Philippa Kaur

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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

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    Tony Young dead at 71: Former Man Utd star passes away as tributes paid to ‘proper Manchester lad’

    MANCHESTER UNITED icon Terrence “Tony” Young has died aged 71.The former defender also starred for Charlton and York.Tony Young has passed away aged 71Credit: AlamyUnited legend McIlroy has paid tribute to his former team-mateCredit: GettyBorn in Urmston, just a few miles from Old Trafford, Young played for Man Utd between 1969 and 1976, making 97 appearances.He broke into the team at 17 years old after catching the eye with Manchester and Lancashire Schools.Young was a vital part of manager Tommy Docherty’s 1973/74 squad that won promotion back to the top division.His old team-mate Sammy McIlroy penned a touching tribute that read: “It’s terribly sad to hear of his passing. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I remember Tony had a massive reputation as a winger when he first joined the club, and unlike some, he seemed to thrive under the pressure. “He was a proper Manchester lad – hard! He trained the way he played as well.“Tony was a quiet personality, really. He broke in as a right-winger but showed his versatility and team ethic when he played a few games at right-back. “Tony was the sort of character every group of players need, and the sort of willing player every manager loves.”Most read in FootballUnited added: “Our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends at this difficult time.”Fans wrote: “RIP legend.”How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v ArsenalAnother commented: “Tony, you were a true great.”A third said: “Deeply saddened, rest in peace Tony Young.” More

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    Man Utd set to include exciting 6ft 5in wonderkid, 16, in squad vs Arsenal as Red Devils hit with defensive crisis

    MANCHESTER UNITED look set to name 16-year-old wonderkid Godwill Kukonki in Ruben Amorim’s squad to face back in-form Arsenal.It comes after the Red Devils were again hit with a defensive crisis after Luke Shaw’s injury set-back and Lisandro Martinez’s suspension.Man Utd look set to name 16-year-old Godwill Kukonki in their squad to face ArsenalCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeTowering youngster Kukonki was given a chance to impressKukonki, who hails at 6ft 5in, was pictured travelling down with the squad to North London on Tuesday afternoon.He also went along to Portman Road for Amorim’s Prem debut against Ipswich but was not included in the matchday squad.But given United’s lack of depth at the back, Kukonki looks set to be named in his first Prem squad against Arsenal, according to Manchester Evening News.Left-footed centre-back Kukonki is highly rated at the club, having impressed with the Under-18s, who look to be heading to their second successive Premier League this season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt is believed that he has the “technical and physical qualities” needed to star in senior football before he turns 17 in February 2025.It comes as United are missing FIVE defenders for their trip to the Emirates.Shaw, 29, had just returned to action late last month following a nine month spell on the sidelines due to problems with his knee and calf.The full-back made three appearances from the bench against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton since his return to fitness.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, the England international suffered another minor injury after the weekend, with fans hoping he’d start in the back-three in the absence of Martinez.Argentinian star Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo are both suspended after picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season against Everton.How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v ArsenalVictor Lindelof’s groin issues has left him ruled out, while Jonny Evans is still being assessed following a knock against Ipswich.Amorim could be eyeing his first defeat in the United dugout tonight.Evans was not included in United’s 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday and summer signing Leny Yoro is working his way back to fitness.The Gunners are looking to extend their run to four consecutive wins as they climbed to second in the Prem.Mikel Arteta’s side have scored 13 GOALS in their last three games against Nottingham Forest, Sporting and West Ham.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

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    Brighton ace Valentin Barco’s home burgled days after getting engaged as model fiancee shares security footage

    BRIGHTON loanee Valentin Barco’s home has been burgled days after his engagement to girlfriend Yaz Jaureguy.Last week Yaz published a video of her saying “Yes” as she showed the Argentinian 20-year-old going down on one knee to propose after a whirlwind romance.Valentín Barco is on loan at Sevilla from BrightonCredit: GettyBarco got engaged to Yaz Jaureguy last weekYaz shared a picture on Instagram of their ransacked houseBut overnight she used her Instagram to reveal the burglary and shared pictures revealing they had returned home from a romantic dinner to find it had been ransacked.The break-in occurred at their new home in Seville, where Barco is currently plying his trade after being loaned by Brighton in his first season at the Premier League club.Yaz, who started dating the footballer in December last year, wrote alongside a photo showing emptied drawers and clothes strewn across their living room floor: “Arriving home and finding it has been ransacked like this.”Coming to a country full of dreams and not being able to live at ease. All very strange. Don’t even trust your shadow.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYaz also shared security footage appearing to show intruders leaving the house with suitcases.She went on to claim two male intruders were responsible and hinted it could be an inside job, although she didn’t name names.She said: “Obviously we’ve got cameras.”Two men got in from the house next door, they spent 50 minutes inside and left 10 minutes before we arrived.Most read in Football”The strange thing is only an employee knew our movements and the only possible entry point and he left seven minutes before the intruders entered.”We’ve already reported the break-in to police and hope it gets resolved.”The couple were left in despair just days after Barco proposed to Yaz following one year together.The former Boca Juniors player signed a four-and-a-half-year with Brighton in January but was loaned to Sevilla for the 2024/25 season in August.Barco, who made his debut for Argentina’s senior side on March 23 in a friendly against El Salvador, has failed to make much of an impression at the LaLiga side.Yaz, who began modelling aged 18 and has 133,000 Instagram followers, tattooed Barco’s name on her collarbone earlier this year – with the Brighton loanee reciprocating the gesture.They showed off pictures of their “his and hers” tattoos before going public with the news they had got engaged. More

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    Wiegman pleased with Clinton and Park ‘difference’ during England defeat of Switzerland but rues team sheet ‘error’

    SARINA WIEGMAN praised Grace Clinton and Jess Park for making a difference during England’s 1-0 friendly defeat of Switzerland. And the Lionesses boss challenged Clinton to become even more consistent following the victory last night. Grace Clinton netted the Lionesses’ winning goal against Switzerland in the eighth minute of their match at Bramall LaneCredit: GettyJess Park and Aggie Beever-Jones also impressed in attack with Sarina Wiegman making ten changes to the team that drew with the United StatesCredit: AlamyThe Lionesses kept a clean sheet in their final match this year with the team looking ahead to the draw for next year’s EurosCredit: GettyLucy Bronze was unable to come on as a substitute due to an error that resulted in the full-back not being listed as part of England’s squadCredit: GettyAfter being benched for England’s 0-0 draw with the USA at Wembley on Saturday, Clinton delivered a sharp shift in response last night. The Manchester United midfielder broke the deadlock eight minutes into the game for Wiegman’s revamped side. Her first-half strike at Bramall Lane, for a youthful England team was her third goal in five senior international appearances. Wiegman said: “Grace is improving well. She had to do a couple of things too. She had a good game. Read More Football Stories”The next step (for her) is to get into the squad more often and get consistency. “I was really happy with her. You can really see that she’s developing.”But I also thought Jess Park made a difference today.”England found themselves under pressure at times during the second half with Pia Sundhage’s Switzerland applying more pressure in the final third. Most read in FootballAnd despite having just three shots on target, Clinton’s finish was enough to ensure the 2022 Euros champions rounded off this year with a win. And this followed some mixed results during their last camp, which included a 4-3 loss to Germany.  England will now look ahead to discovering who they face in next year’s Women’s Euros, with the draw scheduled next Wednesday. Of the team’s performance, Wiegman added: “We played really well in the first half, we challenged them all the time, played mainly on their half of the pitch, created chances, and scored one goal. “I was really happy with that because what we wanted to do with a very young team, some debuts and some starters for the first time in (a while) who hadn’t played for us. “In the second half our level dropped. We were more sloppy. “We didn’t find the pockets well enough. So that was a little bit harder. “I wanted to see many things. I wanted to try out things, but also manage loads of players, because there is a quick turnaround. “All of these things together make me take the (selection) decisions that I did.”On a night in which the head coach made ten changes to the team that drew with the USA, the only significant error was one concerning their team sheet. During the second-half Lucy Bronze was getting ready to come on for the hosts. But the full-back ended up having to retake her seat on England’s bench due to not being included on the Lionesses’ squad list.Wiegman said: “That was a human error from our side and that’s very frustrating of course, and very disappointing because we wanted to bring her in – mainly for her. “These things happen sometimes.”On Monday, Wiegman declared she would experiment and made ten changes to the team that faced the United States last time out.Senior debuts were handed to Leicester midfielder Ruby Mace and Man City forward Laura Blindkilde-Brown. In a nod to the future eight of Wiegman’s starting line-up was under the age of 25.Blindkilde-Brown and Mace the youngest at 21. Before last night, Wiegman urged Clinton to be switched on international shifts. And she wasted no time in showing her alertness, smashing England’s early opener into the roof of the net. Park dragged a shot wide shortly after the half hour mark before Maya Le Tissier had a tame shot comfortably claimed by Switzerland keeper Elvira Herzog. Alessia Russo almost doubled England’s advantage with a 51st-minute header after replacing Park. Wiegman’s players will find out who they will face in the group stage of next year’s Women’s Euros when the draw takes place on December 10Credit: AlamyAnd England keeper Hannah Hampton made a swift stop to keep out Iman Beney’s strike as the visitors upped their tempo. READ MORE SUN STORIESHer well-timed tipped ball over the bar denied Meriame Terchoun a long-range leveller with England holding firm.And substitute Georgia Stanway struck the post with a shot in injury-time before her team saw out the win.  More

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    Bournemouth vs Tottenham: Get £50 in free bets for Thursday’s Premier League clash with Betfred

    BOURNEMOUTH entertain Tottenham in an intriguing Premier League match-up on Thursday.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a cool £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the top-flight clash.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBournemouth vs Tottenham: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Bournemouth vs Tottenham: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)FREE BET SIGN UP DEALS FOR FOOTBALLRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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    Moment Danny DeVito celebrates Wrexham’s injury-time winner over Barnsley in virtual stadium in LA

    DANNY DEVITO celebrated Wrexham’s stoppage time winner against Barnsley last night as he watched the game at a bar in Los Angeles.The League One side are co-owned by DeVito’s long-time It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia colleague Rob McElhenney.Danny DeVito celebrates Wrexham’s late winnerCredit: XDeVito high-fives another fanCredit: XOliver Rathbone celebrates his late Wrexham winnerCredit: AHPIX.comLast night, the gang headed to Cosm Los Angeles to watch the game.Cosm features an astonishing 87-foot, 12K resolution screen that offers fans an immersive view of whatever game they are watching.The bar is located in Inglewood, California – by the Los Angeles Clippers’ new state-of-the-art Intuit Dome arena.McElhenney and DeVito were joined by co-stars Kaitlin Olson, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton for the game, as well as several supporters.READ MORE ON WREXHAMThe match remained goalless until the 92nd minute, when Oliver Rathbone secured all three points for Wrexham with a perfect finish.Upon Rathbone’s winner, DeVito could be seen rising off his seat and pumping his fists in celebration.The 80-year-old also high-fived fellow fans in delight.Cosm posted the footage to their social media accounts, with fans loving DeVito’s reaction.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCosm offers fans in Los Angeles an immersive view of the gameCredit: InstagramOne wrote on X: “Just Danny DeVito celebrating a Wrexham last-minute winner. Just when you thought you had seen it all.”While a second added: “It’s always sunny with these guys around.”I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star James Chester NFL stars Cameron Dicker and Josh Harris also came along to Cosm to watch the game.Wrexham’s win sees them remain second in the table, two points behind leaders Wycombe but having played a game more.Phil Parkinson’s side are four points above Birmingham, although Blues possess three games in hand.Wrexham will be back in action this Saturday, when they travel to Burton Albion.Cosm features an incredible 87-foot 12K resolution screenCredit: Instagram More