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    ‘It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’

    PUNDITS have been left raving about Ethan Nwaneri after his masterclass for Arsenal against Leicester.The 17-year-old bagged an assist as his side won 2-0 thanks to a brace from sub Mikel Merino.Pundits have lined up to praise Arsenal starlet Ethan NwaneriCredit: APOne has even compared him to the legendary Lionel MessiCredit: AFPNwaneri has now scored or assisted four Premier League goals before the age of 18.That puts him in an esteemed group alongside legends Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Cesc Fabregas.While during the game itself, Nwaneri controlled proceedings with four shots, six dribbles and 32 passes.He even put in a strong defensive contribution with three successful tackles and 12 duels won.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd now, pundits are lining up to sing Nwaneri’s praises.Perhaps the boldest comment came from Joe Cole, who compared the teenager to Lionel Messi.Cole said on TNT Sport: “These touches he produces, in and around the box, tiny little touches.“I don’t want to say it, but it’s like Messi. I’ve said it.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I don’t want to put any more pressure on his shoulders. I’m sure he’d deal with it.”Meanwhile, Alan Shearer lauded Nwaneri’s masterclass on Match of the Day.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old selfJoe Cole reckons Nwaneri can handle the pressureCredit: AlamyAlan Shearer feels Nwaneri played his heart out against LeicesterCredit: GettyThe Newcastle icon said: “17 years of age… a potential superstar. He was, without doubt, the bright spark for Arsenal.“Even when things weren’t going for them, which were large parts of the game, he was the one that was probing, he was the one putting crosses in and having pops at goal.“He [Nwaneri] just shifts the ball on to the left foot and he whips it in but Declan Rice can’t quite get on the end of it. “Again, he gets the ball and works it onto his left foot. This time he cuts inside and has a pop at goal but hits the crossbar.“But he can and does also like to down that right-hand side. “If you show him too much room, if you invite him to go down there then that’s fine, he will do that as well. “He was the best player on the pitch today, so lively.” More

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    ‘It breaks all rules in football, absolute madness’ – Gary Neville slams Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd tactics in Spurs clash

    GARY NEVILLE had some less-than-kind words for Manchester United’s first-half performance against Tottenham.The injury-ravaged Red Devils still managed to field a starting XI worth £448million, but were second best in the first 45 minutes in North London.Gary Neville savaged the ’embarrassing’ midfield plan of Man UtdCredit: GettyCasemiro was paired with Bruno Fernandes in midfield against TottenhamCredit: AlamyBut Neville claimed the selection ‘broke all rules of football’Credit: AlamyJames Maddison’s goal was the difference maker as he reacted first to Lucas Bergvall’s rebounded shot after Andre Onana could not push it far enough away.Spurs had five shots to United’s eight, though the home side had three on target compared to the visitors two.But Neville was particularly critical of the way Ruben Amorim had set up his midfield pair of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.Speaking on co-commentary for Sky Sports, he blasted the midfield plan as “embarrassing”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe explained: “The distance between the two central midfield players, see where Casemiro is and where Bruno Fernandes is, that cannot be right. “It breaks all rules in football. Absolute madness.”The former defender added: “United may win today and may score goals but I have to say that the structure of the team is awful.”The gaps in that midfield between Fernandes and Casemiro. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”That’s a tactic, they’ve been asked to do that, Bruno’s been asked to come out to this side and it isn’t right.”Bruno Fernandes is playing right wing, the two of them in midfield are split, it’s embarrassing. Mass of fuming Tottenham fans flood streets and chant ‘we want Levy out’ in biggest protest against club’s ownership”You wouldn’t see this in Under-9s or Under-10s football.”Despite the criticism, the Red Devils arguably should have gone in at the break level. Alejandro Garnacho had been played into the penalty area on his favoured right foot with only the goalkeeper to beat just 11 yards out from goal.However, the Argentine, who has not scored in the league under Amorim skied his shot miles over the bar.It compounds a worrying stat for the 20-year-old that he has the worst big chance conversion rate of any player in the Premier League to have had at least 10 of them, with only two of his 14 scored – a rate of just 14 per cent.Amorim named EIGHT teenagers – including seven academy stars – on his bench with 12 senior stars out of contention. More

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    Man Utd ‘in for 18 months of pain’ predicts Redknapp as Sky Sports pundit says ‘they need to get rid and change culture’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set for “18 months of pain”, according to Jamie Redknapp.And he believes there needs to be a serious overhaul of the culture at Old Trafford to turn the mess around.Jamie Redknapp had his say on the current state at Manchester UnitedCredit: Sky SportsRuben Amorim has struggled to have the positive impact he would have wantedCredit: RexRuben Amorim has struggled since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, losing eight of his first 20 matches in charge as United sit 15th in the table going into the trip to Tottenham.He has also binned Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia out on loan while the club’s woes run far deeper than just on-field issues. Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to sort out the financial chaos – but his methods of increasing ticket prices, job redundancies and staff perk cuts are proving unpopular. However, Redknapp gave his backing that Amorim can be the manager in the dugout to help lead the transformation with the right people above him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he warned it will not be a comfortable ride for anyone connected to United – with plenty of players needing to be pushed out of the exit door along the way.The Sky Sports pundit said ahead of the Spurs game, in which United were forced to put eight untried teenagers on the bench: “For what it’s worth on Amorim, I like him. I think he’s got something about him. And I totally get the performances haven’t been good enough. “But I actually like what he’s doing more off the field than actually what he’s doing on the pitch. Because that club needs a change of culture. “We’ve spoken about how it works. Get people like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho that have left and one or two others who have had a mention about leaving. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Now, if they’re not going to buy into having a good way of living and coming in and training correctly and being involved and helping the group and create a winning mentality, they’ve got to be surplus to requirements.”I see Manchester United as having still much more pain, even 18 months more pain, because they need to get rid. Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis “Whoever’s been in charge or even managers have gone so far and then they’re panicked and then they’ve gone and bought 30-year-old players that aren’t going to maybe take the club any further forward. I think now they have to take their time. “They’re trying to get… Jermain [Defoe] mentioned getting the best in class. People like Jason Wilcox, they’ve got the guy from Manchester City, the CEO there [Omar Berrada]. They’re trying to do things slowly and I think that’s how they have to do it.”Amorim has not been afraid to show his ruthless attitude during his time in charge – in more ways than one.He exiled £325,000-a-week academy graduate Rashford – even publicly slamming him by saying he would rather play his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach – and declared this is the “worst United team in history”. But despite his difficult start in terms of results and becoming the quickest United manager in history to reach five home Premier League defeats, Amorim refuses to budge from his 3-4-3 system.And Redknapp feels like that lack of adaptability could be costly.He added: “I like what he’s trying to achieve but it might take a bit more time than what you’d like. “You know, I think he’s got to be more flexible in the system. “When I hear a manager having one system, that worries me because you’ve got to adapt in game each time you’re playing against another team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I think Manchester United will get there. It’s just going to take a bit of time but they have to go all in on it. “They can’t just go, ‘We’re going to panic now and go buy more average players’, because the players right now aren’t good enough to produce the performances that Manchester United want, hence why they’re in this position.”United’s bench was packed with kidsUnited are 15th in the Premier League table before facing TottenhamCredit: Getty More

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    Former Premier League manager Garry Monk SACKED with Cambridge United bottom of League One

    FORMER Premier League manager Garry Monk has been sacked as boss of Cambridge United.Monk, 45, leaves the club after under a year in charge which has seen him lead the side to just nine wins.Garry Monk has been sacked as Cambridge United managerCredit: AlamyCambridge have been in woeful formCredit: AlamyCambridge United majority owner Paul Barry said: “We would like to thank Garry for his hard work and commitment to Cambridge United over the last 12 months.”He really bought into the Club during his time with us and we are all very disappointed that it has not worked out in the way we would all have hoped.”In the end, the table does not lie and it is the right moment to make a change as we conclude the first part of our football review.”There are 15 games of this season remaining, and we must continue to fight together to preserve our League One status over the coming weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”At the same time, we will use this period to plan strategically for the next chapter of the Football Club. We will say more about this in the week.”Cambridge are currently rock bottom of League One, sitting some eight points off safety.Monk’s side lost 1-0 to Exeter City at home on Saturday, extending a torrid run that has seen them win just two of their last 21 games in all competitions.Monk’s contract with Cambridge United was set to run until June 2026.Most read in FootballGarry Monk’s managerial careerA brief look into the coaching career of Garry Monk…Swansea City, 2016-2015Wins: 28Draws: 17Defeats: 32Leeds United, 2016-2017Wins: 27Draws: 9Defeats: 17 Middlesbrough, 2017Wins: 12Draws: 5Defeats: 9Birmingham City, 2018-2019Wins: 19Draws: 20Defeats: 20Sheffield Wednesday, 2019-2020Wins: 19Draws: 14Defeats: 25Cambridge United, 2024-2025Wins: 9Draws: 12Defeats: 28CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe retired centre-back previously worked as Swansea boss, taking charge of them during their spell in the Premier League.He has also managed Leeds, Middlesbrough, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday throughout his ten-year coaching career.‘He’s perfect for Man Utd’ – Neville begs Amorim to re-sign flop strikerMonk’s departure from Cambridge United comes after the news that sporting director Ben Strang left the club earlier this week.Strang, who first joined Cambridge in 2011 as a chief scout, left the League One outfit by mutual agreement with the owners and the board. More

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    ‘Little dig’ say fans as James Maddison hits back at Roy Keane criticism with brutal celebration after scoring v Man Utd

    JAMES MADDISON hit back at Roy Keane with a clever celebration after he was criticised by the pundit.The Spurs midfielder reacted quickest to fire home against Manchester United after Lucas Bergvall’s shot was saved by Andre Onana.James Maddison performed his trademark darts celebrationCredit: Sky SportsHe then made a shushing gesture with his fingerCredit: Sky SportsHe celebrated with his trademark dart throw before placing his finger over his lips to shush the camera.The shush appeared to be directed at Keane over comments he made this week claiming Maddison would not be a difference-maker when he returned from injury.Keane said: “We saw Maddison at Tamworth, he was taken off. Tamworth are non-league.”People say Maddison’s the man. When is he going to step up to the plate? He got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Maddison isn’t bad, when he’s not at the darts, but let me tell you…”If you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs into the top six, you’re in cuckoo land.”He’s good, he’s a talented player. But if you’re a player in the Spurs dressing room and Maddison’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going ‘oh Jesus – he’s back today. We’re going to be fine’.”England have a squad of 300 and he can’t even get in that. You kid yourselves everybody.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIan Wright hit back at Keane and showed support for Maddison, telling him he had to silence the Irishman.Maddison took just 13 minutes to make an impact on his return from injury and made sure to send a message to Keane.’Just lost it’ – Prem icon reveals Roy Keane’s two and a half hour dressing room rant about yoga and LUCOZADE after lossAsked about the celebration, Maddison said: “There’s been a little bit of outside noise this week. People have their opinion, so I wanted to do my talking on the pitch. “The gaffer always blocks out outside news, but it’s in your face. You can use it but the gaffer prefers when we’re in our little bubble and listening to him. “Sometimes it’s difficult because it’s constantly in your face on social media and Whatsapp, people sending stuff, you do see it and it is there. “Especially when it’s a big profile name, but it’s about responding in the right way and I’m the matchwinner, so I’m delighted.”Fans loved Maddison’s gesture with one describing it as a “little dig”.Another added: “Roy Keane threw shade. Maddison kept receipts. And he answered the call today. That celebration was personal .”And a third wrote: “He done that celebration aimed at Keane😭😂😭😂😭 Maddison that is naughty.” More

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    Who are the teenagers on the Man Utd bench vs Spurs?

    RUBEN AMORIM was forced to name EIGHT teenagers on the bench for Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday.The United boss is navigating a horror injury crisis at Old Trafford that has left him with ELEVEN first team players out of action.Ruben Amorim was forced to turn to the kids against Tottenham amid a horror injury crisisCredit: GettyAmorim named eight teenagers on the bench for Manchester United’s clash with SpursCredit: GettyAmad Diallo became the latest big name to find himself sidelined after suffering an ankle ligament injury – with fears the winger could miss the remainder of the season.While Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are amongst the other stars watching on from the treatment room.The ever-growing list has forced Ruben Amorim’s hand, meaning there’s eight teenage academy kids on his bench – giving their substitutes a combined age of just 19.45-year-old.So who are the youngsters being thrown in at the deep end?READ MORE ON MAN UTDAyden Heaven – 18Ayden Heaven signed for Man Utd in January from ArsenalCredit: GettyThis name might ring a bell to those who keep a keen eye on the January transfer window.Centre-back Ayden Heaven, 18, joined United last month from Arsenal’s academy.The towering defender was offered a pro deal with the Gunners, but opted to join United instead in pursuit of first team minutes.The England U19 international is the only teenager on the bench to have made a pro debut at the top level, he featured in Arsenal’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Preston North End back in October.Most read in FootballElyh Harrison – 18Goalkeeper Elyh Harrison is playing backup to Andre OnanaCredit: PAHarrison, 18, is United’s only other fit goalkeeper with both Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton out injured.Another England youth international, Harrison spent the first half of this season on loan in the National League North with Chester.The shot-stopper was recalled in January after keeping seven clean sheets in 18 appearances for the club.He made the bench for United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace earlier in February.Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis Harry Amass – 17Harry Amass has been dubbed as ‘the next Luke Shaw’Credit: GettyAnother recognisable name, Harry Amass is rated highly amongst the Old Trafford faithful and the Man Utd hierarchy. The 17-year-old caught the eye of most fans during United’s pre-season tour.Amass, who plays as a left-back, has been likened to Luke Shaw given his position and his style of play.United fans will be hoping he has a better injury record, however.Tyler Fredricson – 19Tyler Fredricson has represented England at youth levelCredit: GettyLike Heaven, Fredricson operates as a centre-half.The 19-year-old has risen through the ranks at Carrington and, although he is yet to make his debut for the club, has been earmarked as a potential player of the future.It’s his first time making the matchday squad for his boyhood club.Fredricson has represented England at U17 and U18 level in the past.Sekou Kone – 19Sekou Kone signed from Guidars FC in Mali this summer for around £1mCredit: AlamyCentral midfield talent Sekou Kone has a different story to the rest with United splashing £1million on the 19-year-old this summer in a deal with Guidars FC in his homeland of Mali.Kone shone at the 2023 Under-17s World Cup as he helped his country finish third and beat Argentina.The teenager is following in the footsteps of Tottenham star and compatriot Yves Bissouma, who also graduated from Guidars’ academy before moving to Europe.But despite his similar path to Bissouma, Kone has instead been dubbed the “next Yaya Toure” by African media outlets.Jack Moorhouse – 19Jack Moorhouse has been watched personally by Ruben AmorimCredit: AlamyAnother midfielder, Moorhouse is certainly one to watch – at least he is if you ask Ruben Amorim.Amorim personally watched the midfielder during a 5-1 win over Southampton in December alongside Darren Fletcher and Jason Wilcox.Moorhouse scored twice in the game and has now been rewarded for his fine form with a call-up to the first team.The 19-year-old sounds like a favourite of the new boss at the Theatre of Dreams.Chido Obi – 17Chido Obi is one of youth football’s most deadly strikersCredit: GettyUnited clearly have a thing for stealing away Arsenal’s rising stars.Similarly to Ayden Heaven, Obi-Martin, joined United earlier this season after the Red Devils snatched him away from the Gunners academy. The Danish 17-year-old has been highly rated for a long time after smashing youth records while on the books with Arsenal – and United fans have been gagging to see him lineup for the first team.Striker Obi managed an astonishing 32 goals in just 18 U18 Premier League appearances for Arsenal last season, and has scored nine in 11 for United’s youth ranks this term.Jack Fletcher – 17Jack Fletcher has already been named on the United bench for three Premier League games this seasonCredit: GettyFletcher has probably been the closest to making a breakthrough this season, having been named on the bench in the Premier League three times already this term.However, the attacking midfielder is still yet to make his senior debut for the Red Devils.READ MORE SUN STORIESAt just 17 years old, Fletcher has represented both England and Scotland at youth international level – sparking a war over his long term future.He’s no stranger to playing for rivals either, having been pinched away from Man City’s academy in 2023. 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    Napoli fans unveil hilarious Scott McTominay banner after Man Utd outcast dubbed the ‘new Maradona’ by supporters

    NAPOLI fans have produced a hilarious banner paying tribute to Scott McTominay.The Scot has become a firm fan favourite since his summer move from Manchester United.Scott McTominay has made a big impact at NapoliCredit: GettyA fan paid tribute to the midfielder with a hilarious bannerCredit: instagram @sancirosedinHe has chipped in with big goals and helped Napoli to the Serie A summit, earning him adoration from fans.One supporter showed the love for McTominay with a hilarious banner.It features a Scotland flag with the Napoli badge emblazoned across the front.It also bears the words: “Napoli. McTominay. Pizza. In that order.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe flag, similar to Gareth Bale’s infamous “Wales, Golf, Madrid” banner, has been hung up in a pizza restaurant in Naples.McTominay, 28, has become an important player in Italy and is understood to be loved by his team-mates and manager Antonio Conte too.The Italian press have described the midfielder as “the new leader of Napoli” and “the next Maradona” due to the impact he’s had.Napoli fans have fallen for McTominay and have nicknamed him “McTotally”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has scored seven goals this season and produced four assists, featuring in all but one Serie A game.McTominay has proved to be a bargain at £25million with football agent Christian Bosco describing him as “potentially one of the best midfielders in Napoli’s history”.Welsh fans fans display the Gareth Bale flag in 2019Credit: ReutersInside Scott McTominay and Cam Reading’s glam life in Naples More

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    Man Utd dealt massive blow with Kobbie Mainoo set to miss SIX WEEKS as Ruben Amorim lifts lid on injury crisis

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been left reeling after Ruben Amorim revealed Kobbie Mainoo is out for the next six weeks.The England midfielder suffered a knock in training this week and was immediately ruled out of today’s match against Tottenham.Man Utd star Kobbie Mainoo has been ruled out for the next six weeksCredit: AlamyMainoo was expected to return after two weeks on the sideline.But the Mail claims Mainoo will play no further role in United’s campaign for at least six weeks.The blow comes after winger Amad Diallo was ruled out possibly for the remainder of the season alongside crocked Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez.Manuel Ugarte, Toby Collyer and Leny Yoro have also joined the injury list this week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Amorim opened up over his injury crisis before United’s game against Spurs.He said: “Amad’s [injury] was alone, Ugarte’s was a kick. Toby [Collyer] and Kobbie [Mainoo] felt something.”It is what it is, but we have the kids, and they have the opportunity to be on the bench. “It is a really hard season and we have to deal with that.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnited’s injury crisis means that EIGHT kids have been named on today’s bench.Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass, Sekou Kone, Elyh Samuel Harrison, Tyler Fredricson, Chido Obi-Martin, Jack Fletcher and Jack Lee Moorhouse are all hoping to play some role today.Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis Victor Lindelof is the only senior substitute available.United have been forced to start both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirzkee in attack, with Bruno Fernandes lining up in a deeper role alongside veteran Casemiro. More