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    Old Trafford’s Stretford End could be REMOVED as Man Utd draw up three plans for new ‘Wembley of the North’ stadium

    MANCHESTER UNITED are working on three stadium expansion options – with a final decision expected next year.The Red Devils are assessing two different plans to build a new 100,000-seater venue – and a third option to expand Old Trafford from its current 74,310 capacity to 87,000.AI images have been mocked up to show what a new Man Utd stadium could look likeCredit: CanvaThere are two plans for the new groundSir Jim Ratcliffe has made clear his desire to build a ‘Wembley of the North’Credit: Getty – ContributorWhere Man Utd’s new stadium could be locatedBoth plans for a new ground are on pretty much the same site, but with slightly different footprints.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s preferred option is to build a 100,000-seater stadium on nearby land used by a rail freight company.Architects Foster & Partner have also drawn up plans for a new 100,000-capacity ground on land behind the Stretford End.This option may involve cutting off the Stretford End to finish the build, meaning some fans may be temporarily unable to attend games, but club execs are exploring options to avoid this.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSir Jim and club officials are also investigating a plan that would see Old Trafford expanded and renovated.The plans would focus on redevelopment of the Sir Bobby Charlton stand, also known as the South stand, but could also see a stand by stand expansion and a new roof.This option would also mean some fans may be forced to miss games during construction work.SunSport has approached Man Utd for comment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd have options as to where the 100,000-seater stadium would be builtCredit: CanvaHow Man Utd plan to expand Old Trafford if they stay at the stadiumWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. The club are confident they have the demand to sell season tickets to fill a 100,000 stadium.Club officials told a recent Old Trafford Regeneration meeting that 177,000 fans are on the season ticket waiting list.Man drills Old Trafford seat together minutes before kick-off between Man Utd and Fulham The club currently sells 50,000 season tickets every season.All three options would benefit from building and opening a new train station close to the ground to help fans get to the stadium.It is thought that once an option is chosen, there is likely to be a lengthy ‘Design Consultation’ which could last up to two years before the building work will commence.That means stadium construction is not likely to start until at least the end of the 2027/28 season, with the new stadium unlikely to be completed before 2032.The project could cost £2bn and financing could prove an issue, with Ratcliffe himself only said to be worth £12bn – and that was before he bought into United.But increased capacity and better hospitality packages will see matchday revenue increase sharply, with some estimates predicting a rise from £136m to £200m a year.New shops and restaurants would also likely have to pay rent to the club, while United could even own the stores outright, meaning they would have a steady source of income from the site even when games are not being played.Back in March, Ratcliffe spoke about designing a “Wembley of the North”.He told the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast: “You have got this opportunity if you choose to, to build a completely new ground, because we have got enough space.”If you built a completely new ground it would absolutely be state-of-the-art, world class, 90,000 or maybe even 100,000 that then provides a platform for some of the big competitions in the north of England.”Why do England always play in the south? Why is the FA Cup final always in the south? Why can’t the Champions League final be in the north occasionally?READ MORE SUN STORIES”Football in the north is just as important as it is in the south, arguably more so, and the people in the north pay their taxes, so why do we have Wembley, Twickenham, Wimbledon etc in the south.”What have we got in the north? There’s a strong argument to build a ‘Wembley of the North’.”This map shows the 100 acres owned by Man Utd More

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    Meet Enzo Fernandez’s reported new Wag, Argentinian rapper Nicki Nicole who dated a F1 star and is loved by Barack Obama

    MEET stunning rapper Nicki Nicole, who has reportedly caught Enzo Fernandez’s eye.It has been claimed the Chelsea midfield ace is dating the Argentinian singer, 24, as per La Nacion.24-year-old rapper Nicki Nicole is reportedly dating Enzo FernandezCredit: INSTAGRAMArgentinian pop star Nicole has over 22 million Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAMNicole made a name for herself in the rap world in MC battles on the streets of RosarioCredit: INSTAGRAMThey are believed to have met each other at the end of October in a Buenos Aires nightclub called Moby Dick.That same month, Enzo’s ex-wife Valentina Cervantes, who is the mother of his two children, confirmed she had split from the Argentina World Cup winner.It is believed Fernandez split from Valentina before he began a relationship with Nicole.Enzo and Nicole were filmed talking to one another in a video that went viral on TikTok.Read more football news But who is the girl that is said to have stolen the Stamford Bridge star’s heart?Let SunSport fill you in on a Barack Obama-endorsed music artist, who also had a reported fling with an F1 racer.Breaking boundariesAt 17, Nicole engaged in MC battles in the shape of competitions held in public squares in Rosario, where there’s a huge appetite for rap.In one, she stood up to a male opponent who aimed a sexist jibe at her.Most read in FootballShe drew an applause and cheer from the crowd, and quickly realised it was a world for her.Chelsea player ratings vs Aston Villa article (1)Eager to begin her career in music, Nicole launched a YouTube channel and showcased her skills.Soon, she was writing her own tunes and putting them out for the world to see.As well as her sound, Nicole is completely unapologetic when it comes to her fierce look.She sports a neck tattoo that adds to her ferocity – especially as it features a naughty English phrase.“It says ‘bulls***’ in English,” she told The Guardian in an interview in 2020.“Bull. S***. Women in Argentina are told how to act, how they should dress.”As soon as I turned 18 I got this tattoo to say: ‘F*** that – I’ll do what I want.’”Nicole went viral when she shared her rap content on YouTubeCredit: INSTAGRAMRap star Nicole boasts several tattoos including a swear word on her neckCredit: INSTAGRAMNicole is unapologetic about who she is and has a fierce reputation in her homelandCredit: INSTAGRAMread more sport featuresFamous fanSince making it, Nicole has travelled around the world.In Spanish speaking countries, including the US, she has earned a huge fanbase among the Latin community.She was the first Argentinian pop star to perform on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.Then in 2022, she performed at the Coachella music festival in California.But perhaps the greatest compliment of all came from a former US president.When Barack Obama revealed his summer playlist in 2021, it included her track Ella no es tuya as one of his recommendations.In his 2021 summer playlist, Barack Obama included one of Nicole’s songsCredit: INSTAGRAMThe US has taken to Nicole who has appeared at Coachella music festival and on Jimmy Fallon’s chat showCredit: INSTAGRAMExesA month before she reportedly began a romance with Enzo, Nicole was sharing flirty messages with F1 ace Franco Colapinto, who has been seen on a date with Wanda Icardi’s love rival.When the Williams racer pulled a prank on a social media, Nicole replied before he told her he would message her privately.That was after a flurry of messages between each other – sparking rumours that they were more than friends.READ MORE SUN STORIESNicole also used to date Mexican rapper, Peso Pluma.However, she announced they went their separate ways, not long after they made their red carpet debut at the Latin Grammy Awards.Nicole was the former girlfriend of Mexican rapper Peso PlumaCredit: GettyF1 ace Franco Colapinto and Nicole also flirted with each other onlineCredit: Getty More

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    How I uncovered Real Madrid’s sneaky Gareth Bale pursuit when I met him at airport a YEAR before world record transfer

    Who would have thought the foundations of a £86million world record transfer would be laid in a Balkan city with a population less than 100,000 people.Well, that was the case for Gareth Bale in October 2012.A forgettable Wales clash in Croatia put the wheels into motion for Gareth Bale’s move to Real MadridEleven months later, the then-Tottenham star would complete his transfer to Real MadridCredit: APBale joined Los Blancos for an £85m feeCredit: ReutersIn addition to his five Champions League titles he would go on to guide Wales to a Euro 2016 semi-finalCredit: GettyThe then Tottenham star had been playing in a 2014 World Cup qualifier for Wales in the Croatian city of Osijek.Bale and Wales may have lost 2-0 to Igor Stimac’s well-drilled side in Croatia’s fourth largest city but the result came as no surprise.The scoreline simply proved a sideshow to the main event of flying Spurs winger Bale fast becoming the talk of Europe because of his electrifying displays for both club and country.Here he was no different with his lung-bursting runs catching the eye once again in a struggling Welsh team.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd I stumbled upon a great follow-up which turned out to be the start of Bale’s mega money move to the Bernabeu 11 months later.Back then, I was an agency reporter for Westgate in Cardiff, supplying copy for the nationals.As well as filing for several daily and Sunday newspapers, I was asked to provide post-match analysis for radio station TalkSport.I agreed I would go on air while we waited to board – in quite possibly the smallest airport I’ve ever been in – before we flew with Chris Coleman’s men from Osijek immediately back to Cardiff.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI was on the radio for probably five minutes, finished the call, turned around and noticed everyone else had gone on to the plane.I was literally the last person to leave departures and head across the tarmac to the waiting plane.I tried following Gareth Bale’s diet to see if I could be as good as himI looked up only to see Wales’ talisman Bale a couple of steps in front of me.Tuesday, October 16, 2012, was a time when he didn’t have a bodyguard standing by his side at every moment.To put his status into context at that time, Barcelona had been keen on the pacy wideman in the previous summer following his emergence under Harry Redknapp and Andre Villas-Boas.But now talk was growing of the mighty Real Madrid.After a rocky start, Bale would go on to become a Real Madrid legendCredit: PA:Press AssociationThough he was, at times, happy to lap up Wales fans’ jokes that he was more loyal to the national teamCredit: Sky SportsOnly an hour or so before this, I’d been speaking to Luka Modric about his close pal Bale with my SunSport colleague Martin Blackburn in the mixed zone at the stadium.Modric had played alongside Bale between 2008 and 2012 before he moved from Spurs to Real in his own £30million deal just three months before.Whispers were quickly doing the rounds in the mixed zone that the classy midfielder had handed over a Real shirt to his former team-mate as a souvenir.Or perhaps a sweetener towards a future move!So fast forward back to the airport and I instantly spotted Bale was clutching a white plastic bag in his hand.There was no time to hesitate.”Is that a Real Madrid shirt in there?”, I asked.Bale replied: “Yes”.Before I had time to say anything else, Bale walked to the rear of the plane and I wandered off to the back where the rest of the travelling press pack were allocated their seats.I couldn’t believe my luck. Confirmation of the rumour mill swirling around post-match.As I went to sit down on the flight back to Wales, I said to a few of my peers; “I’ve got an even better follow up story.”We already had in the bag Modric beaming about Bale being on a par with Cristiano Ronaldo.The usual come and join me plea in journalistic terms.I recall as Modric was moving through the mixed zone, I kept asking him questions as he walked so we had more quotes for the story.A tad embarrassing maybe but it got the job done.And it also made staying at the drab and dreadful Hotel Silver for two nights worthwhile.That night, plaudits were ringing from Bale’s ears – even in defeat – as you could see he was a special world-class talent performing in front of your eyes.The defeat all but ended Wales’ hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup but Bale was on the rise – and he took his country along with him thereafter with their Euro 2016 semi-final heroics.Modric was in no doubt that Bale was good enough to play for Real, he wanted him to make the same move to the Spanish capital and how it would be a treat to have the best two wingers in the world.His comments did not go down well with AVB, who ordered the ex-Spurs player to stop meddling in their affairs.AVB claimed Bale was not for sale. Yeah, sure.Talk of the deal continued for months.The summer of 2013 turned into a Bale transfer saga which went to the wire after Spurs chairman Daniel Levy dug his heels.Eventually the Welshman, then 24, was paraded as Real’s £86million signing on September 1, 2013 infront of 80,000 fans at the Bernabeu.Bale may not have ever reached the heights of Ronaldo or Lionel Messi but the five-time Champions League winner was one of the top five players in world football for a decent period.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe remains British football’s greatest export.And we’ll always remember Osijek. More

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    Julen Lopetegui clinging to his job as West Ham hold emergency board meeting with three manager replacements in frame

    JULEN LOPETEGUI is clinging on to his job as West Ham’s board prepare to meet to discuss his future.The Hammers’ woeful defeat to struggling Leicester on Tuesday night could be the final nail in Loeptegui’s coffin, with a number of the club’s hierarchy keen to make a change.West Ham are holding an emergency board meeting about Julen Lopetegui’s futureThe Spaniard replaced David Moyes six months agoEdin Terzic, a former coach at the club, Graham Potter and ex-Porto manager Sergio Conceicao are all being considered as replacements.West Ham’s usually patient board are expected to hold talks on Wednesday to discuss whether or not to make a change.The club are currently 14th, six points clear of the drop, but have made no clear progress since David Moyes was replaced in the summer and almost £130million was spent on new players.Frustrated fans turned on Lopetegui at the King Power Stadium, chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at the former Wolves manager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPotter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April last year, was on punditry duty with Amazon Prime and said he is “open to everything” when it comes to a new role.The former Brighton boss recently turned down Leicester City but is understood to be open to taking over at the London Stadium if approached.While Lopetegui must shoulder some of the blame for West Ham’s poor start, captain Jarrod Bowen insists the squad must take responsibility too.He said: “There’s pressure on the players as well.Most read in Football”We’re the ones who have to go out there and perform, and we haven’t done that to the level that we know we’re capable of.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We need to turn it around as we’re all in it together as a group. It’s down to us to go out there and perform and do better than what we’re doing.”West Ham replaced Moyes, who won the Europa Conference League during his second spell in charge, with a view to improving the style of play.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamBut the Hammers remain woeful in defence having conceded 27 goals this season and there has been little sign of a new style being implemented.The former Spain and Real Madrid manager has remained insistent that he should be judged at the end of the season, but a majority of fans have made their mind up already – as have some figures within the club.A final call, however, will rest with chairman and largest shareholder, David Sullivan.Lopetegui was close to the sack before the Hammers’ game at Newcastle last month.An impressive 2-0 victory bought him more time.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a shambolic 5-2 defeat to Arsenal and a 3-1 humbling at relegation favourites Leicester has piled the pressure back on.It marked the seventh time in 16 games in all competitions that West Ham have conceded three or more goals this term.Lopetegui’s worst West Ham resultsWest Ham 1 – 3 Man City (Prem)West Ham 0 – 3 Chelsea (Prem)Liverpool 5 -1 West Ham (Carabao Cup)Tottenham 4 -1 West Ham (Prem)Nottingham Forest 3 – 0 West Ham (Prem)West Ham 2- 5 Arsenal (Prem)Leicester 3 -1 West Ham (Prem) More

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    Marc Guehi escapes FA charge after doubling down on rainbow armband stance with ‘Jesus loves you’ message

    MARC GUEHI will NOT be charged by the FA for displaying a second religious message on his rainbow armband during Crystal Palace’s 1-0 win over Ipswich.The England defender, 24, a devout Christian, was warned by the FA not to repeat his actions after writing “I love Jesus” on his armband for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.Marc Guehi displayed ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow armband on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe Crystal Palace captain then wrote ‘Jesus loves you’ on Tuesday nightCredit: ReutersOn Tuesday night, the Eagles skipper ignored the warning as he wrote “Jesus loves you” on his armband.And it has now emerged that the FA do not plan any formal disciplinary action despite the breach of Rule A4.Instead, Wembley beaks have reminded Palace of the kit regulations that are in place.The Laws of the Game allow slogans “promoting the game of football, respect and integrity”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the Laws forbid “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.Breaching this requirement is a strict liability situation with the Laws adding: “For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”The Guehi issue, and Ipswich skipper Sam Morsy’s refusal to wear the rainbow armband on “religious” grounds, will put a spotlight on the campaign that has been part of the Premier League’s season since 2013.Guehi, whose dad is a minister, was one of 19 top flight captains who wore the armband in the weekend fixtures to support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign in support of LGBTQ+ rights.Most read in FootballIpswich’s Morsy was the only skipper to snub wearing the armband.Speaking after Tuesday’s game, which Palace won 1-0 to ease relegation concerns, manager Oliver Glasner backed his captain.Crystal Palace star Marc Guéhi talks about his road to 100 Premier League appearances He said: “We respect every single player and especially Marc as our captain.”He’s a great guy, very humble and we shouldn’t make it bigger than it is. Keep it calm.”He’s very respectful to everyone in the club.”In football we’re all against discrimination, against abuse, every single part. It was a great campaign and I think that’s it.”We spoke about it. I speak to Marc quite often, he’s my captain.”He’s no child who is 15, he’s an adult person like every one of us.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion. This is the quote of this campaign, being tolerant and Marc is very tolerant so everything is fine.”Meanwhile, Man Utd’s players abandoned plans to wear a jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community after Noussair Mazraoui refused to join the initiative ahead of their 4-0 win over Everton. More

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    Man Utd star Mazraoui refused to wear pro-LGBTQ+ jacket ahead of Everton clash forcing club to scrap pre-match plans

    MANCHESTER UNITED players abandoned plans to wear a jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community after Noussair Mazraoui refused to join the initiative.United were due to don an Adidas jacket before Sunday’s Premier League clash with Everton at Old Trafford, where Ruben Amorim’s side picked up a 4-0 win.Manchester United players abandoned plans to don pro-LGBTQ+ jackets after Noussair Mazraoui refused to participateCredit: PAMan Utd donned the pro-LGBTQ+ training gear last yearCredit: GettyMan Utd captain Bruno Fernandes wore the pro-LGBTQ+ armband against EvertonCredit: GettyMan Utd have worn a pride-themed jersey to warm up ahead of games and a jacket of a similar design when walking out for a match the last two seasons during the Rainbow Laces period.That is when Premier League teams are asked to support the LGBTQ+ community.According to The Athletic, however, the Red Devils decided not to wear the walk-out jacket because Mazraoui, 27, told his team-mates he was not prepared to wear it due to his Muslim faith.The team decided that no players would wear it so that the full-back would not be the only one seen publicly refusing to put it on.Read More on Man UtdThe squad’s decision was taken just hours before the game against Everton.The same source claims not everyone in the dressing room was happy with the decision.It has also been reported that Adidas is disappointed by the development after United’s players previously supported the initiative before matches in previous years. Nevertheless, captain Bruno Fernandes wore the rainbow armband, reflecting the club’s support for the Rainbow Laces campaign.Most read in FootballSeveral men’s and women’s first team players, such as Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans, also took part in video content expressing support for the campaign.The United skipper described wearing his rainbow-coloured armband as “a sign of respect” that makes LGBTQ+ fans “feel supported” by the players.England star Marc Guéhi’s talks about his father’s faith and missing church on Sundays Man Utd issued the following statement: “Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.“We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters’ club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination.“Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club’s position.”The Rainbow Devils, United’s LGBTQ+ Supporters Club, issued a statement in response to Mazraoui’s stance.It read: “As part of this year’s Rainbow Laces campaign, Rainbow Devils worked closely with – and had great support from – Manchester United and the Fan Engagement team. “This has included working with the Manchester United Foundation to spread the message of inclusivity with local schools, to a Q&A with two Men’s first team players, to supportive messages from many Men and Women first team players (including an individual one from captain Bruno Fernandes). “Even a pitchside event at Old Trafford on Sunday ahead of the Everton game. On this latter occasion, which was United’s official Rainbow Laces game, the players were due to wear specially designed jackets pre-match to mark the occasion. “Shortly before the game, Rainbow Devils was informed that these jackets would not be worn. The reason being that one of the matchday squad had refused to wear the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs. “Therefore, to maintain the team ethos and togetherness, none of the players would be wearing them.”This was obviously a great disappointment to Rainbow Devils, but also to all those who had worked hard at the club to deliver this event. “We are aware of who the player concerned is, but we feel it isn’t our role to single him out, and risk spoiling all the other positive things that the majority of those at the club have done. “We respect the right of this player to have his own views, whilst also feeling disappointed that he put the rest of the squad into a position where they felt that they couldn’t wear their jackets. “We also worry what kind of negative effect this incident might have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality. “Rainbow Devils will continue to work with Manchester United to support inclusivity, through the One Love initiative and others, as we all continue our work to ensure all LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, who is also a practising Muslim, refused to wear a rainbow armband for religious reasons in his club’s two Rainbow Laces fixtures as well.And Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi was reminded by the Football Association of the rules on playing equipment after writing a religious message on his.Guehi, 24, who is a devout Christian, was warned by the FA not to repeat his actions after writing “I love Jesus” on his armband for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.And on Tuesday, the Palace skipper ignored the warning as he wrote “Jesus loves you” on his armband during the 1-0 victory at Ipswich.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, it has emerged that the FA do not plan any formal disciplinary action against the centre-back despite the breach of Rule A4.Instead, Wembley beaks have reminded the Eagles of the kit regulations that are in place.Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi twice wrote a messgage expressing his religious beliefs on his armbandCredit: PAIpswich skipper Sam Morsy chose not to wear a rainbow armbandCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Absolute joke of a player’ – Lamine Yamal returns to Barcelona after injury with ‘filthy’ assist

    FANS hailed Lamine Yamal’s brilliance after the Barcelona wonderkid laid on a sensational assist last night.The winger, 17, has recently suffered with an ankle injury.Lamine Yamal provided a sensational assist with the outside of his left footCredit: GettyYamal, 17, was in brilliant form for BarcaCredit: GettyYamal was absent from two LaLiga matches as well as Barca’s 3-0 Champions League win over Brest as he recovered from the issue, while he was also forced to withdraw from Spain duty last month.He returned on Saturday with a 45 minute cameo in Barcelona’s shock 2-1 home defeat to Las Palmas.But the teenage sensation looked back up to speed as he played the full 90 in his side’s 5-1 demolition of Mallorca.Ferran Torres had given Barca the lead on 12 minutes, profiting from a shambolic defensive mix-up to score.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVedat Muriqi levelled for the home side on the stroke of half-time, but it was all Barcelona from there.Having missed two chances to score himself, Yamal earned a penalty early on in the second-half as he was fouled in the box.Skipper Raphinha stepped up to convert the spot kick, and would soon be celebrating again.Yamal’s cross for Raphinha’s second of the evening was a thing of beauty, the La Masia graduate sumptuously curling a cross perfectly into the Brazilian’s path with the outside of his left boot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSImmediately after prodding the ball home, the goalscorer pointed back at Yamal in recognition of his fantastic pass.The winger’s amazing assist quickly gained traction online.ITV pundits gush over Yamal and reveal what they did at 16 from working on building sites to drinking cider in a fieldOne fan wrote on X: “That assist from Lamine Yamal is absolutely filthy.”While a second gushed: “Absolutely superb football player.”A third called him an “Absolute joke of a player”.And another added: “That lad is special.”Barca ran up the score late on, with Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor adding further goals to cap off a 5-1 win.Hansi Flick’s side are four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, although Carlo Ancelotti’s men possess two games in hand.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarcelona will be back in action this Saturday when they travel to Real Betis.Yamal and Co then face a tricky Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund next Wednesday.Yamal and Co were in rampant form against MallorcaCredit: Reuters More

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    Marcus Rashford enjoying huge popularity surge but are Dream Team gaffers jumping the gun?

    DREAM TEAM managers have wasted no time in jumping aboard the Ruben Amorim train.Marcus Rashford (£3.4m) is currently the most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 14 after Manchester United’s emphatic win over Everton at the weekend.Rashford has scored three goals since Amorim took chargeCredit: Dream TeamThe former Sporting CP gaffer oversaw an unconvincing 1-1 draw with Ipswich in his first game as the Red Devils’ head coach but has since watched his side beat Bodo/Glimt and the Toffees at Old Trafford.The hosts were helped out by some catastrophic defending from Sean Dyche’s beleaguered troops but Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m), Joshua Zirkzee (£2.3m), Amad Diallo (£3.5m) and Rashford did look incisive in attack.Whether the latter deserves such a pronounced popularity spike is up for debate.Man United’s No10 bagged a brace on Sunday for a return of 16 points, which is enough to make him Gameweek 13’s top-performing forward at this stage.But Rashford and company face a sterner test this evening when they meet Arsenal at the Emirates.Man United eased past Everton last weekendCredit: RexThe Gunners are the first of four domestic opponents currently in the top seven of the Premier League table, with Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Tottenham to come before the end of Gameweek 15.Man United are also due to play Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League in that time, which is a more favourable match-up on paper, but Rashford’s minutes are far from guaranteed on Thursday nights.The 27-year-old played just 31 minutes in Europe last time out for a return of just one point.Most read in FootballIt was Rasmus Hojlund (£4.1m) who cashed in that night with an assist and two goals as part of a 21-point haul.Amorim has got a tune out of all his forwards in quick timeCredit: PAAmorim has given several forwards a fair chance to impress so far and all have stepped up to some degree.Zirkzee also banked 16 points against Everton and is therefore level with Rashford as the top striker for this Gameweek.Dream Team bosses will get another indication of Amorim’s pecking order when they see Man United’s starting line-up tonight.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWA popular recruit this weekCredit: GettyRashford has scored three goals in two starts under his new gaffer and will surely get plenty of minutes across the busy festive period but the risk of rotation combined with some tricky fixtures limits his viability.A double header against Bournemouth and Wolves in Gameweek 16 provides some respite but Man United then face Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal (FA Cup) in their next three – it doesn’t exactly scream points.Of course, the outlook will change if Rashford and friends produce something special against Arsenal.Amorim may well be the real deal but it seems a few too many Dream Team managers have overreacted to wins over the Norwegian champions (whose entire wage bill costs less than 10% of Antony’s transfer fee) and an Everton side that haven’t scored a goal since October 26th.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More