Philippa Kaur

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    Heartache for Jack Grealish as he’s forced off injured in front of Thomas Tuchel after half hour of rare Man City start

    JACK GREALISH has suffered injury agony in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel.The midfielder was forced off on the half hour against Real Madrid amid a rare start for Manchester City. Jack Grealish went off on the half hour against Real MadridCredit: PAThe midfielder had been feeling his leg long before having treatmentCredit: PACity led through Erling Haaland’s 19th minute opener – with Grealish involved in the build-up.But the former Aston Villa favourite, who had been impressive in the opening exchanges, went down on his knees not long afterwards.He had been holding his leg at times earlier and this time needed treatment on the pitch.The 29-year-old couldn’t continue and had to be replaced by fellow Three Lions star Phil Foden.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEtihad chief Pep Guardiola had a conversation with Grealish, who looked unsure about going straight to the dressing room.Eventually he headed down the tunnel – a sensible choice perhaps on a bitter night. Grealish’s fortunes appeared to be on the up over the weekend, following a mediocre first half of the season in which he had limited game time.His sublime angled pass teed up sub Kevin de Bruyne’s clincher in Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup comeback win at Leyton Orient. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTuchel was at City for Tuesday’s Champions League play-off six weeks before his first two games in charge of England.The Three Lions face home World Cup qualifiers against Albania on March 21 and Latvia three days later.’Jack Grealish was a Tottenham player’ – Ex-Spurs chief reveals two huge transfers to ‘replace irreplaceable’ fell apart More

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    Fans slam ‘longest VAR check ever’ as Man City vs Real Madrid hit by HUGE delay despite semi-automated technology

    FANS were left fuming as Erling Haaland’s Manchester City opener against Real Madrid was subject to a lengthy VAR check.The Norwegian’s strike was finally awarded after it was deemed that he had been onside when Josko Gvardiol chested the ball down to him.The goal was subject to a lengthy checkCredit: ReutersHaaland was onside when Josko Gvardiol chested the ball to himCredit: Prime VideoErling Haaland celebrates firing Man City into the leadCredit: ReutersHaaland scored in the 19th minute of the contest.It was nearly five minutes before the goal was confirmed, despite the Champions League using semi-automated offside technology.A visual graphic eventually illustrated that only Haaland’s hand had been in an offside position.And as you cannot score with your hand, the forward was confirmed as being onside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were left bewildered at the delay.One wrote on X: “I don’t think I’ve seen a longer VAR check before. If it’s clearly not offside give it as a goal and move on!”While a second sarcastically added: “Five minutes to confirm what was obvious. UEFA drama at its finest.”During the delay, Haaland could be seen exchanging words with Vinicius Jr.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHaaland was narrowly deemed to be onsideCredit: Prime VideoThe Real Madrid star was mocked by a City tifo as the teams walked out.Vinicius had been left extremely disappointed when he missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Rodri.Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobReal Madrid even boycotted the event over their winger’s snub.Poking fun at Real’s stance, City fans held up a huge image of Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy, with the Oasis lyrics: “Stop crying your heart out.”City took a cheeky dig at Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or snub More

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    ‘Congrats to Liverpool on the title’ moan Arsenal fans as Havertz suffers injury to leave Arteta without any strikers

    ARSENAL face being without any strikers after an injury scare to top scorer Kai Havertz.Boss Mikel Arteta had already confessed his disappointment at failing to land any new frontmen in the winter transfer window.Kai Havertz, pictured in Dubai with Arsenal team-mate Leandro Trossard, has reportedly picked up a hamstring niggleCredit: GettyGunners manager Mikel Arteta has had frontline problems all seasonCredit: GettyAnd that headache could now become much worse.First-choice attackers Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are crocked.And now Havertz has reportedly been troubled by a hamstring injury during a training trip to Dubai.Some fans on social media reacted by claiming Arsenal should now say “Congrats to Liverpool on the title”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArne Slot’s Reds are six points clear of the second-placed Gunners in the Premier League and also have a game in handBut other supporters reckon it’s ridiculous to rule out a title surge just because of a fitness scare over Havertz.The 15-goal German has yet to win over all the Arsenal faithful despite his best season so far.And fans are desperate for winger Saka to return.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut after a handful of gloomy Gunners’ messages, one X user responded: “It’s not over yet bro and I’m a Liverpool fan.”If we beat Everton tomorrow (Wednesday) I think it’s done. If not still a big chance for you imo. You can’t get any more meaningful injuries though.”How Liverpool’s genius offside-buster gives them HUGE edge over EvertonAnother wrote: “Buddy said congrats here as if Kai Havertz was supposed to be the difference.”But a third supporter insisted Liverpool are already sure to lift the crown – but for a different reason.He said: “They won long before – when Manchester City lost a few games in a row.”  More

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    Man Utd flops ‘questioning Ruben Amorim’s tactics and discussing change of style’ as they lurk close to relegation

    MANCHESTER UNITED stars have questioned whether boss Ruben Amorim should change his system, according to reports.The Portuguese, 40, has implemented a 3-4-3 formation since moving to Old Trafford in November.Ruben Amorim has so far struggled as Man Utd bossCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are 13th in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyHis side have so far struggled to get to grips with it, losing eight of Amorim’s 20 matches in charge in all competitions.Man Utd’s poor form has seen them slump to 13th in the Premier League table.According to the Mail, some United players have spoken about whether they’d be better off adapting their tactical approach in order to achieve better results in the short term.There are said to be concerns that the Red Devils will not get better unless Amorim makes changes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Sporting CP boss is very unlikely to make significant tweaks.Following his side’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle in December, Amorim said: “I have to sell my idea. If I change all the time it is going to be even worse.”I understand they have a lot of difficulties because they spent two years playing one way and now they are playing another.”With a lot of losses, it is really tough on them. You can feel it, during the game I can feel it but I have to sell my idea because I don’t have another one.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”When you have a change of coach, especially in this type of club, it is because they were not winning.”They played in the system they were bought for and were chosen perfectly for that system. After two years, working in pre-season, they were losing. ‘He’s got a pair of b——s,’ says Rio Ferdinand as he hits back at Roy Keane’s criticism of Man Utd star Garnacho”So am I going to change to that system to something that I don’t believe in? That doesn’t make sense.”Despite question marks surrounding his system, there are so far no suggestions that Amorim is close to losing the United dressing room.But Gary Neville has also raised concerns over his old side’s struggles to get to grips with Amorim’s way of playing.He said on his Gary Neville Podcast: “I thought it would get better when Ruben Amorim came in, the enthusiasm of him and the new system, the players would buy into and we’d see a bounce, but we’ve seen the absolute opposite and it’s got a lot worse.”They are obviously going to stick with Amorim. But the more you lose, the more difficult it is for the manager to convince the players of his idea.”It will depress the thoughts of the players to a point whereby they’ll start to lose faith in the idea and it’ll damage you.” More

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    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly splashes £40m on brand new team as he expands business empire

    CHELSEA owner Todd Boehly has plunged into cricket by paying £40million for a 49 per cent stake in Trent Rockets.The team competes in The Hundred, which is a short-form 100-ball event that started in 2021.Todd Boehly has purchased 49 per cent of the Trent RocketsCredit: GettyThe Nottingham-based side won the tournament in 2022Credit: GettyBoehly has been in talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) since October when the first round of bidding ended.The Chelsea chief extends his portfolio to cricket alongside fellow Blues director Jonathan Goldstein via business Cain International.They have entered a period of exclusivity with Nottinghamshire CCC, who will retain a controlling (51 per cent) stake in the franchise.American Boehly, who led a consortium which bought Chelsea for £4.25billion in 2022, has stakes in many other teams including baseball’s LA Dodgers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheir deal will take proceeds from the eight-team Hundred sell-off to around £500million, with one side still to go under the hammer.Other investors include three IPL franchises, an IT entrepreneur, a consortium of cricket-mad tech tycoons and the owners of Birmingham City, who include NFL legend Tom Brady.The money will be shared by the recreational game, the 18 counties and MCC.Meanwhile, England play their final ODI in India tomorrow with Mark Wood insisting they need more time to fire under Brendon McCullum.Most read in CricketBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEngland have lost six matches out of seven in India since McCullum took charge of all formats.Fast bowler Wood said: “Some of the guys are starting under a new coach. It takes time. The Test team was in a different place to the white-ball team.”Bizarre moment Enzo Fernandez gives fan his shorts after Chelsea clash… but supporter SNIFFS themBatsman Tom Banton, called up for the injured Jacob Bethell, could play his first match for England since 2020. More

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    My hair will be all over the place’ – Wayne Rooney leaves Amazon Prime panel in stitches with gag about Manchester rain

    WAYNE ROONEY trolled himself on his rain-lashed Amazon Prime debut.The Manchester United icon was the only one in a four-person broadcasting team at Manchester City against Real Madrid without an umbrella.Wayne Rooney gave himself some stick over his hairCredit: X @primevideosportAnd when his brolly bravery was pointed out to him, Rooney joked: “I hope the rain doesn’t come down any more, my hair will be all over the place!”Rooney is understood to have had two hair transplants.The procedures are thought to have cost around £30,000.After his first op in 2011 he was happy to share the experience on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe posted: “Just to confirm to all my followers I have had a hair transplant. I was going bald at 25, why not? I’m delighted with the result.”Rooney reportedly then had a top-up two years later.The former Everton striker, 39, was sacked from his last managerial job in December – after just seven months in charge of Plymouth.But amid a string of offers he chose a TV stint with Amazon.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd in fact it took him just THREE SECONDS with the microphone at the Etihad on Tuesday night to land a dig.He told his new colleagues: “Obviously a stadium I’ve scored a lot of goals in.”Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobA grinning Rooney then added: “I’m sure I’ll get a nice welcome.” One fan responded on X: “6 goals he scored at the Etihad btw wouldn’t say that’s a lot of goals.”Meanwhile, City were more concerned about keeping Real out – with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe both starting for the visitors. More

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    ‘I’ve scored a lot of goals’ – Man Utd idol Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just THREE SECONDS of Amazon Prime job

    WAYNE ROONEY set a cheeky new record just three seconds into his debut as an Amazon Prime Video pundit.The Manchester United legend was at the Etihad for City’s Champions League play-off with Real Madrid.Wayne Rooney made a mischievous instant impactCredit: GettyHe scored six goals at the Etihad Stadium during his careerCredit: GettyAnd after just THREE SECONDS the ex-striker joked: “Obviously, it’s a stadium I’ve scored a lot of goals in…”Rooney immediately added: “So I’m sure I’ll get a nice welcome!”He joined Gabby Logan, Daniel Sturridge and Clarence Seedorf on Prime for the coverage of the match.The former England skipper has had some memorable moments at the Etihad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, his overall stats against City are pretty modest – by his incredible standards.Rooney, 39, notched nine goals and three assists in 27 games against the Cityzens for United and Everton.And six of these came on City’s own patch, with five during his time at Man United and one at the Toffees.Fans loved the joke as they reacted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne posted: “Hahaha classic one from Rooney there.”A second commented: “Brutal jibe from Wazza.” ‘My hair will be all over the place’ – Wayne Rooney leaves Amazon Prime panel in stitches with gag about Manchester rainWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.The former Red Devils star is a club legend with an all-time record of 253 goals in 559 appearances in all competitions.He starred for the club between 2004 and 2017, during which he won five Premier League titles and one Champions League.He retired in 2021 and has worked in club management up until last year when he was axed by Plymouth Argyle.He has recently been tipped for a stunning return to the dugout with Steven Gerrard at Rangers. More