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    FA Cup 3rd round draw LIVE: Arsenal face Man Utd in bombshell tie while non-league Tamworth host Spurs – latest reaction

    THE FA Cup 3rd round draw has concluded and Arsenal will face Manchester United in a blockbuster tie at the Emirates!Non-league side Tamworth are set to host Premier League giants Tottenham.Manchester City face the class of 92-owned Salford City and Gary Neville has already been poking fun at Pep Guardiola.While Chelsea and Liverpool also face lower-league opposition.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the FA Cup third round draw with our live blog below…Neville pop at GuardiolaGary Neville has poked fun at Pep Guardiola after Salford were drawn against Man City.Echoing Liverpool fans on Sunday, Neville said: “He’s getting sacked in the morning.”Neville owns Salford with other members of the Class of 92.Copy linkCopiedArsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAfter drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time the teams face off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.Copy linkCopiedDion Dublin on Arsenal v Man UtdI think that might be a TV game, what do you think?They’re the kind of games we need in the FA Cup.Dion DublinBBCCopy linkCopiedFans say FA Cup tie is ‘rigged’THE FA CUP third round draw led to furious reactions from a few disappointed fans, with some going as far as to describe it as “rigged”.The third round draw’s most exciting tie is between Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United, who will face off on the weekend of January 11 at the Emirates.In contrast, Arsenal and United’s rivals were drawn against lower-league opponents.Manchester City got Salford, Chelsea drew Morecambe, Liverpool were paired with Accrington Stanley and Tottenham will face Tamworth.And some fans believe the difference of quality between those ties makes the draw, which was conducted by former Manchester United players Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin, look suspicious.One fan tweeted: “Absolutely f*g rigged.”Copy linkCopiedBromley CEO and assistant manager reactionBromley CEO Mark Hammond and assistant manager Alan Dunne were ecstatic at drawing Newcastle.But their first thought was to call manager Andy Woodman, who said it would be his dream to face his old club.You can see the video below.Copy linkCopiedDream draw for Andy WoodmanBromley manager Andy Woodman praised his Ravens’ side for marking a new piece of history for the club by getting to the third round.However, he has revealed his ideal opponents for the second round.He said: “There’s loads of big teams in there.“Newcastle would be my ideal one. I love my time there.“I also think for the area, Crystal Palace would be a good one.“Let’s see what the football gods throw up.”After being drawn away at Newcastle, Bromley said on social media: “That one’s for you gaffer.”Copy linkCopiedTamworth draw reactionTamworth have released a video of their fans reacting to the FA Cup third-round draw.The heartwarming scenes saw fans get excited when they were pulled out of the hat, before celebrating wildly when they learned they would host Tottenham.Truly the magic of the Cup.You can see the video below.Copy linkCopiedOther huge news for English footballWhile this season has seen FA Cup replays scrapped in a historical yet controversial move, there could be another huge custom that is axed.The Saturday afternoon blackout could be ended after 60 YEARS.And Sun Sport has been told of a growing belief among league chiefs that the concept is now out of date – and should be changed within five years.The new four-year Premier League TV deal, with up to 270 of the 380 matches being shown live, begins next term and will run to the end of the 2028-29 season.Sky’s £935m five year EFL deal, with more than 1,000 games per season being shown, will also run out at the same time, making way for a major rethink by the game’s authorities.And while the FA, which has policed the blackout since it was introduced to protect match attendances in the 1960s, had previously started its opposition to the policy being lifted, the wishes of the leagues could see a change of heart.While 3pm games across the Prem and EFL cannot be shown live on TV other than in specific circumstances, the UK is the last country in Europe with that policy in place.Copy linkCopiedYoung respondsAshley Young has broken his silence after it was revealed he might face his son, Tyler.Taking to social media, he said: “WOW…….. Dreams might come true #YoungvVsYoung”Copy linkCopiedArsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAfter drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time the teams face off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United. Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.Copy linkCopiedNeville pop at GuardiolaGary Neville has poked fun at Pep Guardiola after Salford were drawn against Man City.Neville owns Salford with other members of the Class of 92.Copy linkCopiedFather v son One tie that has been overlooked is Everton v Peterborough.However, the headline on that draw has nothing to do with the teams, but rather with two players. Everton’s Ashley Young could end up playing against his 18-year-old son Tyler.Taking to Instagram he posted a screenshot of the tie and tagged his dad in it.Young Sr. has won the FA Cup in 2016 with Man Utd.He has played 31 FA Cup games across his career.Meanwhile, Tyler only made his pro debut in October in a 2-0 EFL Trophy win over Stevenage.Copy linkCopiedDream tie for Bromley manager WoodmanAndy Woodman said after Bromley made the third round that he wanted one of Newcastle or Crystal Palace.So landing Newcastle away must feel really special for him and the Ravens supporters alike.Bromley said on social media: “This one’s for you, Gaffer.”Copy linkCopiedTamworth elatedYou just have to be happy for the likes of Tamworth after that draw.The club shared pictures to social media of their fans celebrating wildly with the draw.And who can blame them?Manager Andy Peaks probably summed up a lot of the reaction in the BBC studio.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFans declare “greatest draw of all time””101 places between #Tottenham and #Tamworth and yet I’m still certain they’ll score first from a set piece and we’ll need at least 4 to win the game. #TamworthTottenham #facup3rdRoundDraw.””Some brilliant draws there for the FA Cup 3rd Round!! Minnows off to Prem Clubs great to see.””Greatest draw of all time haha, Arsenal v Man United, Leeds v Harrogate, Man City v Salford, Liverpool v Accrington, Newcastle v Bromley, Tamworth v Spurs and quite a few I haven’t mentioned.”Copy linkCopiedFA Cup dates from third roundThird round: Saturday, January 11Fourth round: Saturday, February 8Fifth round: Saturday, March 1Quarter-finals: Saturday, March 29Semi-finals: Saturday, April 26Final: Saturday, May 17Copy linkCopiedDion Dublin on Arsenal v Man Utd drawI think that might be a TV game, what do you think?They’re the kind of games we need in the FA Cup.Dion DublinBBCCopy linkCopiedDraw in fullHere is the FA Cup third round draw in full1 Southampton v Swansea City 2 Arsenal v Manchester United3 Exeter City v Oxford United4 Leyton Orient v Derby County5 Reading v Burnley6 Aston Villa v West Ham United7 Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion8 Manchester City v Salford City9 Millwall v Dagenham & Redbridge10 Liverpool v Accrington Stanley11 Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers12 Preston North End v Charlton Athletic13 Chelsea v Morecambe14 Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers15 AFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion16 Mansfield Town v Wigan Athletic17 Tamworth v Tottenham Hotspur18 Hull City v Doncaster Rovers19 Sunderland v Stoke City20 Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers21 Brentford v Plymouth Argyle22 Coventry City v Sheffield Wednesday23 Newcastle United v Bromley24 Everton v Peterborough United25 Wycombe Wanderers v Portsmouth26 Birmingham City v Lincoln City27 Leeds United v Harrogate Town28 Nottingham Forest v Luton Town29 Sheffield United v Cardiff City30 Ipswich Town v Bristol Rovers31 Fulham v Watford32 Crystal Palace v Stockport CountyCopy linkCopiedMore reaction”What an FA Cup draw that is!! Liverpool v Accrington. Man City v Salford. Arsenal v United.””What an FA Cup draw that was for the lower league teams.””What a fantastic draw.. The FA cup still has the magic draws.”Copy linkCopiedTamworth stadiumTottenham’s visit to Tamworth’s Lamb Ground will see them squeeze into a stadium with a capacity of just 4,000.Some come down from nearly 63,000.Copy linkCopiedFan reaction”Arsenal again in the fa cup? I’m tired man.””What an absolutely cracking FA Cup Draw!””Got to be the best set of FA cup ties ever.”Copy linkCopiedWhat a drawWhat an incredible third round draw that was.Some huge ties in there. Arsenal v Man Utd is the blockbuster clash.But Leeds v Harrogate, Tamworth v Tottenham and Newcastle v Bromley are some real glamour ties for the lower league sides.Not to mention Man City v Salford, Millwall v Dagenham & Redbridge or Liverpool v Accrington.Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace v StockportCopy linkCopiedFulham v WatfordCopy linkCopiedIpswich v Bristol RoversCopy linkCopied More

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    Edoardo Bove given incredible show of support in first Serie A match since collapse as Roma wear special t-shirts

    ROMA players wore T-shirts in support of stricken Fiorentina ace Edoardo Bove.The 22-year-old — on loan from the Stadio Olimpico — is “awake” and “alert” in hospital after collapsing against Inter Milan on Sunday.Roma players wore T-shirts in support of Fiorentina ace Edoardo BoveCredit: RexRoma stars sported jerseys ahead of the Serie A clash with AtalantaCredit: RexBove’s horrible ordeal has led to tributes across the boardCredit: RexBove is no longer in danger after undergoing medical treatmentCredit: RexBove was seen bending down and tying his laces before standing up and after taking a few steps forward, he suddenly collapsed.The horrible incident took place during the 15th minute of the match as players and staff formed a wall around the midfielder while medical staff tended to him.Team-mates and opponents alike were seen crying and with their hands on their heads as the terrifying ordeal played out.The Italian was then taken off by stretcher before being placed in an ambulance and taken to Careggi hospital.Read More on FootballReferee Daniele Doveri later told players to leave the pitch, with the match suspended due to the medical emergency.According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bove’s mother Tanya fainted inside the stadium after the traumatic incident.Reports suggest his dad Giovanni and girlfriend Martina attended the hospital straight away.But his devastated mum attended the emergency room after regaining consciousness, along with the mayor of Florence Sara Funaro.Most read in FootballBove has since regained consciousness and doctors have assured that his “life was not in danger” as they plan to re-evaluate him.Fiorentina said: “Edoardo Bove has spoken with family, the club, the coach and team-mates. Further tests will be carried out in the coming days.”Roma superstar Paulo Dybala shows off his skills in training The Italian’s awful ordeal has led to immense tribute all across the board.That includes his parent club as pals sported jerseys ahead of Roma’s clash with Atalanta on Monday.The Giallorossi went on to lose 2-0 to the reigning Europa League winners at the Olimpico.Bove plays for Fiorentina on loan from RomaCredit: GettyBove has received support across footballCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal will travel just 250 miles in next 13 matches thanks to favourable fixture schedule

    CHRISTMAS and New Year are some of the busiest times around for people, with travelling often making up a big part of that schedule.That rule also commonly applies to football, with Arsenal being no different in terms of having a busy schedule.Arsenal have avoided any huge away days over the Christmas and New Year periodCredit: GettyBut Arsenal have found some nice luck in their Christmas schedule with a surprisingly low amount of travelling on the itinerary for them over their next 13 games.In fact, they will travel outside of London just ONCE before January 22, with three away games all coming in the capital.Their clash with Brighton on January 4 2025 will be the only Premier League game that is not a London derby away from home.Arsenal remarkably play nine games at the Emirates Stadium during the run, starting with Manchester United on Wednesday and ending with Dinamo Zagreb on January 22.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe run will see them rack up just under 250 miles of travel on the road.Brighton alone will account for 177.4 miles of this overall figure.Meanwhile, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford will count for 21.2, 26, and 24 miles respectively.Mikel Arteta and co might have feared travel fatigue from an unfavourable FA Cup third-round tie in tonight’s draw.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, they were spared any with new travel arrangements in tonight’s FA Cup third-round draw as they were drawn at the Emirates against Manchester United. It means they will face Crystal Palace and Man Utd twice during the run.Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham end with punches thrown and fan knocked to ground in London derby vs ArsenalAfter their 5-2 win over West Ham on Saturday, which in itself was a trip of 11.8 miles, Arsenal are nine points off of league leaders Liverpool.The favourable fixture list of not travelling a lot could help them close that gap.In the same period, Arne Slot’s side travel to Newcastle, Girona, Southampton, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Brentford – none of which are exactly around the corner.Regardless, Arsenal will be aiming to take advantage and chase down the leaders by the end of the season, though a nine-point lead at this stage of the season has never been lost before in Prem history.Arsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars. More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Ashley Young could face his SON in FA Cup third round as Everton ace says ‘dreams might come true’

    EVERTON star Ashley Young may face his 18-year-old son Tyler in the FA Cup.The Toffees drew Peterborough United in the third round and will face off on the weekend of January 11 at Goodison Park.Everton star Ashley Young may face his 18-year-old son Tyler in the FA CupCredit: GettyAshley could lock horns against his child, who is currently part of Peterborough UnitedCredit: RexThat means ex-Manchester United ace Ashley, 39, could lock horns against his child, who is currently part of the League One outfit’s Under-21 side.Everton’s versatile full-back is very excited about that prospect as he took to social media and stated a great family dream could soon come true.Ashley tweeted: “WOW………. Dreams Might Come True.#FaCup #GoosebumpsMoment #YoungVsYoung.”Fans are also looking forward to that potential clash between father and son.Read More on FootballOne supporter tweeted: “Hoping you play against him mate! Would be a dream for you! Wish you the best!”Another commented: “The Young Derby.”A third wrote: “Football is really special. What a scene that’d be!”This fan said: “That’s brilliant. Hope it happens for you both.”Most read in FA CupAnd that one issued the following hashtag: “#YoungvsOld.”Tyler joined Peterborough from Queens Park Rangers’ Under-18s last summer.Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use in FA Cup giant killingThe midfielder counts only one senior appearance with the Posh, which took place in the EFL Trophy. More

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    Ronaldinho to become grandfather aged just 45 as Barcelona and Brazil legend’s son, 19, to have first child

    BRAZIL legend Ronaldinho is set to become a grandfather aged just 45.The stunning influencer girlfriend of the soccer star’s son Joao Mendes, who signed for Burnley from Barcelona last August, announced at the weekend she was pregnant with their first child.Ronaldinho is set to become a grandfather at the age of 45Credit: PA:Press AssociationHis only son Joao Mendes, 19, is expecting his first childCredit: INSTAGRAM @giobuscacioMendes partner is 25-year-old influencer Giovanna BuscacioCredit: INSTAGRAM @giobuscacioShe made the announcement on social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @giobuscacioGiovanna Buscacio, 25, who lives with 19-year-old Joao in Manchester and has an impressive 130,000 Instagram followers, wrote in a post yesterday along emojis of a baby and a milk bottle: “16 weeks and counting.”She followed up on the selfie pic she published showing her resting a hand on her exposed belly by posting footage of her kissing Joao in a lift and snaps of the happy couple alongside a message in English and Portuguese which said: “Mom and dad. Incomplete without you my love but we are already together.”Joao responded by saying: “I love you a lot, my darling.”Former Barcelona and AC Milan star Ronaldinho, pictured on Saturday at a football charity event in east China, has yet to make any comment on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJoao, currently playing for Burnley U21s mainly as a right winger, is Ronaldinho’s only child.His mum is stunning former dancer Janaina Mendes, who met the two-times winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award and started dating him when she was a dancer on a popular Brazilian TV show called Domingao do Faustao.She was living in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte but according to her Instagram is now based in Barcelona.Joao Mendes was just 14 when he signed his first contract with Nike in May 2019 in the presence of his stunning mum and Ronaldinho, the face of the company when he was crowned the world’s best player in 2005.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Rio de Janeiro-born youngster signed his first professional contract with Brazil’s Cruzeiro aged 13 before moving to Europe.He was assigned to Barcelona’s youth team after trials but despite improvements with the U19 squad was let go by the Catalan giants last summer so he could link up with Burnley’s U21s squad.Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game Mendes joined Burnley in the summer from BarcelonaCredit: AlamyRonaldinho won a World Cup with Brazil in 2002Credit: AFPRonaldinho with his son MendesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ronaldinho/?hl=enHis current contract expires on June 30 2026.Joao’s pretty brunette girlfriend is the sister of an actress called Guillia Buscacio.The couple have been together more than two years and Giovanna has shared several snaps on social media showing their new life in England since they moved to the UK together.Ronaldinho, who spent his 40th birthday in prison in Paraguay after being arrested for flying into the country on a fake passport, turns 45 on March 21.Ronaldinho’s career statsGremio, 1998-2001: 125 games, 58 goalsPSG, 2001-2003: 77 games, 25 goalsBarcelona, 2003-2008: 207 games, 94 goalsAC Milan, 2008-2011: 95 games, 26 goalsFlamengo: 2011-2012: 72 games, 28 goalsAtletico Mineiro, 2012-2014: 85 games, 27 goalsQueretaro, 2014-2015: 29 games, 8 goalsFluminense, 2015: 9 games, 0 goalsBrazil, 1999-2013: 97 games, 33 goalsTrophiesCopa Sul, Campeonato Gaucho (Gremio)Uefa Intertoto Cup (PSG)LaLiga x2, Spanish Super Cup, Champions League (Barcelona)Serie A (AC Milan)Campeonato Carioca (Flamengo)Campeonato Mineiro, Copa Libertadores, Recopa Sudamericana (Atletico Mineiro)South America U17 Championship, Fifa U17 World Championship, Olympic Bronze, Copa America, Confederations Cup, World Cup (Brazil) More

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    How Ruben Amorim unleashed Marcus Rashford with game-changing Joshua Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v Arsenal

    RUBEN AMORIM continued to show why he’s the man to lead Manchester United forward with a 4-0 thrashing of Everton.The Red Devils made light work of the Toffees at Old Trafford on Sunday.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee each bagged a brace in Man Utd’s 4-0 win over EvertonCredit: AFPRuben Amorim is already beginning to work his magic at Old TraffordCredit: AlamyJoshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford each bagged a brace in the rout.While stars like Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo put in super shifts.United now face a tough trip to Arsenal in what will be the biggest test of Amorim’s reign so far.Here, SunSport’s tactics guru Dean Scoggins breaks down all the tips and tricks in the latest episode of Tactics Exposed…READ MORE IN FOOTBALL1. Joshua Zirkzee is drawing the best from Marcus RashfordIt’s taken three games, but it’s a little bit more what I expected from Rashford. In that first game against Ipswich, he played as the nine.In this game, he played as one of those two inverted forwards off the front man. And what this game showed was a flying V, which is really exciting.Zirkzee was the man who was coming deeper. What’s really interesting, Zirkzee’s average position was deeper than both of the other two forwards. And so it’s a new role. It’s not leading the line as a number nine.And what it did, it freed up Rashford. Because what it meant was it gave Rashford the confidence to go beyond him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo as Zirzkee came in and linked up play, that meant Bruno again started in one of the more advanced positions. And then dropped back again later on.Zirkzee’s role meant that the two players run beyond. And it’s central attacks running beyond the central forward.Man Utd player ratings v Everton articleZirkzee’s new role allowed Rashford to thriveZirkzee dropped deep as Rashford and Bruno Fernandes surged forwardZirkzee is the nine. But a lot of people were sort of calling it 3-4-2-1, which is not incorrect. However, what we saw in this game was an adaption to that. Where Zirkzee drops in and those two forwards go beyond.Rashford was running in behind. And not just running in behind. What the difference was here was running in behind with confidence.Rashford talked about it afterwards, where he talked about connections. And that’s not just connections between manager and players. That’s connection between players.We’ve seen Garnacho with Hojlund. And with Bruno or Mount as the other forward. And then we’ve seen Zirkzee with Rashford. And we might see those as pairs of connections.If Amorim wants to play in a way where he wants the centre forward to drop into the line, it’ll be Zirkzee with Rashford running beyond.If he wants to stretch defences in behind, it’ll be Hojlund playing as the nine, making those diagonal runs.And then he’s got Garnacho being the busy player in behind. So straight away, three games in, we’re finding connections already.Amorim is already showing himself to be tactically flexibleHis 4-4-2 shape could work a treat against Arsenal2. Ruben Amorim’s fluid tactics could nullify ArsenalAmorim’s started 21 players in three games. Under Erik ten Hag, the entire time he played 24 players.I don’t expect them to go to Arsenal and win so early on in a manager’s era, but what they do now go there with is a bit of belief in the system and a bit of belief in Amorim’s systems.So what I mean here is, is that it is 3-4-3. But already we’re seeing that players can interchange and move into different areas.Kobbie Mainoo, who’s unfortunately suspended for this game, and Bruno Fernandes were switching positions, confident in each other that one of them was allowed to go forward.What we also saw was a connection between Ugarte and Mainoo, where Mainoo was going and then Ugarte was staying, which was great. Casemiro similarly.In the first game against Ipswich, it was a clear, clear 3-4-3 on the average positions. You could see it lined up. And then in this game, it was almost 4-4-2.And that’s really interesting when we look ahead to Arsenal, because we’ve talked about Arsenal a lot defending in a 4-4-2 shape. So that almost goes man for man if he decides to go this way.And the reason it ended up 4-4-2 is because Mazraoui’s playing as the right centre back is a more natural fullback. So Amorim’s okay with him drifting to that right-hand side.And then Dalot plays at left wing back, a more comfortable fullback. He almost comes in and makes it a back four. And then Amad was the right wing back, but given the licence to push forward. So you almost end up where a 3-4-3 becomes a 4-4-2.I’m really excited because three games in, Amorim’s turned a group of players who wouldn’t know a tactic if it was thrown at them into a group of players who are all of a sudden understanding that they can move into different positions.Amad Diallo pressed Everton like a man posssessedKobbie Mainoo played a key role in Diallo’s game3. Amad Diallo’s pressing game is the key to successAmad had a great big role to play in how he pressed and he hounded people on the right.And it was because of that shape, which allowed them to almost shift into a four at the back, that frees up Amad to be able to go and hound the left back or the left winger and not be too concerned about the ball being played around him.Mainoo’s role was really key, he was the trigger for Amad’s press. He comes into the inside right position and allows Amad the freedom to go and chase the ball.Amad was fantastic, really pressing on. And then when he gets it, the direct running that we’ve been talking about…Then Zirkzee, Rashford, Bruno, all legging it at the box because they know what he’s going to do.They know he’s not going to pass it because Amorim has said to them, you run into the area.And both those goals, the last goal Amad played Rashford in, it was just a little pass right on the edge of the box.The first goal, get there, cross it. Okay, that’s how they want to play. They’re not going to play these through balls from 30, 40 yards out.So the attacking players on the edges of the box are not waiting for a pass. They are gunning it at the box.United will need to double up on Bukayo SakaTheir shapes could see the Arsenal winger nullified4. Defenders will have to double-up on Bukayo SakaWe’re looking at Bukayo Saka. Odegaard and Saka on that inside right channel for Arsenal.And already in that game against Everton, Amorim was planning ahead.He’s already looking, right, Martinez can’t play, suspended. That’s an in-game decision.He made a change. Shaw came on. And what I think we’ll probably see is Dalot as the left wing back again.Or Mazraoui as the left wing back, depending on how he sees it. And then Luke Shaw as the left centre back.And that basically means two left backs. Playing against Bukayo Saka. It’s about balance.Amorim likes complementary players on different sides of the field or different positions. So one sort of tackler, nasty piece of work in midfield, and one baller.You’ve got to plan for Bukayo Saka. You can’t just go, it’s all right, we’ll go…At West Ham, you saw that if you don’t have a very good plan for Bukayo Saka, you see what happens.United are already working on new set-piece routinesArsenal are masters of the dead ball situation5. New-found focus on set pieces already workingThere’s a tactic there from Arsenal set pieces to get the front post man under the ball. So Man United have got to watch that.If Zirzkee starts, put Zirkzee there. If Hojlund starts, put Hojlund there. Someone physical enough that not going to get a little nudging up.But let’s focus on United a second, because I saw something for the first time I’ve never seen this week. They did it against Bodo Glimt and they did it again before the game against Everton.I’ve never seen a team, a professional team, practicing corners on the field in the warm up. You see teams line up and play little interchanges, back fours, you know, pushing up and dropping back.Sometimes you see fullbacks clipping the ball up the line because they’ve got this ball they want to play to the wingers.Never seen corners done like this. Man United were actually full on practicing corners in the warm up. Maybe Amorim did so much on the training ground this week they didn’t have time to do corners. So he said, don’t worry, we’ll do it in the weekend.He’s showing off now because Man United, who haven’t had a clue with them for months and years, straight away had a corner routine.They all ran from the edge of the box to the six yard line and basically became like a wall of blockers. And all the Everton players suckered, fell for it, went towards the six yard line. Marcus Rashford peels off, side foot in.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was lovely. It was a lovely routine. And he had to score through the crowd. And whether it was his goal or not is a bit of a debate, whether it was going in or wide.But all of them did their job. You saw Mainoo holding on to Tarkowski to make sure he couldn’t get out to Rashford. So straight away a corner routine. But they’re going to have to do defensively a bit better against that Arsenal juggernaut. More

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    Mo Salah ‘growing increasingly frustrated at Liverpool’ and unconvinced Reds will meet his wage demands for new deal

    MOHAMED SALAH is open to a new one-year contract at Liverpool – despite growing frustrations over the club’s handling of his situation.The Egyptian superstar is out of contract on Merseyside in the summer and said last month there is currently no offer on the table with Liverpool refusing to budge on their wage structure.Mohamed Salah is growing frustrated and unconvinced Liverpool will meet his wage demandsCredit: PASalah is open to a new one-year contract extension at LiverpoolCredit: RexIn July 2022, Salah signed a three-year deal worth around £350k-a-week – and the player is hoping for a similar extension with a pay increase to stay at the club.However, according to The Athletic, Salah, 32, would be willing to sign on for a further 12 months to temporarily end the debate over his future as they battle for the Prem title.His priority is to stay at the club where he has won one Prem title, one Champions League, one Uefa Super Cup, one Fifa Club World Cup, one FA Cup and one EFL cup, scoring 224 goals in 369 games.Yet talks look set to drag on with Liverpool still not revealing their position, something that has left Salah fuming with the club hierarchy.Read More on FootballIn a messy war of words with the club he has spent eight successful years at, Salah suggested he is “more out than in” after the 3-2 Prem victory at Southampton on November 24.And in the aftermath of the 2-0 win against Manchester City last weekend – having scored one and created another – he hinted this will be the last time he faces Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield.Salah will be free to speak to foreign clubs from January 1 and has attracted interest from several European giants, including Paris Saint-Germain, as well as numerous Saudi sides.In the summer of 2023, a £150million offer from Al-Ittihad was turned down.Most read in FootballBut Liverpool insist that ongoing discussions have been positive with Salah, a player who has scored 13 goals in 20 games in all competitions under new manager Arne Slot.The Merseysiders are top of the Premier League table with nine points separating them from second-placed Arsenal.Mo Salah admits he’s ‘more OUT than in’ as he piles pressure on Liverpool to offer him a new contractThe Reds have won 11 out of 13 Prem matches under Slot and only lost once. More

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    Fans claim FA Cup draw is ‘rigged’ as Man City and Liverpool get lower league opponents but Man Utd face Arsenal

    THE FA CUP third round draw led to furious reactions from a few disappointed fans, with some going as far as to describe it as “rigged”.The third round draw’s most exciting tie is between Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United, who will face off on the weekend of January 11 at the Emirates.Some angry fans claim the FA Cup draw is ‘rigged’Arsenal drew Manchester United and their rivals are facing lower-league teamsIn contrast, Arsenal and United’s rivals were drawn against lower-league opponents.Manchester City got Salford, Chelsea drew Morecambe, Liverpool were paired with Accrington Stanley and Tottenham will face Tamworth.And some fans believe the difference of quality between those ties makes the draw, which was conducted by former Manchester United players Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin, look suspicious.One fan tweeted: “Absolutely f*****g rigged.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “That’s fixed. Arsenal vs Utd. I’m sure he (Dublin or Hughes) didn’t even mix them around.”A third wrote: “Watching the FA Cup draw and what the hell.”This fan said: “City vs Salford. Liverpool vs Accrington. Chelsea vs Morecambe… Arsenal vs United. Of course.”And that one stated: “Calling fix, United getting drawn away to Arsenal, City getting Salford at home and Liverpool getting an effective nobody.”Most read in FA CupThe draw was conducted at Old TraffordMark Hughes and Dion Dublin pulled out the ballsBut of course there is absolutely no indication that supports those wild claims.Man Utd won the FA Cup last season thanks to a 2-1 win over rivals Man City in the Wembley final, which saved former manager Erik ten Hag’s job.Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashThe Red Devils will be facing the most successful team in the competition’s history, with Arsenal winning the trophy a record 14 times.However, if Ruben Amorim’s side were to go all the way they would draw level with the Gunners’ total. More