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    Huge injury blow for Man City as £50m new signing Nico Gonzalez’s debut lasts just 22 minutes before he’s crocked

    MANCHESTER CITY were hit with a huge injury blow as Nico Gonzalez’s debut lasted just 22 minutes. The midfielder signed for £50million from Porto in the January transfer window and started against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup. Nico Gonzalez went off injured on his City debutCredit: GettyBut Gonzalez went down injured off the ball on 20 minutes – and was replaced by Bernardo Silva just moments later. City were trailing at the time and now face hosting Real Madrid on Tuesday without their new man. But manager Pep Guardiola did breathe a sigh of relief when Abdukodir Khusanov levelled on 55 minutes. Defender Rico Lewis – who started at right-back – saw his effort on the edge of the box deflect off Khusanov and past keeper Josh Keeley.READ MORE IN footballIt came after Orient took a shock lead on 16 minutes when Jamie Donley’s stunner from halfway hit the bar and bounced off Stefan Ortega. Kevin de Bruyne – off the bench also – then put City ahead by poking a through ball past Orient’s Keeley to win the game 2-1. City new boy Gonzalez – who came through Barcelona’s academy and first team – started in midfield alongside Ilkay Gundogan. His arrival comes with Rodri still facing the prospect of missing the remainder of the season through injury. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Spaniard ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September. Guardiola has history with Gonzalez having tracked his time at Barca’s youth set up. And he said: “It’s a position where we were weak after the absence from Rodri.”I know him from the Barcelona academy and his father was working here. “I’m really pleased from the effort of the club to bring him here for the next years.”Gonzalez signed from Porto More

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    ‘Setting the example’ – fans hail Ruben Amorim’s devotion to hard work after narrow FA Cup win over Leicester

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have hailed Ruben Amorim’s devotion to hard work after he held training in the aftermath of his side’s last-gasp FA Cup win over Leicester.Amorim set up a post-match training session for his players on the Old Trafford pitch immediately after United’s 2-1 victory.Amorim oversaw a full training session after United’s 2-1 win over LeicesterAmorim put his United players through their paces after full-timeOnce again, Amorim watched on as his side produced a pitiful display in the first half, with the visitors taking the lead on the brink of the interval through Bobby De Cordova-Reid.The half-time introduction of Alejandro Garnacho provided a lift for United in the second half, and the hosts soon got back on level terms through Joshua Zirkzee.Fans were preparing for extra-time before Harry Maguire headed home in stoppage time, despite appearing to have been offside in the absence of VAR in the fourth round.The dramatic ending spared Amorim’s blushes and the Portuguese gaffer was quick to take action following the full-time whistle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA post on the club’s social media channels showed players being put through their paces on the pitch on Friday night.The post confirmed that players were undergoing a full training session, rather than a customary post-match warm-down.And fans absolutely loved to see Amorim’s hardline methods.One wrote on X: “I saw the boss there. That’s setting the example.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second said: “Make them work for the badge!”A third added: “This is exactly what we need to see.”Ruud van Nistelrooy talks about his feelings in returning to Old Trafford for Man Utd clash Rasmus Hojlund was involved despite the fact that he played the full 90 minutes against Leicester.The Dane struggled to make an impact, failing to register a single shot and losing possession nine times.The draw for the fifth round will take place on Monday at 7pm.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    ‘Nobody wants this’ Fans destroy BBC’s half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man City

    THE BBC have come under fire from baffled fans – for interviewing a player at HALF-TIME.Leyton Orient’s Dan Happe was thrown in front of the camera after his team’s impressive first-half performance at Brisbane Road.Dan Happe gave a half-time interview to the BBC during Leyton Orient’s FA Cup clash with Man CityCredit: BBCFans were baffled as the rain-sodden skippered was interviewed on his way to the dressing roomCredit: BBCAn own goal from Stefan Ortega gave the League One side a deserved lead at the break.The game was played in driving rain in East London, with Orient defending valiantly to preserve their lead. But as a sodden Happe headed towards the dressing room, he was collared by the Beeb for an interview. One fan fumed on X: “You guys are shameless, interviewing a Leyton Orient player AT HALF TIME! No class!”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnother said: “Why are we now doing half time interviews… utter disgrace to the game, it’s not a circus.”While a third added: “Half time interviews? Literally surely the player has better things to be doing and thinking about at half time.”And a fourth raged: “Why do the BBC believe its appropriate to interview the captain of the lower division team even before he’s got off the pitch at half time. Try f*****g doing that to the City captain or Guardiola. The disrespect is unbelievable.”And ESPN’s Ian Darke added: “Really don’t want to see players interviewed in cold and wet conditions on their way off pitch at half time. Doesn’t feel right, adds little.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s not the first time the BBC have trialled the innovation this season during their FA Cup coverage. Sky Sports faced a similar backlash from fans last year after interviewing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola during the half-time break in a Premier League game. Pep Guardiola preview Man City’s tasty clash against Leyton OrientEarlier in Saturday’s fourth-round contest, Jamie Donley stunned the Premier League champions by taking aim from 40 yards out.Donley came out best following a 50/50 in the middle of the park and spotted City keeper Ortega off his line.The 20-year-old hit a brilliant strike from just inside City’s half, which Ortega could only watch fly over his head.Donley was denied a stunning goal only by the crossbar.But the ball instead smashed back off the woodwork, hitting Ortega and rolling into the net. More

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    ‘Not good enough’ Harry Maguire reveals Man Utd stars have ‘lost confidence’ when playing at home at Old Trafford

    HARRY Maguire reckons Old Trafford is once again a stadium that strikes fear into players – just not the right ones.And the no-nonsense centre back has urged his Manchester United pals to shrug off their home sickness if they want to rescue a dismal season.Harry Maguire admitted that he and his team-mates have little confidence at Old TraffordOn Friday, Maguire ticked one off his personal bucket list with a last-gasp headed winner in front of the Stretford End to save their FA Cup skins.Yet United stumbled, rather than sparkled, to a 2-1 fourth round triumph over lowly Leicester, after trailing the relegation scrappers for much of the game.Maguire – like everyone bar the officials – also knew he was one of FOUR men in an offside position when he scored, and the goal would have been ruled out had VAR been in operation.And as a realist, he wasn’t about to get carried away by a place in the last 16…more concerned at getting his team-mates back on track in front of their own fans.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe stadium which once struck fear into opponents throughout Europe in the glory years, now only causes those in United shirts to tremble.They have won just five of 13 Premier League games at Old Trafford – and Maguire knows the rot must stop to get anything from the season.He warned: “We can’t be starting games like that at Old Trafford. The run of results here has been so poor I think the boys have lost a little confidence of playing in front of the crowd.“It’s something we need to address because if we want to be a successful team we’ve got to make it hard for teams to come here and play – and the first half wasn’t good.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We’ve got to stop conceding that first goal. If you’re not playing free-flowing football and the performances aren’t great, you’ve just got to keep yourself at 0-0 for as long as you can.“We have talent in the team to change the momentum. But at the moment, whenever we come under a tiny bit of pressure we concede a goal and that’s not good enough.”Luke Littler and AngryGinge lose their heads on live stream after predicting Harry Maguire would score Man Utd winnerMaguire’s winner came was allowed to stand despite being at least a yard beyond the Leicester backline – yet at least it finally saw him realise a personal dream.He admitted: “Yes, it was a nice moment for myself because in six years at the club, I haven’t managed a last-minute winner at the Stretford End.“I’ve scored at the Stretford End but not in the last minute, so it’s something I’ll never forget. It’s an amazing feeling.“I can remember eight years ago I scored at the King Power for Leicester against Man United in the last minute, so it’s roles reversed now. I’m happy to be on the end of it.”Maguire scored the winner but Alejandro Garnacho’s second half cameo inspired the turnaroundCredit: AFPUnited’s comeback was inspired when Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench for the second half, teeing up Joshua Zirkzee’s equaliser before the dramatic finish.Maguire hailed the young Argentine winger’s impact and reckons it has to be a benchmark for the others to follow.He added: “It was a great mentality from him tonight because I’m sure he was frustrated not to start and wants to play every game.“But when he does come off the bench he always has a huge impact on the team. He did it in the Europa League last midweek with Amad, and changed the game there.“Now he’s come on and changed the game again…he had a huge impact. I’m sure he doesn’t want to be called an impact player and he wants to be playing from the start.“But credit to him, he was mentally right, mentally focused and came in with a great attitude. He definitely helped us to win the game.”United equalled a humiliating 132-year record with the defeat to Crystal Palace last Sunday.The result was the club’s SEVENTH Premier League home defeat of the season – from just 13 matches.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is their joint-worst record at this stage of the season in their entire history.In 1893-94, when still called Newton Heath, they went on to lose eight of their 15 home league games.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Leyton Orient star Jamie Donley scores from halfway line v Man City in FA Cup – but it’s harshly ruled an own goal

    LEYTON ORIENT were in FA Cup dreamland after taking a shock lead against Manchester City. Jamie Donley stunned the Premier League champions by taking aim from 40 yards out at Brisbane Road. Jamie Donley spotted Ortega off his line in Leyton Orient’s FA Cup game with Man CityCredit: BBCThe 20-year-old saw his brilliant effort cruelly hit the crossbarCredit: BBCBut Ortega would only divert the ball back into his own netCredit: BBCDonley – who is on loan from Tottenham – celebrated wildly with the OrientCredit: BBCPep Guardiola named a strong starting XI for the trip to East London.Jack Grealish, Omar Marmoush, Ilkay Gungogan and Savinho all started for the seven-time FA Cup winners. While Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, John Stones and Bernard were all named on the bench. But City were made to pay for a slow start when Orient took the lead on 15 minutes. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDonley came out best following a 50/50 in the middle of the park and spotted keeper Stefan Ortega off his line. The 20-year-old hit a brilliant strike from just inside City’s half, which Ortega could only watch fly over his head. Donley was denied a stunning goal only by the crossbar.But the ball instead smashed back off the woodwork, hitting Ortega and rolling into the net. Most read in FootballDonley, on loan from Tottenham, has netted six times in 22 games since joining the O’s in the summer.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOrient have enjoyed a super season in League One and are well in the hunt for the playoffs. They have beaten Boreham Wood, Oldham Atheltic, and Championship side Derby so far in their run to the fourth round. Man goes football crazy after renting flat next to Leyton Orient’s stadium City were dealt a blow later in the first half as new signing Nico Gonzalez limped off injured on debut.Marmoush, Grealish and Savinho all had chances to level before the break but were kept out by Orient keeper Josh Keeley. More

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    Harry Kane breaks silence on his transfer release clause from Bayern Munich which could see him return to Premier League

    HARRY KANE refused to deny he has a release clause in his Bayern Munich deal that could signal a sensational Premier League return.The England captain joined the Bundesliga giants from Tottenham in August 2023 for £104million.Harry Kane reportedly has a release clause in his Bayern contractCredit: GettyReports in Germany claim there is a buy-out option of £54million in the striker’s contract that he can activate in January 2026.The clause could have allegedly been met during the recent winter transfer window for the higher fee of £67million.Asked about the situation, Kane, 31, said: “What I can say is that I’m very happy at FC Bayern. No comment on the clause.”Deadly from 12 yards, Kane scored two penalties on Friday night at the Allianz Arena in a 3-0 win over Werder Bremen.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has scored 21 goals in this season’s German top-flight and converted 20 of his 20 penalties for the club.His last spot-kick failure dates back to December 2022 in an England shirt in the World Cup quarter-final exit to France in Qatar.Kane said: “I’m on a good run. Misses can happen. It has happened in the past, too.“It was another nice game. There will always be tight games throughout the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I want to take responsibility and open the game up. It’s happened a few times this season which is good.“I’m enjoying being out here with the boys.How much Mathys Tel will cost Tottenham for four months revealed… with no guarantee Spurs can activate buy option“There’s always room for improvement for myself personally, like the one I missed with the left foot. But it’s always nice to score.”Bayern president Herbert Hainer gushed: “That’s a quality Harry has. I don’t know anyone who converts penalties quite like he does.“It’s crazy that the goalkeeper always flies into the wrong corner.”Vincent Kompany’s side will be in good form and confidence ahead of a key week in two competitions.They play Celtic away on Wednesday in the Champions League playoffs first leg and then it is a visit to league rivals and reigning champions Bayern Leverkusen on Saturday.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Cole Palmer set for shock position change as Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hints a new tactic for FA Cup tie at Brighton

    ENZO MARESCA warned Cole Palmer could be forced into a change of position to help solve Chelsea’s injury crisis. The Blues travel to Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round tonight – but do so with attackers sidelined. Enzo Maresca warned Cole Palmer could be forced into a change of positionCredit: ReutersStrike pair Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu were both forced off in Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge against West Ham on Monday. It leaves Christopher Nkunku and Palmer – who played through the middle for Maresca at Manchester City’s academy – as options to lead the line. Maresca said: “We have players. Christo has played already as a nine. I had Cole playing as a nine in the past. We can find some different solutions. “At the moment, we didn’t decide anything because we are still waiting for Nico and from there, we will see different options.”READ MORE IN footballPalmer is Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 14 – playing almost all of his football in the No10 role. He started on the right in the 2-0 opening day defeat against Premier League champions City – before remaning in the middle. Nkunku is behind Palmer with 13 goals this season but only two of those have come in the league. He has provided back up to Jackson – on nine goals – but Maresca says the Frenchman is best in the No10. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNkunku – who came on against West Ham on the left – was linked with a move to Bayern Munich the January transfer window. But he stayed in West London and Maresca hinted at giving the former RB Leipzig star more minutes. Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training He said: “I spoke last week already about Christo. “Probably against West Ham, he played more or less half an hour and hopefully from now on he can get more minutes and help us.” The Blues boss named Nkunku as one of the players who can help ease pressure off Palmer’s scoring shoulders.He said: “We have just 14 [league] games to go. It’s just 14 games, not a big number.“Since we started, Cole plays always, so I don’t think it is something that is going to make a difference for Cole. “Also we have Christo in that position. We can have different players who play there.”Christopher Nkunku is set for more game time at ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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    Beth Merrick says Wolves will not be counting themselves out in Women’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United

    BETH MERRICK loves juggling her passion for education with playing for Wolves Women’s Championship promotion chasers. Tonight, the lifelong Wolves fan and secondary school PE teacher, 29, hopes to inspire the next generation in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round. Beth Merrick and her Wolverhampton team-mates are set for a huge test in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round against Man UnitedCredit: GettyPE teacher Merrick says pupils at the Staffordshire secondary school she works at are relishing seeing her in action against United’s starsCredit: GettyLifelong Wolves fan Merrick hopes to see a record turnout for their FA Cup game at SEAH Stadium in TelfordAnd that is by knocking out holders Manchester United in what would be a huge giant-killing. Merrick and her hungry third-tier Wolves pals will go for the jugular when they face a United side, whose stars include England Euros winner Ella Toone. Meanwhile her students are relishing the prospect of watching their teacher take on the Red Devils. Midfielder Merrick, who works in the Staffordshire city of Lichfield, said:Read More Football Stories”I’ve got girls who will be going to a match for the first time “Students that have never been really interested in football that are just excited to come and watch me share a pitch with people who they’ve heard are good at football. “I’ve had so much excitement (from my pupils) and Ella Toone has been the big one in terms (of the players) on everyone’s minds. “There are going to be some really happy children from my school who will be watching their football heroes and watching their teacher share a pitch with these heroes.”Most read in FootballLast year’s FA Cup final decider between United and Tottenham at Wembley, which ended as a 4-0 triumph for the Red Devils attracted a crowd of 76,082. This was just 1,302 shy of the record-breaking number of spectators that watched Chelsea beat the holders 1-0 in the final the year before. And Wolves, who are coached by RAF aircraft technician Dan McNamara, hope to see a record turnout at their 6,300-capacity SEAH Stadium in Telford at 5:15pm this evening. Merrick adds: “Our club has grown so much and women’s football has been growing anyway. “It’s an emerging sport in its own right compared to men’s football.”The way that it’s gone and the way that it’s been has changed dramatically. “At the school I work at I’ve been hearing comments in the last couple of weeks where girls are mentioning the fact of, ‘oh my God, you’ll be playing against Ella Toone!’ “Just that in itself and the fact they can name a Man United Women’s player is a really big opportunity to showcase that.”Merrick’s journey as a footballer began at the age of seven when she entered Wolves’ Centre of Excellence. After six years in their youth system she would spend a decade at Aston Villa before spells with Sheffield United and Coventry before returning to Wolverhampton. The former England Under-23 international had a chance to become a full-time player during her Villa days. She was also part of the side that competed in the Women’s Championship in 2015. But for Merrick being able to balance her teaching career with her job on the pitch is important. Man United boss Marc Skinner hopes to guide his side to back-to-back Women’s FA Cup trophy winsCredit: PAShe said: “At Villa the opportunity was there to be full-time, but I turned it down so that I could do bothREAD MORE SUN STORIES”Having students that I’ve managed to inspire and the comments I have had (from them) over the last few weeks on this game alone has been amazing. “That’s all from the growth of women’s football and the hard work that people have put in and others that have paved the way for us.” More