Philippa Kaur

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    Real Madrid stars Mbappe and Rudiger handed one-match Uefa ban – but penalty will NOT be enforced for Arsenal clash

    REAL MADRID stars Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger have been cleared to face Arsenal in next week’s Champions League quarter-final – after escaping with SUSPENDED bans.Uefa launched an investigation last week after Atletico Madrid accused the duo and team-mates Vinicius Jr and Dani Ceballos of “indecent conduct” following their shoot-out win in the last 16 tie at the Metropolitano.Kylian Mbappe grabbed his nether regions as Real Madrid celebrated in front of Atletico fansAntonio Rudiger also performed a slit-throat gesture during the celebrationsCredit: GETTYUefa have handed Mbappe and Rudiger suspended one-match bansCredit: ReutersFormer Chelsea defender Rudiger, who scored the decisive penalty,  was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to home supporters. French ace Mbappe, who had earlier missed a spot-kick in normal time but converted in the shoot-out, was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Vinicius – long targeted by rival fans and who has been a regular victim of racist abuse – was involved in two separate confrontations with Atletico supporters before and after the shoot-out, while Ceballos aimed a one-armed gesture with a clenched fist at home fans.That raised the prospect of the quartet all being suspended for the first leg of the tie with the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.A probe saw a Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector decide there was no case to answer for Vinicius Jr while the other three were accused of “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.But now Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has backed off serious action despite finding the three players guilty.Rudiger was handed a one-match ban, suspended for 12 months, and fined £34,000, with Mbappe given the same suspended punishment and fined around £25,000, with Caballos facing no ban and ordered to pay £17,000.A Uefa statement read: “Following the investigation of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, disciplinary proceedings were opened against the following Real Madrid CF players, Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez for potentially violating the basic rules of decent conduct (Art. 11(2)(b) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations).Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhat happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.”No disciplinary proceedings were opened against Real Madrid CF player, Vinícius Júnior.”The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions.”Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clash”The CEDB has decided to fine Real Madrid CF player, Antonio Rudiger, €40,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. “Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”To fine Real Madrid CF player, Kylian Mbappe, €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. “Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”To fine Real Madrid CF player, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez, €20,000 for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”Mbappe and Rudiger’s suspended sentences are bad news for Arsenal fans.The Emirates faithful were clinging onto the hope the duo would be banned for Tuesday’s match at the Emirates due to the team’s defensive crisis.Read More on The SunThe north Londoners are in defensive chaos following Gabriel Magalhaes’ season-ending hamstring injury against Fulham this week. Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori missed Tuesday’s visit of the Cottagers and are major doubts for next week’s clash with Los Blancos.Gabriel Magalhaes’ season-ending hamstring injury has thrown the Gunners into defensive chaosCredit: REUTERS More

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    Premier League accused of distorting the competition in favour of Arsenal in latest Man City claim

    MANCHESTER CITY have accused the Premier League of distorting its rules in favour of Arsenal and three other clubs over shareholder loans.It is the latest development in the club’s long legal battle with competition chiefs over sponsorship rules originally launched last year after two Abu Dhabi sponsor deals were blocked by the league.Man City have accused Premier League financial rules of favouring Arsenal and other rivalsCredit: GettyCity claim the amended ATP rules are ‘discriminatory’Credit: GettyIn February the club won a major battle against the Premier League over Associated Party Transaction rules with an independent tribunal ruling the regulations were “void and unenforceable”.The Premier League hastily attempted to amend the ATP regulations following the verdict with City describing the move as “flawed and inadequate”.But in a fresh challenge issued at the end of March, the champions have now claimed to an independent tribunal that Arsenal, Brighton, Everton and Leicester have all been given an unfair advantage.According to The Times, City claim shareholders loans given to those clubs have not been treated in the same way as other ATPs like sponsorship deals with companies linked to club owners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity now suggest the league should return to pre-2021 rules until the matters are fully resolved due to the amended league rules continuing to “discriminate” and give other clubs “differential treatment”.The club argue the rules, “fail to meet the requirements of objectivity, precision and proportionality… and are liable to distort competition”.City argue the Premier League should not change rules that have already been declared void and were too hasty to amend them.They have criticised the league for claiming shareholder loans do not need to be assessed for fair market value in the same way as other APTs.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCity also slammed the 50-day grace period clubs get to convert shareholder loans into equity which is argued to give clubs an unfair advantage with Profit and Sustainability Rules.In Arsenal’s case, the Cityzens claim their title rivals in the last two seasons benefited from around £259million in shareholder loans during the 2022/23 season.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final Elsewhere, Everton got loans of £450m in 2022/23, Brighton £406.5m in 2021/22 and Leicester £265m in 2021/22.City said: “This continued preferential and discriminatory treatment of shareholder loans has the object and/or effect of distorting economic competition between member clubs on affected markets.”They added the rules, “do not eliminate, but on the contrary perpetuate the discriminatory and distortive treatment previously found by the tribunal”.On the rule changes, the Premier League have argued the amendments are “valid and enforceable”.The same tribunal will rule on this new challenge, which could force the league to make more changes to its financial rules.It will also jot up more legal costs while the separate issue of City’s 130 alleged breaches of financial breaches remains ongoing.Read More on The SunThe report adds the same team of lawyers is fighting both cases for City.Elsewhere for City, club legend Kevin De Bruyne has announced he will be leaving when the season ends. More

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    Man Utd vs Man City prediction: Free betting tips, odds and preview for Manchester derby clash in the Premier League

    MANCHESTER comes to a standstill on Sunday when United host City in a crunch Premier League contest.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the Old Trafford derby and select the best bets and tips for the game.How to claim..Tote special offerVisit the Tote website HERE*Register a brand new account and depositPlace your first bet of at least £5 on horse racing or other sports at odds of 1/1 or greaterOnce your Qualifying Bet is settled you will receive £20 in free bets and bonusesTote welcome offer: Claim your £20 bonus — claim here*Man Utd vs Man City previewThe two Manchester clubs come together on Sunday for the latest edition of the Manchester derby.While City fans have had the bragging rights in terms of league and European successes recently, interestingly it’s a fixture that United have done very well in in recent times.United – going into the game midway inside the bottom half after somehow losing to Nottingham Forest in midweek – are actually unbeaten in the last three games with City.They won last year’s FA Cup final against Pep Guardiola’s men before a draw – losing on penalties – in the Community Shield and have already beaten City at the Etihad this season.How they didn’t get on the scoresheet with 24 efforts on goal at the city Ground on Tuesday is anyone’s guess. Though a lack of goal scoring centre forward was always going to come back and bite them.For City, the FA Cup remains their only chance at silverware this season and a 2-0 win over toiling Leicester showed a lack of cutting edge without the injured Erling Haaland.They’re in a real battle for the top four and five positions and a Champions League spot next season.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 2-2 at 11/1 with Tote – HEREFirst scorer: Bruno Fernandes at 7/1 with Tote – HEREMan Utd vs Man City latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Man Utd vs Man City predictionsTough to split themYou just don’t know what Manchester United team will turn up.Strangely this season, the same can be said of Manchester City.United were the better side at Nottingham Forest in midweek, losing to a good Anthony Elanga goal and just struggling to work too many big chances in their 24 efforts at goal.But without Erling Haaland, City also lacked a cutting edge by beating a terrible Leicester side just 2-0.United have had City’s measure on the past few occasions they’ve met too and they could play out a draw here.Match result: Draw and both teams to score at 10/3 – CLAIM HERERemember 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.*New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Register between 3/4/25 and 6/4/25 and bet a min £/€5 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€5 Win + £/€5 Place) within 7 days of registration to qualify. Receive £/€10 Tote Credit, £/€5 sports Free Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. 18+. One welcome offer per customer. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Man Utd vs Man City: Bet £5 and get £20 in free bets and bonuses with Tote

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Manchester derby serve up a Sunday treat this week in a blockbuster derby fixture.Brand new Tote customers who register an account and stake £5 on the Old Trafford showpiece will be rewarded with a cracking £20 welcome bonus to spend!How to claim..Tote special offerVisit the Tote website HERE*Register a brand new account and depositPlace your first bet of at least £5 on football or other sports at odds of 1/1 or greaterOnce your Qualifying Bet is settled you will receive £20 in free bets and bonusesTote welcome offer: Claim your £20 bonus — claim here*New to Tote? This mega offer could be yours!Simply visit the Tote website HERE* and register a new account.Once that’s sorted, deposit and and place your first bet of at least £5 on football, racing or any other market on the Sportsbook at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater.Once your Qualifying Bet is settled — win or lose — you will receive £20 in free bets and bonuses into your account.They’re credited as so:£10 Tote Credit£5 Free Sports Bet50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza!Tote welcome offer: Claim your £20 bonus — claim here*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.*New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Register between 3/4/25 and 6/4/25 and bet a min £/€5 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€5 Win + £/€5 Place) within 7 days of registration to qualify. Receive £/€10 Tote Credit, £/€5 sports Free Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. 18+. One welcome offer per customer. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Player hospitalised with freak injury after kicking window in argument with Premier League champion boss

    SPAIN ace Sergio Canales has needed medical treatment for a badly-cut leg… after smashing a glass door amid an alleged row with ex-Manchester City star Martin Demichelis.Midfielder Canales, 34, has played for Mexican top-flight club CF Monterrey since 2023.Sergio Canales now plans for Monterrey in MexicoCredit: GettyFormer Man City star Martin Demichelis is manager of MonterreyCredit: AFPHowever he is a major doubt for Saturday’s Liga MX clash with Chivas after needing 10 stitches in his leg.Argentine defender Demichelis, 44, became Monterrey’s coach last August.He spent three years at the Etihad, helping City win the 2014 Premier League title and two League Cups, before leaving for Espanyol in 2016.A Monterrey spokesman said: “On April 3 Sergio Canales received medical attention to wounds in his left leg, after breaking a glass door when entering the dressing-room following practice at the El Barrial training ground.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”The player rested for the remainder of the day. The medical team will monitor Sergio closely to assess his recovery and potential involvement in Saturday’s game.”Mexican media quizzed former hard-man defender Demichelis about the incident.He said: “You can use whatever headline you want. You call it an argument.”We’re open to whatever opinions the player wants to express. In every team, sport and dressing room, there is an exchange of opinions.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDemichelis, now 44, won the Premier League with Man CityCredit: PA:Empics SportCanales played for Real Madrid between 2010 and 2012Credit: Getty – Contributor”I’m not an authoritarian. I like to listen and to have the player give their opinions, so I can draw the best conclusions.”Canales has won 11 Spain caps, and played for Real Madrid and Valencia.James Maddison reveals awkward confrontation with Tottenham fans He spent the bulk of his career with hometown club Racing Santander, Real Sociedad and Real Betis.The midfielder has since scored 29 goals in 76 games for Monterrey, who are nicknamed The Gang and The Striped Ones. More

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    VAR official seen scrolling through betting site as shocking footage from top flight surfaces live on TV

    A VAR official has landed in hot water after appearing to scroll through a betting site on live TV.A Bulgarian official is alleged to have been spotted using the site moments before kick-off between CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia.A VAR official appeared to scroll a betting site before a matchHe was suspended after footage of the incident began to circulate on social media.Hawk-Eye Innovations, which is responsible for the VAR system in the Bulgarian First League, explained the decision in a letter to the Bulgarian Football Union.It said: “Hawk-Eye Innovations acknowledges with regret an incident involving one of its VAR operators during the Parva Liga match between PFC CSKA-Sofia and PFC Lokomotiv Sofia yesterday evening (2nd April 2025).“Live footage from the camera situation in the VAR operations room documented the individual utilising a personal smartphone during the match and appearing to engage in inappropriate activities which would constitute gross misconduct in relation to the responsibilities of their assigned role.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe company said it would investigate the official during his suspension, as reported by NeedToKnow.It added: “If the individual has been found to have been engaging in such inappropriate activity, we will look to dismiss the individual in accordance with their contractual terms.”Fans were shocked by the revelation with one saying: “Lol that’s wild.”Another added: “Everything you need to know about VAR…”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Nah this is some nasty business.”And another commented: “We are in a very bad situation…”‘People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea loss More

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    Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho secretly puts £3.85m mansion on sale in major hint he’s ready to quit Red Devils

    MANCHESTER UNITED winger Alejandro Garnacho has dropped the biggest hint yet he is thinking of leaving Old Trafford – after “discreetly” putting his house up for sale.The Argentinian winger paid £3.804m in April last year for the seven-bedroom mansion in Bowdon, Greater Manchester.Alejandro Garnacho has provided the biggest hint yet that he will quit Man UtdCredit: AlamyGarnacho has asked estate agents to offer the mansion on the market for £3.85mCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enThe home is ‘exclusively and discreetly marketed’Credit: (@garnacho7)The listing went live on March 28Credit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enGarnacho moved into the home in April of last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enHe lives at home with partner Eva and their one-year-old son, EnzoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enGarnacho also shares the home with his two dogsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enBut the 20-year-old has now asked estate agents to offer it on the market at £3.85m – just £45,000 more than he paid for it.The agent appears to have been instructed to try and keep the attempt to sell quiet by posting just one picture online explaining that the home is “exclusively and discreetly marketed”.But the listing, which went live on 28 March, was spotted by an eagle-eyed fan who fears the sale shows Garnacho has no plans to settle in Manchester and is preparing to leave Old Trafford.Garnacho, who joined United’s academy in 2020 from Spanish club Atletico Madrid and made his first team debut in 2022, lives at the property with his partner Eva and their one-year-old son Enzo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fan said: “It’s not unusual for a footballer to put their house up for sale. But it is unusual to try and sell a property less than 12 months after buying it, and for just £45,000 more than he paid for it.“The fact he has asked for it to be listed discreetly is worrying for United fans who like him as a player as it looks like he’s on the move in more ways than one.”Garnacho has made 29 Premier League appearances for United this season, scoring four goals.Despite his directness often being a positive on the pitch, frustrating performances like those against Nottingham Forest have become more commonplace this season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe club’s perilous financial situation has seen him linked with a move away from Old Trafford as any sale would be regarded as “pure profit” as he is regarded as an academy product.He has attracted interest from Chelsea and Napoli and would command a fee of around £50million.Alejandro Garnacho’s punishment for Man Utd tunnel strop revealed as Ruben Amorim sheds light on controversyIn February we told how Garnacho treated mum Leah Smith and her kids to a behind the scenes tour of Manchester United’s training ground after she found his dogs on the loose near his home.Leah, 26, was driving home from a shopping trip when she saw the two mutts on the loose close to Garnacho’s mansion.She realised the dogs belonged to Garnacho and took them to United’s Carrington training ground before returning them to his home.The following day, Garnacho telephoned Leah and thanked her for returning the dogs.He then provided Leah, Eliza and her brother Jenson, seven, with tickets for United’s 3-1 win over Southampton in the player’s family area at Old Trafford for the Premier League game on January 16.United was contacted for comment.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More

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    Roberto De Zerbi faces player MUTINY at Marseille after ‘refusing to take training’ following 3-1 loss

    ROBERTO DE ZERBI has faced a player mutiny at Marseille, according to reports.The Italian, 45, took charge of the Ligue 1 giants after leaving Brighton last summer.Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille have endured an awful run of formCredit: SplashMarseille have lost four of their last five gamesCredit: GettyMarseille have experienced a turbulent first season under De Zerbi, going through brilliant highs and extreme lows.And in recent weeks, they have gone way off the boil.Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at relegation-battling Reims made it four losses in five for Marseille.Reports in France claim that Marseille players were subsequently made to stay the night at the club’s training ground, such was their manager’s disgust.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt then emerged that rest days scheduled for Sunday and Monday had also been cancelled.And things reached a boiling point on Monday, when De Zerbi reportedly told the players that he would not be taking training.According to L’Equipe, players were left feeling let down by their coach and refused to train if he was not leading the sessions.This led director of football and former centre-back Medhi Benatia to step in.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe 37-year-old is claimed to have told the squad to “justify the club’s financial investment in them”.Players are said to have not bought Benatia’s reasoning – pointing to his former clubs Bayern Munich and Juventus and asking whether De Zerbi’s antics would be put up with by those European giants.’People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea lossThe Marseille boss is also said to have made a brutal jibe at defender Pol Lirola after last Saturday’s match.Lirola, 27, has been at Marseille since 2021 but prior to this season had spent the last two years out on loan.Following the defeat at Reims, during which Lirola was hooked at half-time, De Zerbi is claimed to have said to him: “Nobody wanted you at this club last summer, I was the only one to believe in you, and you thank me by defending like that?”Having entered the season with lofty ambitions Marseille have fallen to third in the Ligue 1 table, a staggering 22 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.They are now just four points above seventh and could face missing out on European football, should their recent slump continue.Marseille will host mid-table Toulouse this Sunday, desperate for three points to get back on track.Speaking in his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi said: “I am very happy to be manager of Marseille, because I love controversy.”Read More on The SunForward Neal Maupay added: “It was never a question of not training. We cleared the air.”Sometimes it’s good to take a slap in the face and wake up.”Marseille have a huge game against Toulouse on SundayCredit: Rex More