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    Man Utd legend Paul Scholes reveals ‘worry’ about Kobbie Mainoo after spotting trend under Ruben Amorim

    PAUL SCHOLES has raised questions over Kobbie Mainoo’s fitness levels.The Manchester United starlet, 19, suffered a muscle injury earlier this season.Kobbie Mainoo was in action against Liverpool at the weekendCredit: APPaul Scholes has had his say on MainooCredit: GettyHe has played just two full 90 minutes since September and has regularly been taken off under Ruben Amorim.Noticing this trend, Old Trafford legend Scholes raised concerns while appearing on Premier League Productions.He said: “Mainoo with his legs has to be a worry. He doesn’t finish a lot of games.”Appearing alongside Scholes, Michael Owen agreed with his former United team-mate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “He looks heavy, but yeah, he tires a lot, doesn’t he?”And it’s one thing he’s an unbelievable player, but if there’s one thing about Mainoo, it’s getting around the pitch and his ability to last a full game at the high intensity that’s needed.”And then you look at the other alternatives. You’ve got [Christian] Eriksen that’s getting on in years. Casemiro that’s never been that mobile but getting on in years.”So, I guess you’re left with [Manuel] Ugarte and another. You’re left with Ugarte.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Owen also discussed the Man Utd midfielderCredit: GettyShock reports yesterday emerged that the Red Devils would consider selling Mainoo – with every player up for grabs for the right price.The midfielder is contracted to Old Trafford until 2027, although United possess an option to extend the deal by 12 months.Man Utd’s mentality praised by Amorim after draw with Liverpool Talks over an extension are said to have hit a dead end, with United limited to what they can offer.And with homegrown players worth 100 per cent profit, flogging Mainoo would give United a PSR boost.Should the Red Devils choose to sell their academy rising star, Chelsea could position themselves at the front of the queue.Mainoo is said to be worth around £70million. More

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    West Ham hope to have Graham Potter in charge for Friday’s FA Cup clash even though Lopetegui is STILL manager

    WEST HAM hope Graham Potter will take charge of their FA Cup game at Aston Villa on Friday night.Potter has agreed to take over at the London Stadium but the club are still finalising the last details of his appointment.Graham Potter is expected to be West Ham’s next managerCredit: PAJulen Lopetegui is set to be sacked by West HamCredit: RexHowever, the Hammers are still yet to sack current boss Julen Lopetegui.Lopetegui was left once again to take charge of training on Wednesday, despite the club being close to appointing Potter, 49, as his successor.West Ham cancelled their press conference which was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, ahead of Friday night’s third round tie at Villa Park.Potter is keen to take training on Thursday and be in the dugout for the game, with the postponed press conference also needing to be held.READ MORE IN football Lopetegui is furious with how the week has played out.On Monday it emerged he had asked technical director Tim Steidten to stay away from the training ground after their relationship broke down.Chairman David Sullivan has led the search for a new manager, though Steidten was the one to initially approach Potter.After talks were re-opened this week, vice-chair Karren Brady has taken charge of direct negotiations.Most read in FootballJulen Lopetegui’s disastrous reignBy Jack FiggJULEN LOPETEGUI replaced David Moyes in May 2024 ready to start a new reign at West Ham – now it’s over before it even got started.The former Spain manager arrived in London with the experience of working with big stars – but his reputation in England needed mending. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 – joining Wolves two years later. But Lopetegui left after one season having guided Wolves to 13th but walking out over their financial constraints. Following a year out of work, the ex-Real Madrid player agreed to take over from Moyes – who only 12 months earlier led them to the Europa Conference League trophy. But Lopetegui got off to a horror start to life in London, going winless in his first four matches.That is despite spending £123m on signings with the likes of Maximilian Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving in the summer.And Lopetegui’s tenure hit an all-time low following a 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Man City. The Hammers board had seen enough and started to draw up potential replacements after deciding to sack Lopetegui.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs well as finalising Lopetegui’s exit, a new coaching staff must be appointed.The former Wolves manager brought five coaches with him to east London, all of whom are expected to leave.Potter is looking to initially bring up to four of his own coaching staff with him, while goalkeeping coach, Xavi Valero, is expected to stay.Valero was the one member of David Moyes’ staff to remain in the summer. More

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    Moment Tottenham flop injures his own manager with ‘red card tackle’ as he celebrates trophy months after leaving Spurs

    FORMER Tottenham star Emerson Royal got a little carried away while celebrating AC Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana win with manager Sergio Conceicao.Milan produced an incredible comeback from 2-0 down to beat fierce rivals Inter 3-2 in Riyadh.Emerson Royal jumps on boss Sergio ConceicaoCredit: RedditRoyal kisses the Supercoppa ItalianaCredit: GettyThe Brazilian points to pal Ruben Loftus-CheekCredit: ReutersRoyal, 25, started the game before being substituted in the 87th minute.Upon the final whistle, the Brazilian couldn’t contain his excitement.The full-back rose from the bench and jumped on boss Conceicao.He then hung on the Portuguese’s back for a few seconds, before running off to join his team-mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConceicao, 50, winced in pain and even began to limp back towards the bench.During the trophy ceremony, Royal went live on Instagram to share the moment with his one million followers.Conceicao, meanwhile, didn’t seem too badly hurt.While back in the dressing room, the former Porto boss recreated his iconic celebration.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPuffing on a cigar, Conceicao danced in front of his players.The triumph over Inter was only Conceicao’s second game in charge.Moment new AC Milan manager whips out cigar in repeat of iconic celebration after winning trophy in second game His predecessor Paulo Fonseca was sacked last month following a 1-1 draw with Roma.Conceicao immediately took over, masterminding a 2-1 win over Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals in his first game in charge.Following his trophy triumph, Conceicao will take charge of his first Serie A game at the helm this Saturday.Milan, who are eighth in the table, will host Cagliari at San Siro.Concaicao celebrates with a cigar in the dressing roomCredit: Getty More

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    Fans convinced they’ve seen Man Utd star on The Chase barely 48 hours after ‘running the midfield at Anfield’

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were stunned to see a Manuel Ugarte lookalike on an episode of The Chase this week.The Red Devils earned a point against high-flying Liverpool on Sunday.Fans noticed a Manuel Ugarte lookalike on The Chase this weekCredit: ITVUgarte featured for United against Liverpool at the weekendCredit: AlamyLisandro Martinez opened the scoring for Ruben Amorim’s side at Anfield before Cody Gakpo levelled things up.Mohamed Salah then converted a penalty to put Liverpool ahead, but Amad Diallo scored an 80th-minute equaliser to seal a draw.United fans were particularly impressed with Ugarte’s performance at the weekend.So one person couldn’t help but comment when they saw a lookalike of the midfielder on a popular TV quiz show.Read More in FootballThey shared a picture of the contestant in question before taking to X to write: “Running the midfield at Anfield on a Sunday, The Chase on a Tuesday, some bloke Ugarte.”Another joked: “Ugarte with glasses like Superman with glasses.”A third said: “It actually looks like him lmao.”While a fourth quipped: “Versatility.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUgarte joined Man Utd in a £50million transfer from PSG in August.The midfielder has since made 22 appearances for United. ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Bruno Fernandes’ post-match interview shows Man Utd star’s true colours after Liverpool drawThe Red Devils next face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball. More

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    Meet Jude Bellingham’s rumoured new flame as Spanish pop star ‘spotted wearing England ace’s T-shirt’ and liking pics

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has been romantically linked with a pop star by Spanish press.The Real Madrid star’s performances have improved on the pitch, scoring seven league goals in eight games.Singer Aitana has been romantically linked with Jude Bellingham by Spanish pressCredit: Instagram @aitanaxAitana at the LOS40 Music Awards in 2022Credit: GettyShe was recently spotted watching Real Madrid playCredit: Instagram @aitanaxThe singer and Bellingham follow each other on InstagramCredit: GettyThey have liked each others’ postsCredit: RexBut his personal life has been subject to speculation in Spain after being linked with musician Aitana. According to Madrid-based reporter Laura Roige, the pair could be dating after following each other on Instagram. They are also said to have “liked” each others’ posts on the social media app. That is despite Aitana being born in Barcelona and claiming to be a fan of the side. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlthough she watched the El Clasico from Madrid and called it “home”.But the performer – full name Aitana Ocana Morales – had been in Miami just before so she could have been referring to returning to Spain. Bellingham played in the match but it ended in a disastrous 4-0 defeat.Spanish outlet ElDesmarque also pointed out that Aitana and Bellingham were both spotted wearing the same white Acne Studios T-shirt.Most read in FootballSpanish outlet ElDesmarque spotted that the two wore the same topCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlthough they say it’s impossible to know whether it was Bellingham’s or just a coincidence.Bellingham, 21, was linked with Dutch model Laura Celia Valk during the summer when England reached the Euro 2024 final.But Laura herself recently confirmed to her followers that she is not in a relationship.Bellingham has eight goals in 22 games this season with Madrid topping LaLiga – with rivals Atletico two points behind but with a game in hand. Dutch model Laura Celia Valk was linked with BellinghamCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavRomance rumours swirled in the summerCredit: InstagramBut Laura revealed she does not have a boyfriendCredit: Instagram More

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    Jonas Eidevall says choice to leave Arsenal was ‘incredibly difficult’ and reflects on relationship with club’s fans

    JONAS EIDEVALL reckons leaving Arsenal was an “incredibly difficult decision” following his departure from the club last October. The head coach, 41, who was yesterday confirmed as the new boss of San Diego Wave, believes his relationship with Gunners fans had soured. Jonas Eidevall felt his relationship with Arsenal fans was like “a cloud hanging” over towards the end of his time in charge of their women’s teamCredit: GettyEidevall has returned to coaching in top-flight football and has been confirmed as the new boss of NWSL side San Diego WaveCredit: GettyEidevall’s reflections follow the USA-based women’s team formally announcing his appointment three months after he resigned as manager of Arsenal’s WSL side. The Sweden-bon coach stood down after a reign of just over three years following a run of tough results in the top tier earlier this season and a hefty group stage defeat in the Champions League. A three-game winless run in the WSL at the Emirates along with a 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich away in Europe saw Eidevall come under pressure from Gunners supporters. While he led the team to back-to-back League Cup wins in 2023 and 2024, a 2-1 home loss to Chelsea on October 12 last year was followed by him resigning from his role three days later. Read More Football StoriesEidevall told Sky Sports: “I had decided personally before that Chelsea game that it would be the best decision for me to step away. “What I saw was a team that was only missing small details, but I saw at that moment my relationship with the supporters was like a cloud hanging over. “We needed to find a quick way to remove that cloud. “It was an incredibly difficult decision for me to take, because you have a part of you that wants to be a fighter and prove doubters wrong – that’s what I’ve been doing my whole career.”Most read in FootballEidevall reckons the decision to allow Vivianne Miedema to leave the club last May may have been a factor in the shift in relationship with Arsenal’s fans. The Netherlands forward, currently the WSL’s all-time top goalscorer, joined title-chasing Man City as a free agent last July, after seven years with the Gunners. Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music AwardsThe departure of a player, who was a firm fan favourite, left scores of the club’s followers dismayed. Eidevall adds: “It was evident I lost quite a lot of my relationship with the supporters when we decided not to renew Miedema’s contract. “All in all it was a decision that played hard on me but that’s life sometimes.”Following Eidevall departure, Arsenal’s have had an upturn in form under stand-in boss Renee Slegers. The team went 11 games unbeaten in the WSL and Europe and topped their Champions League group with a 3-2 home defeat of Bayern in their final game of last year. The Gunners, who face Bristol City this Sunday in the Women’s FA Cup, have conceded just five goals since Slegers first match at the helm on October 16. And Eidevall hopes Arsenal’s interim boss who was his assistant manager at the club will continue in her role on a longer term basis. Eidevall says Arsenal’s performances and results under Renee Slegers have made him pleasedCredit: GettyThe San Diego Wave boss told Swedish sports news outlet Aftonbladet: “I experience Renée as a great leader with a good foundation of values, strong football knowledge. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It makes me very happy to see the good results and performance that she, the team and the coaching team have put together. “I really hope that they see the possibility that they will be allowed to continue.” More

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    Suspended Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes shares heartwarming clip celebrating famous win in his living room with his son

    BRUNO GUIMARAES shared a heartwarming clip of himself and his son celebrating Newcastle’s win over Arsenal.The midfielder missed the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg due to suspension.Bruno Guimaraes celebrated Newcastle’s win over Arsenal with his sonCredit: Instagram @analidiamartinssHe will be back for the second legCredit: AlamyThe Brazilian, 27, was unable to feature in the fixture after he picked up two bookings in previous rounds.Guimaraes was not missed on the pitch as the Magpies stunned the Gunners at the Emirates,Alexander Isak netted the opener before Anthony Gordon made it 2-0 on the night.Guimaraes still managed to enjoy the game from the comfort of his sofa.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis partner, Ana Lidia Martins Guimaraes, took a video of the midfielder celebrating the full-time result.He could be seen jumping up and down with his son Matteo in his arms chanting “Newcastle”.Fan loved the heartwarming moment as it went viral on social media.One posted: “I’m very happy for him, and his son.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second wrote: “He absolutely loves the Toon.”A third commented: “Aww, that’s adorable.”Arsenal fans will have watched Carabao Cup disaster and wished Alexander Isak was playing for them – he’s unbelievableA fourth said: “Bruno living his best life after that win.”Another added: “Just things you love to see.”Meanwhile, Arsenal fans were left convinced that Isak’s opener should not have counted.They spotted a push from the forward on Martin Odegaard moments before hitting the net.More fans were left stunned when Gordon scored his goal as he pulled off a Thierry Henry-inspired celebration in North London.Guimaraes’ team-mate Martin Dubravka was left in tears at full-time as he appeared to say farewell ahead of a move to Saudi Arabia.After the game, Mike Arteta appeared to blame the ball for Arsenal’s defeat.Arsenal player ratings v NewcastleBy Jordan DaviesDAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8Very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Miised an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner. Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead. Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yardsSUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.]OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton. More

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    ‘Obviously doesn’t do the defensive one’ – Jamie Redknapp takes savage dig at Arsenal set piece coach live on Sky Sports

    JAMIE REDKNAPP hit out at Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover after the Gunners’ Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle. The Sky Sports pundit questioned “nonsensical” tactics from Mikel Arteta’s men in Tuesday’s semi-final defeat.Jamie Redknapp was not impressed with the Gunners defensive work against NewcastleCredit: GettyThe Sky pundit singled out set-piece coach Nicolas JoverCredit: GettyArsenal went behind in the 37th minute at the Emirates as Aleksander Isak continued his rich vein of form.The Toon forward pounced on a loose ball in the box after the Gunners failed to clear a routine set piece. Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka lumped a long ball forward which was headed on by Sven Botman. Jacob Murphy was unable to control the ricochet, but Isak took the ball off his foot and smashed into the roof of the net after holding off Martin Odegaard. READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Gunners have a dedicated set-piece coach in Jover, who has been credited with increasing their attacking threat at corners over recent seasons. But Redknapp was unimpressed with how Arsenal set up to defend the free kick on Tuesday – and questioned why Odegaard was tasked with defending 6ft3in Isak. Redknapp told Sky Sports: “The set piece coach gets a lot of credit he obviously doesn’t do the defensive one”Because how you can have Odegaard marking him, he’s the best centre forward in the country now, you’ve got to say, where is, let’s mark him. Odegaard’s got no interest in marking him. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He just gets into a really good position – if you’re doing something – look at Alexander Isak, he’s the wrong side of Odegaard. Someone’s got to take responsibility. “I know Newcastle are a big side, but Arsenal are a big side. Mikel Arteta bizarrely appears to blame Carabao Cup BALL for Arsenal’s missed chances as trophy drought set to continue”You cannot have the best centre forward in the country in that much space. It’s nonsensical to me.”Redknapp’s Sky colleague and former Arsenal star Theo Walcott was in agreement.And the ex-England star believes the Gunners are becoming to fixate on looking for set pieces. Walcott said: “With Arsenal, at this moment in time, what worries me is they’re getting excited by set-pieces all the time, instead of that free-flowing football.”That’s what Arsenal is known for, they’re shying away from it.”Anthony Gordon netted just after the break for Newcastle to hand them a 2-0 victory in the first leg of the semi-final. Despite the defeat, Arteta was adamant his team could turn things around on February 5. He said: “We have to be disappointed as it’s another result that we wanted, but that’s the reality.Arsenal player ratings v NewcastleBy Jordan DaviesDAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8Very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Miised an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner. Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead. Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yardsSUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.]OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton.”I have full belief [we will come back]. I have seen my team playing against them – I believe we can do it.”The Spaniard also had a bizarre excuse for his team’s wayward shooting, which saw them draw a blank despite 23 shots on the night.Discussing the Puma ball used for the Carabao Cup, he said: “We also kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that these [Puma] balls fly a lot so there’s details that we can do better.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But at the end that’s gone, there’s no way back it’s about the next game and that’s our world, the reality is our world.”It’s just different. Very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different. More