty of drink-driving before tragically losing his grandmother in November.On the tough period, he said: “I was home with my family and my nan wasn’t well.”I felt at the time it was just God saying, ‘Be with your family, enjoy the family time’.”Then, going to Dubai for a training camp in December and getting ready for January. Just being strict with that. I feel like it all just played a part.”Lingard eventually signed for Seoul FC in February 2024.He had a tough start to life in Asia before undergoing knee surgery but found form following his return, scoring six goals and adding three assists to end the campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESLingard is said to be enjoying life in South Korea, telling a fan on social media “Korea is lit”, during a bizarre response to a “shambolic accusation” that he, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford had “ruined Man Utd’s culture”.The attacking midfielder’s second season with the club started last Saturday, ending in a 2-0 defeat to Jeju SK. More

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    Tottenham eye ambitious £80m transfer swoop for Dortmund and England U21 star Jamie Gittens

    TOTTENHAM are eyeing up an audacious summer move for Borussia Dortmund starlet Jamie Gittens.Winger Gittens, 20, has been a long-term target of Spurs who are keen to bolster the left-side of their attack.Spurs are eyeing up an audacious summer move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie GittensCredit: AlamyBut there is likely to be plenty of competition for the former Manchester City academy player.Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea also tracking the England Under-21 international.Gittens has scored 16 goals in 91 appearances for Dortmund, coming on as a late sub in last season’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.This year he has developed into a first-team regular, netting 11 goals in 33 appearances.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has not scored in eight games though as Dortmund have slid down to 11th in the Bundesliga table, winning just one and losing five of their last seven league games.Dortmund are eight points off the top four but are still in the Champions League, holding a 3-0 lead going into their play-off second leg against Sporting Lisbon.Should they miss out on qualification for Europe’s elite club competition for next season, they may be forced to cash in on Gittens, believed to be valued at £80million.Former Dortmund and Liverpool striker Karl Heinz-Riedle told SunSport in November that Gittens has the potential to emulate ex-team-mates Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe German, 59, said: “Jamie is still not 100 per cent what we expect from a world-class player  — but he has all the talent to become one of those.“He can become the next Sancho, Erling Haaland or Bellingham.”Gittens has 16 goals for Dortmund in 91 matches – scoring 11 of those this season.Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card More

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    Premier League’s worst spenders revealed with Man Utd spending FOUR TIMES as much as Liverpool on flop signings

    MANCHESTER UNITED are the Premier League’s worst spenders – and the club have absolutely nothing to show for it.In fact, United’s horrendous recruitment decisions are one of the main reasons that the club—who sit 15th in the Prem—is going through their worst period since the 1973-74 relegation campaign.Ruben Amorim has inherited an expensively poor squadCredit: ReutersPrem leaders Liverpool are 10th on the spending list after clever transfer movementsTo make matters worse, the Red Devils have spent FOUR TIMES more than Prem leaders Liverpool – who are currently seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.United’s hierarchy, both before and after Ineos came on board a year ago, have spent recklessly and without direction.Put into numbers, United have spent, since 2019, a net amount of £810m – compared to Liverpool’s £212m.But Arne Slot’s team sit a staggering 31 POINTS above Ruben Amorim’s side after the latter’s 1-0 defeat to Spurs on Sunday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOld Trafford chiefs meanwhile can boast one Carabao Cup and one FA Cup, but a closer look will tell you those successes covered for some dire Prem campaigns – including a record low of eighth last season.The once-feared Manchester outfit have actually spent more than £1 billion since 2019, with only £285m raised in departures. That period has seen several different managers take the helm and includes some of the worst transfer business ever.Antony was signed for a whopping £82m in 2022 and has been shipped out on loan to Real Betis this January – where he’s flying at the moment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJadon Sancho was a £72m capture from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, but will permanently join Chelsea this summer for around £25m having massively underwhelmed in M16.United made Harry Maguire the most expensive centre-half in the world whilst Erik ten Hag spent a combined £140m to sign Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund in successive summers.Man Utd player ratings vs Tottenham: Hojlund arguably worst No9 in club’s history as Dorgu has nightmare debutTen Hag pushed to splash millions on former Ajax players and even handed over £60m to Chelsea for Mason Mount, whose injury record has seen him play just 32 games for United since June 2023.Amorim’s main signing in January was the £29m dropped on left-back Patrick Dorgu – adding to the £200m spent in the summer on the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte. And fans could perhaps better stomach this sad reality if it wasn’t for the fact that none of these players are exactly world-beaters.Eyebrows were raised on Sunday when Amorim was forced to name eight untried teenagers on the bench in United’s latest defeat to Spurs, despite all the money spent.Amorim’s side plunged into the bottom six at an advanced stage of a Prem season for the first time when they lost Sunday’s ‘Hell Clasico’ in North London.The truth is, the net spend is the worst in the league because United are struggling to flog players.Ironically, the money banked for Mason Greenwood (£26.6m) and Scott McTominay (£25m) in the summer are among the biggest United sales of all time.Gary Neville previously declared Old Trafford a “graveyard” for players with so many of their big name signings failing to deliver while others have been moved on for huge losses.The fact is, fans are fearing relegation this season or the next as the club break a new embarrassing record each week.While Chelsea are the biggest Prem spenders, they are also the biggest Prem sellers, racking up £863m in player exits.Premier League transfer spending since 2019Chelsea sold academy star Mason Mount to United for £60m in the summer of 2023Some of these outgoings include £88m (Eden Hazard to Real Madrid), £65m (Havertz to Arsenal) and £60m (Mount to United).So while, the Blues have spent 1.60bn, their net spend works out as £739m.Tottenham’s record is the third ‘worst’, with a net spend of £576m as anger continues to be directed at chairman Daniel Levy. That takes into consideration £884m spent on new signings and £308m in sales, but Spurs have gone trophy-less for 17 years.Fans will also look back on the club-record fee received for Harry Kane and wonder how it was, once again, so poorly invested.Ange Postecoglou’s lack of squad depth is currently front and centre as the lack of quality beyond the starting XI is evident as they’re working towards solving a hefty injury list.Spurs’ rivals and title challengers Arsenal are fourth on the ‘worst spent’ list, with £563m in the red.David Raya (£27m), Riccardo Calafiori (£42m), and Mikel Merino (£31m) were the major arrivals but Emile Smith Rowe (£27m), Aaron Ramsdale (£18m) and Eddie Nketiah (£25m) all departed. Arsenal have not been afraid to spend big, splashing out £60m on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and £72m on Nicolas Pepe before the arrivals of £65m Kai Havertz and £105m Declan Rice. Newcastle, West Ham and Newcastle make up fifth through to seventh respectively.Arsenal’s total is £563m in the redSeven-time champions Manchester City being down in ninth on the list would be a surprise to some.In total, the Etihad giants are third for outlays on around £986m.Omar Marmoush’s arrival is fourth in their all-time list, just behind Ruben Dias and then a way off Josko Gvardiol (£77m) and record-signing Jack Grealish who cost £100m.As with Chelsea, though, City fetch huge sales for selling off a wave of youngsters good enough for many teams but just not quite at Pep Guardiola’s required elite level. The Julian Alvarez deal could rise to £81.5m while the money for Taylor Harwood-Bellis (£20m), Liam Delap (£15m), Sergio Gomez (£8.4m) and Tommy Doyle (£4.3m) racks up.Top City striker Julian Alvarez was sold to Atletico Madrid in the summerAfter Alvarez, City’s other biggest sales in the period are Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Cole Palmer (all between £47.5m and £40m). Nottingham Forest even crept above City on the spending chart because their net spend is marginally higher.Last summer, Forest went all out with their signings in an effort to ensure that they remained in the top-flight at the first time of asking, bringing in dozens of new players. Sales have been much harder to come by though, with their most notable departure being that of Matty Cash to Aston Villa in 2020.But it’s paid off as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are enjoying a breakthrough season as the club sit third in the table.Lastly, Liverpool’s brilliantly astute and clever recruitment practices speak for themselves. Perhaps it is no surprise to see Liverpool with the best net spend of the ‘Big Six’ on a mere £282m over the past nine seasons. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, the Reds have actually made a profit in the 2024-25 campaign by only buying Federico Chiesa for £10m and raising £50m in sales from Fabio Carvalho (£20m), Sepp van den Berg (£20m) and Bobby Clark (£10m). It continued a wise – and successful – transfer strategy that has seen Liverpool sell big and then wait to find the right players at the right time for the right price. Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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    Swansea sack Luke Williams after horror run but fans left fuming at choice of caretaker manager

    SWANSEA have sacked manager Luke Williams.The move comes with the club 17th in the Championship and after a horror run of seven defeats on the spin.Swansea have sacked manager Luke Williams after a seven-game losing runCredit: GettyA club statement said: “Swansea City can confirm the club has parted ways with head coach Luke Williams.”Assistant head coach Ryan Harley and first-team coach analyst George Lawtey have also left the club with immediate effect.”Williams departs the Swans after 13 months in charge.Following a 3-1 defeat to Stoke over the weekend – in which former Chelsea star Lewis Baker scored from inside his own half – Swansea are only eight points clear of the bottom three.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSwansea chairman Andy Coleman said: “This was a difficult decision and one that has not been taken lightly. Luke has led the club through some challenging periods and we appreciate his hard work.“I am aware of the effort he and his staff have put in throughout the last 13 months for Swansea City. “I want to personally thank Luke, Ryan and George for their dedication and the sacrifices they have made on behalf of the club.“Unfortunately, since the turn of the year our performances and results have not been of the standard required at this level. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Ultimately, that has led us to conclude a change is required in order to bring about an improvement in our showings on the pitch…”Everyone at Swansea City thanks Luke, Ryan and George for their contribution to the club, and wish them well.”Swansea City manager Luke Williams reflects on the 2023-24 season A decision has already been made to appoint Alan Sheehan as caretaker manager, with his coaching staff including Martyn Margetson and Kris O’Leary.However, fans have made their feelings clear that they do not want Sheehan to be in charge for any longer than a couple of games.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Really hope I’m not reading too much into the word interim instead of caretaker. Under zero circumstances should the job go to Alan Sheehan.”A second said: “If they look for a new manager, then that’s all good. I can tolerate Sheenan for one or two games, tbh. Don’t see any other choice.”A third added: “Correct decision. Don’t keep Sheehan for more than one game I beg.”Another said: “Gutted it ended like this and for the love of God, don’t keep Sheehan in for more than two or three games.”A fifth said: “Get rid of Sheehan. We are going down if we have him.”Sheehan was previously appointed caretaker manager of Swansea in December 2023 when he stepped up following the sacking of Michael Duff.However, he won just three of the seven games he took charge of before Williams was appointed.Swansea’s statement added: “The process to appoint a new head coach is already underway, and the club will update supporters on an appointment in due course.”Coleman also continued: “We will keep supporters informed of developments when we are in a position to announce a new head coach, while Alan, his staff and our squad focus on our upcoming fixtures.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSwansea’s next game sees them face Blackburn Rovers, who are themselves without a manager following the shock departure of John Eustace to Derby.Names such as Gary O’Neil, Steven Gerrard, Luis Boa Morte and George Boateng have been linked to the vacant role. More

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    Meet the Man Utd youngsters Ruben Amorim must turn to to save dismal season including pair poached from Arsenal

    CRISIS-HIT Manchester United were without 12 first-team players for the dismal 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.Their 12th defeat in 25 league games leaves them 12 points above the drop zone in 15th and the last time things were this bad the club was relegated.With injuries mounting and PSR troubles looming Ruben Amorim will have to turn to Man Utd’s academyCredit: ReutersHe named eight teenagers on the bench vs SpursCredit: GettyTo make matters worse, with key stars Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martinez out for the season, Ruben Amorim had to name eight teenagers, including seven academy stars, on the bench to face Spurs.He made just one change by bringing on Chido Obi in injury time – a baffling decision given how underwhelming those on the pitch were playing.In what is maybe the understatement of the season, Amorim said it was a moment “when everything is going wrong”. Yet there is a small ray of hope he can lean on: An 87-year tradition of promoting youth.The Red Devils have named at least one academy graduate in their squad since Tom Manley and Jack Wassall made the team-sheet in 1937. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Busby Babes even went on to conquer Europe in 1968 after the tragic Munich Air Crash claimed the lives of many of their young comrades ten years earlier.It is a run stretching back 4,279 games – with names such as Bobby Charlton, George Best, Mark Hughes, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Marcus Rashford among the club’s illustrious list.The historic Cliff training ground and later Carrington have provided time and time again in moments of crisis for the Red Devils.And thanks to current academy chief Nick Cox and his outstanding team, it is one of the few parts of the club fans can still be immensely proud of.Most read in FootballAmorim understandably wants to be “careful” with the latest crop of stars by not rushing their development, but with the club financially crippled through years of mismanagement, new signings to fit his system will also be hard to come by.Amorim trusted youth at former club Sporting Lisbon, and in time he will likely learn to do the same at United. But who are the stars Amorim must now turn to to help salvage United’s season?JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJack Moorhouse – 19 years oldJack Moorhouse has been compared to Morgan Rogers and Paul Pogba thanks to his ball-carrying abilityCredit: AlamyJack Moorhouse was the talk of the town when it was announced he was set to travel with the first-team to Tottenham following the quadruple midfield injury crisis thrust upon the Red Devils.Moorhouse scored twice when Amorim went to personally watch the Under-21s as they beat Southampton 5-1 in December.Ruben Amorim reveals Man Utd must be ‘really careful’ over Christian Eriksen ‘heart situation’Often playing as an advanced midfielder, Moorhouse is favoured for his exceptional ball-carrying ability which has seen him labelled as a Paul Pogba 2.0 and compared to Morgan Rogers.United are crying out for reinforcements following the departures of Rashford and Antony, and with Amad’s long-term injury, Moorhouse may be given minutes in one of the two No10 roles up for grabs.Harry Amass – 17 years oldHarry Amass has drawn comparisons to Luke Shaw and been highlighted by the England star as one to look out forCredit: GettyPerhaps the second-best-known player on the list to United fans after a certain striker, Amass has long been touted as a star of the future.The left-sided defender has drawn numerous comparisons to the profile of Luke Shaw in the past, with the England star even saying Amass was one to watch for the future.He has been selected in senior teams before and was named in the Red Devils’ Europa League squad at the start of this season. It is therefore no shock that there has been interest in his signature from Premier League clubs.With Tyrell Malacia being sent out on loan, Amorim needs reliable options to play left wing-back, so watch this space for the dynamic defender to play when £25million signing Patrick Dorgu is rotated out.Jack Fletcher – 17 years oldJack Fletcher is an all-round midfield dynamo like his legendary fatherCredit: GettyThe son of Man Utd cult hero Darren Fletcher, the teenager has followed in his dad’s footsteps by becoming a midfielder. He was poached from the academy of Manchester City in the summer of 2023 alongside his twin brother, Tyler.He has impressed at youth level having been nominated for the PL2 Player of the Month award, while his first inclusion in a senior matchday squad came against Brentford.Fletcher is left-footed and said to be an all-action dynamo, equally capable of picking up the ball from his centre-backs and playing through the lines as he is crashing the opposition box.That gives Amorim a versatile option to add to his depleted arsenal as United somehow continue to compete across three fronts.Elyh Harrison – 18 years oldElyh Harrison was the youngest recipient of the Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year since Adnan JanuzajCredit: GettyThe goalkeeping department was probably one of the last things on Amorim’s mind in January, but injuries to Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton have left only Andre Onana as the only senior shot-stopper.Harrison had been on loan at National League North side Chester until January when United recalled him after a successful four-month spell, although appearances in the FA Cup mean he is cup-tied.After a stellar youth campaign in the 2023/24 season, Harrison became the youngest recipient of the Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year since Adnan Januzaj and only second the goalkeeper to win the award.Chester boss Calum McIntyre said the teenager, who turns 19 on February 19, has “unbelievable pedigree”.And should Onana suffer an injury, Harrison could be parachuted in to try and provide safe hands between the sticks.Tyler Fredricson – 19 years oldTyler Fredricson is a regular England youth internationalCredit: AlamyRelatively speaking, Tyler Fredricson has less hype surrounding him than his counterparts. But in fairness, very few central defenders generate the same hype as their more attack-minded team-mates.Although that is not to say he is any less capable, in fact quite the contrary. He signed his first professional contract with the club in 2022 and has had a steady rise through the ranks since then.A regular England youth international, Fredricson played a vital role in the Under-18s’ FA Youth Cup final success in 2022 despite missing the final through sickness.Fredricson may be behind fellow teens Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in the pecking order, but with Lisandro Martinez out for the season and squad needs elsewhere it is easy to imagine him picking up some first-team minutes before the season concludes.Sekou Kone – 19 years oldSekou Kone is being groomed as a long-term solution in the No.6 roleCredit: GettySekou Kone was snapped by Man Utd in a £1m transfer from Malian outfit Guidars last summer, and has swiftly been promoted to be in and around the first team a number of times already.The defensive midfielder made waves at the 2023 Under-17 World Cup as he helped Mali finish third and then in an Under-18 tournament in April 2024.Despite being dubbed the next Yaya Toure, he is viewed as a long-term option in the No.6 spot and is being groomed to be ready for the first team, possibly as Casemiro’s in-house replacement.Under-21s lead coach Travis Binnion told the club website last month that Kone was going to be a “really good player”, but that first, he needed to get to grips with the language and learn the physical demands of being a United No.6.Ayden Heaven – 18 years oldAyden Heaven was poached from Arsenal to go straight into the first team in the winter transfer windowCredit: PAHeaven was poached from Arsenal at the end of the winter transfer window for a compensation fee of around £1.5m and has gone straight into the first-team squad. The central defender was a star in the Gunners academy and was rewarded by making his senior debut earlier this season with ten minutes of action in the League Cup against Preston.Being left-footed with a 6ft 2in frame earmarks him as a long-term successor to Martinez at left centre-back owing to the Argentine’s injury issues.Heaven is also considered capable of playing as a box-to-box midfielder, which had led to comparisons to Patrick Vieira.Chido Obi – 17 years old’Clever’ Chido Obi became Man Utd’s 252nd academy graduate against TottenhamCredit: RexLast, but certainly not least, is Obi, the wonderkid who has scored goals for fun in youth football playing for Arsenal and now for Man Utd.Obi has scored 12 goals in nine FA Youth Cup and Under-18 league matches since joining, adding to his all-time record of 41 goals in the Premier League U18 competition, including ten in one game against Liverpool aged 15.He scored a 15-minute hat-trick on his Man Utd debut this season and before Man Utd’s clash at Tottenham, he bagged a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup against Chelsea.Amorim described the 17-year-old as “clever” despite only giving him two minutes to try to impact the game. Obi publicly thanked the Portuguese for making him the 252nd academy graduate.Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen?There are other stars not mentioned above who could make their debuts in 2025 such as James Scanlon, Shea Lacey, Gabriele Biancheri or Godwill Kukonki. United have also sealed a £7m deal for Paraguayan defender Diego Leon, who will officially join in the summer.These rising stars would all ideally be given time and patience to develop slowly.Last season’s big academy graduate, Kobbie Mainoo, has looked knackered this season after being run into the ground over the last 12 months including with the England national team at the Euros.READ MORE SUN STORIESA physical breakdown seemed almost inevitable, and the dynamic midfielder is now estimated to be out for at least six weeks.Even big-money signing Yoro has been wrapped in cotton wool under Amorim, but hopefully, when the time comes he will have faith to increase the load of minutes these stars take on.Kobbie Mainoo has become a victim of his own success after being ran into the ground over the last 12 months and now faces weeks on the sidelineCredit: Getty More