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    Man Utd fans baffled as Kobbie Mainoo celebrates birthday by posting throwback pic wearing rival club’s shirt

    KOBBIE MAINOO left Manchester United fans baffled when he shared a photo of himself wearing a TOTTENHAM shirt.The Man Utd midfielder is Manchester through and through, but shared a throwback picture on his birthday wearing a retro Spurs shirt.Kobbie Mainoo has sparked confusion amongst Manchester United fans with his latest Instagram postCredit: GettyMainoo shared a snap of him wearing a retro Tottenham Hotspur kitCredit: instagram @kobbieTeddy Sheringham wears the same kit while playing for Tottenham against Leeds United in 1996Credit: GettyMainoo, who turned 20 today, took to Instagram to show his 3.3MILLION followers a glimpse at his childhood.The England international posted a picture of himself playing football as a kid alongside the caption, “20! Blessed”.Bizarrely, Mainoo was donning a retro Tottenham third shirt from the 1996-97 campaign – an unusual choice for someone born in 2005 in Manchester.The shirt, worn by the likes of Sol Campbell and Teddy Sheringham, sparked confusion and outrage from United supporters online.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne wrote: “Why was he wearing a Spurs kit?”While another added: “Is Mainoo a Spurs fan or something?”A third commented: “Kobbie Mainoo posting pictures in a Spurs kit is not a good look for the club. They’ve upset him somehow, he’s sending a clear message.”And a fourth posted: “Why is Kobbie Mainoo wearing a 96/97 Spurs shirt, thought he was one of us.”Most read in FootballMainoo has shared snaps of him wearing Man Utd kits in his youthCredit: Social mediaJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMainoo has always been a part of the Manchester United academy, graduating to the first team in 2023.While pictures of him wearing old Man Utd shirts in his youth had many thinking he was always a Red Devil.Ruben Amorim insists he wants to keep Kobbie Mainoo at Man Utd but admits it is a ‘difficult situation’ It’s worth pointing out that another youngster can be seen wearing the same kit in the background of Mainoo’s photo, possibly suggesting it was the kit of choice for Mainoo’s youth team at the time.Mainoo helped move Man Utd one step closer to setting up a Europa League final against Tottenham with his late heroics against Lyon on Thursday night.The Carrington graduate popped up with a 120th minute equaliser as United turned around two-goal deficit to beat the French side 5-4 in the Europa League quarter-finals.Mainoo’s calm curling effort was one of THREE extra-time goals scored by United as they clawed their way into the semi-finals after trailing 4-2 to Lyon with just 11 minutes to play.A Bruno Fernandes penalty kickstarted the comeback, before Mainoo levelled the scoring and Harry Maguire nodded home an injury-time header to seal the deal and resuscitate Ruben Amorim’s season.United will now face Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, while Tottenham take on Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt – setting up a potential all-English final in May.Mainoo fired home a late equaliser as Man Utd completed a Europa League comeback against Lyon on ThursdayCredit: Getty More

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    Nikola Pokrivac dead at 39: Former Croatia star dies in horror car crash as tributes flood in

    CROATIAN midfielder Nikola Pokrivac has been killed in a car accident aged just 39. The ex-Monaco and RB Salzburg star won 15 international caps from 2008 to 2010.Nikola Pokrivac, 39, has been killed in a car accident in CroatiaCredit: AFPThe midfielder won three league titles with Dinamo ZagrebCredit: GettyPokrivac returned to football in 2021 after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma a decade ago. He played for fifth-tier team NK Vojnic after joining the club last summer.Pokrivac was killed following a four-vehicle collision in the Croatian city of Karlovac on Friday evening.Local media claim he was joined in the vehicle by three Vojnic teammates, who were taken to hospital with serious injuries.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA 42-year-old person in another car was also killed.The Croatian Football Federation confirmed on Saturday morning that Pokrivac had died of his injuries. CFF president Marijan Kustics said: “Nikola was a great football player, who lived football until his last moment in this world.”He showed great courage in life by overcoming a terrible disease.Most read in Football”This is a great loss for our football community, and especially painful for the family.”It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life.”I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones for this irreparable loss.”The HNS [the national football association] and the Croatian football family will be with them in these most difficult moments.”Pokrivac faced England twice in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.He also featured in Croatia’s successful Euro 2008 campaign, where they reached the quarter-finals. Since returning to the field in 2021, Pokrivac has also been a youth team coach. He enjoyed his most successful playing time at Dinamo Zagreb, winning three Croatian league titles.The club issued an emotional statement on Saturday, writing: “With great sadness and disbelief, we received the news of the severe traffic accident in Karlovac in which, unfortunately, our former player Nikola Pokrivač lost his life. “Nikola will forever remain part of the Dinamo family – as a talented midfielder, a fighter on the pitch, and a man with a big heart.”He played for the Blues 69 times and contributed to four championship titles and three Cup winners’ trophies. “To his family, as well as the families of all those who perished in this tragic accident, GNK Dinamo expresses sincere and profound condolences.”Read More on The SunMonaco, who Pokrivac played for in 2008, added: “The Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of its former midfielder Nikola Pokrivac. “To his family and loved ones, AS Monaco extends its most sincere condolences.” More

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    As a player the jump to Prem from Championship is astonishing… only TWO stars from bottom three will be back next season

    THERE are 75 players in the first-team squads of Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town — and how many of them will be playing Premier League football next season?My guess is two — Ipswich striker Liam Delap and Southampton kid Tyler Dibling. Two out of 75.Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling, 19, is likely to be in big demandCredit: GettyIpswich striker Liam Delap, 22 has been linked to Prem giantsCredit: RexWhat a damning indictment that is of the recruitment at the three clubs who were promoted last summer and are all going straight back down to the Championship.When I was promoted with Watford a decade ago, we made a point of telling each other, ‘Ten wins and we will stay up’. Well, these three clubs have managed only ten wins between them!This is the second successive season in which the three promoted clubs will all suffer instant relegation but don’t tell me the gulf between the top two divisions has suddenly got a lot wider.Three years ago, Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest went up together and all three are in the top half of the table, eyeing Europe, with Forest even vying for a Champions League spot.Nothing much has changed financially in two years, so bridging the gap between the Championship and Premier League can be done.What you need is a club united in its vision, with pragmatic management and with players who have experience, character and desire.Don’t get me wrong, it is a huge gap. As a player, you notice an astonishing difference in the physical and mental demands when you’re promoted into the top flight.I’d had three consecutive seasons of scoring 20-plus goals in the Championship before we went up in 2015.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn the Premier League, I had never felt more motivated and I was playing some of the best football of my life but I didn’t score in my first nine games.On Match of the Day, they were saying, ‘Well, he scored a lot of goals in the Championship but can he do it in the Premier League?’ and that got me riled — although I’m getting my own back a bit on that show these days!Liam Delap talks about joining Ipswich Town But I’d got four or five assists, the team had picked up two wins and four draws and I was performing well in a different role with more defensive duties — but there I was being doubted to the whole nation.And that’s another thing you really notice in the Premier League — the incredible media attention.Watford versus Crystal Palace in the Championship barely registers on the radar.That same fixture in the Premier League has a massive worldwide event.As a player, you notice an astonishing difference in the physical and mental demands when you’re promoted into the top flight.Troy DeeneyAnyway, my tenth match in the Premier League was Stoke away — and when I scored, it was a pretty aggressive goal ‘celebration’.It was such a release of frustration that I belted the s**t out of the corner flag.But that was a difference between the Championship and the top flight — you’d often only have two shots per match. Sometimes you wouldn’t have any because you’d be getting humped by Manchester City.The amount of effort you have to put in to get one win — to score one goal — in the Premier League is extreme.Those levels of determination are what Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich have been lacking — as well as a proper vision from the clubs as a whole.Transfer-market strategy has to be ruthless.Ex-Man City kid Delap has amassed impressive stats this termTroy Deeney, centre, says taking on Crystal Palace was a global event in the Prem but pretty low-key in the ChampionshipCredit: Action ImagesDibling has been a rare bright spot for the long-doomed SaintsMatej Vydra scored 16 goals in Watford’s promotion season, he was hugely popular and I loved playing with him, but the club bombed him out, selling him to Reading without him playing a single top-flight game.That felt cruel but it’s an example of what’s needed.We also signed a host of players who had been captains at their previous clubs, which gave us the necessary  character.I also look at Fulham under Marco Silva and Brentford, who were promoted under Thomas Frank a year earlier, and remember how they adapted so ­intelligently to the Premier League.Both played champagne football in the second tier but changed markedly when they went up.Brentford became much more direct, while Fulham released their tiny ball-playing defensive midfielder Jean Michael Seri and signed an absolute beast in Joao Palhinha.Contrast that with Southampton, whose manager Russell Martin stuck with his purist footballing philosophy and was sacked after 13 defeats in 16 games — many of them good hidings.But it’s not as if the Saints improved under Ivan Juric — they got even worse and registered the fastest-ever relegation.Unless they can earn two more points in their final six games, they will go down as the worst team in the history of the competition.And it’s not as if Leicester are much better — they haven’t scored a single goal during eight successive home defeats and are likely to be relegated by Liverpool tomorrow.There are no short cuts to staying in the Prem – everything has to be done the right way. But at Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, pretty much everything has been done wrong.What were they doing in sacking Steve Cooper after just 13 games, when they weren’t even in the drop zone?They wanted a more attractive style of football, apparently — well what’s so attractive about losing eight straight home games without scoring, while conceding 21?The appointment of Ruud Van Nistelrooy always felt doomed to failure.Leicester are a mess.Many would cut Ipswich a bit more slack after back-to-back promotions under Kieran McKenna but I’m not really inclined to as their recruitment has been poor.Despite Delap looking a real player, Ipswich have too often been too nice to play against.I don’t see enough desire and belief.In January, they spent £20million on Jaden Philogene from Aston Villa — who has never looked worth that kind of money.And last summer, there was Kalvin Phillips — a ‘name’ signing but a player who seems to have lost his fire.In short, there are no short cuts to staying in the Premier League — everything has to be done the right way.But at Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, pretty much everything has been done wrong. 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    When can Liverpool lift the Premier League title?

    LIVERPOOL are edging closer to winning the Premier League title – but when can they win it? Last weekend, Arne Slot’s team secured a late 2-1 win against West Ham that aided them move 13 points clear at the top.Virgil van Dijk can celebrate his new contract with a title as soon as THIS weekendSince taking over for Jurgen Klopp, Slot has only lost two league games, and it appears that he will follow in the club legend’s footsteps in his debut season.Following their defeat in the Carabao Cup final and subsequent elimination from the Champions League, the significance of preserving their advantage at the top has increased in recent weeks.Arsenal’s run in Europe’s elite club competition has aided Liverpool’s tilt at the title, with back-to-back draws to Everton and Brentford all but ruling them out of a domestic comeback. Additionally, the Anfield club have been handed an early summer boost as they secure the futures of key duo, Mohamed Salah and now Virgil van Dijk. READ MORE IN PREMIER LEAGUEWhen can Liverpool lift the Premier League title?Liverpool can win the Premier League with just SIX points from their last six games.The Merseysiders would therefore have 82 points, whereas even if they won every game they had left, second-place Arsenal could only get to 81.However, Liverpool may win the league this Sunday. The Reds would need a win at Leicester to become champions if Arsenal lose at Ipswich in the early game of the day. With 15 points remaining and a far better goal differential, a Liverpool victory would almost guarantee the title if Arsenal drew.Most read in FootballIn order to postpone Liverpool’s coronation, Arsenal would need to avoid losing at home against Crystal Palace on April 23 if both clubs’ results were equal.Liverpool would win the title on April 27 if they defeated Tottenham Hotspur at home, even if Arsenal prevailed. More

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    Arne Slot denies claims Darwin Nunez was dropped over training ground bust-up – but admits Liverpool star wasn’t injured

    LIVERPOOL boss Arne Slot has hit back at rumours Darwin Nunez was dropped over a training ground bust-up.The Reds forward watched from the stands and was not named among the substitutes for Liverpool’s win over West Ham last Sunday.Arne Slot has denied Darwin Nunez was involved in a training ground bust-upCredit: AlamyThe Liverpool playmaker sat out the win over West HamCredit: AlamyNunez is Liverpool’s record signing but has been linked with a move away from AnfieldCredit: PANunez, 25, sat behind the subs bench during the 2-1 victory at Anfield.Slot had previously criticised the Uruguayan for his work rate against Wolves and Aston Villa in February.And speculation was rife that he had been involved in a training ground incident with a coaching staff member.But Slot denied those claims ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Leicester on Sunday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Dutchman said: “He didn’t feel himself the day before the match.”He went inside [at training] and he wasn’t able to be part of the team the day after.”Pushed on whether Nunez had rowed with a member of the coaching staff, Slot repeated that the star “didn’t feel himself.”He added: “No, he didn’t [have an altercation].Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He did leave the [training] pitch because he didn’t feel himself.”He didn’t have words with a staff member.”Virgil van Dijk ‘destroys’ Michael Owen with brutal 13-word put-down on live TV after Liverpool beat Everton Slot confirmed the £85million club record signing would be in the squad for the Leicester game.Liverpool were boosted by Virgil van Dijk penning a new deal at the club on Thursday. It followed Mo Salah’s decision to remain on Merseyside for another two years.Asked about van Dijk’s influence, Slot added: “You know how important he is when you see him play.Liverpool go DutchWHO’S who in the Liverpool dugout next season.Manager Arne Slot, 45Slot has led Feyenoord for three seasons, wining the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup in  2024.A former footballer in Holland, he is known to be a perfectionist and favours attacking football like Jurgen Klopp.Assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, 49Hulshoff currently serves as Ronald Koeman’s assistant manager with the Holland national team and also works alongside Slot at Feyenoord.He has had two spells as manager at little-known Dutch side Cambuur.Head of performance Ruben Peeters, 31A former fitness coach at Genk, Peeters has been working with Slot at Feyenoord since 2021. The Belgian has a Master’s Degree in Sports Sciences.Chief analyst Etienne Reijnen, 37Former centre back who retired from football in 2020 to move into coaching.In October 2023, Reijnen joined Feyenoord as assistant coach, to focus on analysing and providing technical advise to Arne Slot.”I have not worked with a player like him in terms of leadership. “The energy he brings, how professional he is, tries to influence his teammates.”He continued: “At Liverpool there is always a big summer and it is already a big summer now.Read More on The Sun”By already holding on to two it is already a big summer. Let’s see what the rest of the summer will bring, but it would be strange for me to say now I am not happy with the team. “Maybe if we can keep that team it will already be a big summer.” More

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    ‘Ideas, plans, surprises’ – Mikel Arteta tells new Arsenal transfer chief how he can turn Gunners into title-winners

    MIKEL ARTETA has told his new transfer chief Arsenal MUST spend big to fight on all fronts next season.The Gunners’ title bid could be over if they lose to Ipswich tomorrow — four days after reaching the Champions League semi-final with a stunning win over Real Madrid.Mikel Arteta has sent a message to the club’s new transfer chiefCredit: AFPAndrea Berta was appointed as the club’s new sporting director last monthCredit: GettyAnd Arteta knows sporting director Andrea Berta is the key to sustaining Premier League and European challenges next campaign.He said: “Squad quality and availability — without those, we cannot compete in four competitions.”At this level, especially in this country, it is impossible. The higher the quality, the higher the availability, the more chances you have.”After you have to do it. But the probability goes high.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I hope that Andrea has many more ideas, plans, surprises, positive ones.”And his experience, his creativity, his intuition as well to help us make the right calls.”Liverpool will be crowned champions if they beat Leicester tomorrow and Arsenal lose to struggling Ipswich.Arteta added: “For sure there would be things we could have done to challenge Liverpool.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”If not you would have won every game regardless of any injuries, any situation, any red card, any referee decision.”But it is what it is. We will make an analysis of what we’ve done well and not well at the end of the season.”Gabriel goes wild with friends and family celebrating Arsenal’s epic win over Real Madrid Arteta has also hinted he would like midfielder Thomas Partey to be handed a new deal.Partey, 31, is out of contract this summer but is having his best season since joining the club five years ago.Arteta said that progress is being made with a number of players and his intent with Partey is clear — though the decision will sit with Berta.The Spaniard said: “Yes, there is progress with all the players.”I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to decide and to talk about.”The intention is very clear. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward.”Read More on The SunPartey’s form this season has been largely down to his availability, having desperately struggled with injuries across his time in north London.Arsenal will consider his age and fitness record before making a final decision on a new deal. More

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    Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline for Newcastle vs Aston Villa?

    NEWCASTLE face Aston Villa in a crunching Premier League encounter TODAY – but there’ll be no Eddie Howe on the touchline.The Toon have been flying since ending their 70-year trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win against Liverpool in March.Eddie Howe will be absent from the touchline against Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyHarvey Barnes’ double sandwiched by strikes from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, saw off Manchester United on the weekend to reaffirm Newcastle’s position in the Champions League race. Then the Tyneside club thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 in their game in hand, which was initially postponed due to League Cup final involvement.But Howe is absent from the match today and SunSport can explain why.Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline vs Aston Villa?As announced on Newcastle’s social media account, Eddie Howe is recovering in the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.Read more on Eddie HoweA club statement read, “The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery.”Howe was absent for the game against Manchester United with what the club cited as an “illness” at the time. The 47-year-old was admitted to the hospital last Friday evening, having felt unwell for a number of days. In the club’s joint statement, Howe said: “A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family.Most read in Football”I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me. I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”Who will step in for Eddie Howe?Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will step in for Eddie Howe while the Newcastle boss recovers.And Tindall gave a re-update on Howe with the club’s in-house media ahead of the Wednesday night game. The Toon assistant manager said: “He’s in the best possible hands and he’ll be back as soon as he feels he’s ready to come back. “Your health is the most important thing, that’s why it’s so important that when he comes back he is able to lead the team as we know he does, which I’m sure he will do.”What time does Newcastle vs Aston Villa kick-off?Aston Villa vs Newcastle is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm BST.Villa Park is the allocated venue for this huge match and it can host 42,640 fans.Fans can watch the entire action on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League.Newcastle dismantled Aston Villa 3-0 when the sides last met. More

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    Renee Slegers backs Arsenal to ‘take opportunity’ to reach Women’s Champions League final ‘by the throat’

    RENEE SLEGERS urged Arsenal to go for the jugular in the first round of their battle with Lyon for a Women’s Champions League final spot. The Gunners will face one of their biggest tests this term when they face the contest’s record winners at the Emirates on Saturday. Renee Slegers believes Arsenal have enough quality to see off the threat posed by LyonCredit: GettyAlessia Russo is expected to return to action when Arsenal face the French giants following an injury she sustained on England dutyCredit: GettyForward Chloe Kelly will also be available for the Gunners having worked her way back to fitness following a foot injuryCredit: PAAnd they have been given a fitness boost with Alessia Russo’s and Chloe Kelly’s return from injury. However goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is still sidelined, with the Netherlands stopper set to miss encoubter.    The lunchtime clash will see Slegers’ players push for a first-leg semis victory. A result that would put them one win or draw away from reaching the contest’s decider for the first time since 2007. Read More Football Stories It was during that year, under former boss Vic Akers, the Gunners made history becoming the first English side to lift the trophy. Arsenal boss Slegers, 36, said: “We want to go for it and take the opportunity by the throat.”There will be an enormous crowd so we’re going to go from the start because we enjoy playing at the Emirates. “We know this is our chance and I think 40,000 tickets have been soldMost read in Football“We’re at one of the final stages of the Champions League. It’s a huge moment.”A 5-1 drubbing of Leicester on Tuesday was Arsenal’s last result at the Emirates. The win led to them cutting Chelsea’s lead at the WSL’s summit to three points. However Lyon will be a far different proposition to the Foxes, with the latter currently having the worst away record in the WSL this term. The French giants, currently managed by ex-Gunners boss Joe Montemurro, have won the trophy eight times since 2011. The most recent of those triumphs came almost three years ago when they beat current holders Barcelona 3-1 under former boss Sonia BompastorUnder the head coach, who now manages Chelsea, they also reached last season’s final where they fell to a 2-0 loss to Spain’s reigning champions. This term Lyon have scored 24 times in the tournament whilst conceding just twice in the tournament. Despite the visitors’ formidable Champions League form, Slegers reckons Arsenal has the quality to see off the European heavyweights. She adds: “I have huge respect for their history and what they have been doing and producing in the Champions League “But us playing at the Emirates, and the hunger and the belief that we have at the moment, we’re going to go and play our game to the best we can.”Even though we have huge respect for their qualities and threats, we believe we can do something.”Among the Gunners aces certain to be starting later is versatile forward Mariona Caldentey. The Spain superstar, 29, knows all about helping a club make Champions League history having won it three-times with her old side Barcelona. And Caldentey reckons Arsenal have the hunger they need to end their 18-year wait to become queens of Europe once again. Joe Montemurro’s Lyon are currently top of the table in France’s top tier and have conceded just two goals in eight Champions League games this termCredit: AlamyShe said: “We want to win titles and the Champions League is a big one. “We are still a bit far away right now, it’s three games for that.Read More on The Sun”But everyone is hungry for it so it’s a mentality we need to keep. We are here because we deserve it.”Arsenal vs Lyon in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-finals can be watched live from 12:30pm on April 19 on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ More