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    Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca blames own FANS after 2-2 draw with Ipswich and admits they changed tactics

    ENZO MARESCA blamed a moody Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s flop against Ipswich as they stumbled in the Champions League race.The Blues boss saw his side fall two goals behind against the relegation certainties on Sunday afternoon before rescuing a point in the second half.Enzo Maresca has urged fans to get behind Chelsea following Sunday’s 2-2 draw with IpswichCredit: RexThe Blues saw their Champions League hopes take another hitCredit: GettyChelsea came from two goals down to take a point thanks to Jadon SanchoCredit: ReutersAnd Maresca said his side abandoned their principles due to the “environment” in west London.The Blues started fast but were hit with a sucker punch on 19 minutes when Julio Enciso grabbed a shock opener, before Ben Johnson doubled the lead just after half an hour.An Axel Tuanzebe own goal and a stunner from Jadon Sancho rescued a point, but two points dropped invited further pressure in Chelsea’s unconvincing pursuit of a top five spot.Chelsea handed possession over ahead of both goals by playing long balls, with the home fans prone to grumbling about their team playing out from the back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMaresca said: “We lost a little bit of confidence because we conceded, probably because of the environment.”This is the moment that you have to continue doing the right things and don’t change plans.”Also because we are a team that most of the time our goal kicks we start from playing short, the second goal we decide to play long because of the environment and we concede the second one.”So you have to be strong, you have to continue with the things that you are doing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”In terms of fans, I said many times, we are stronger with our fans.”We are a better team and it’s up to them to decide the way to be. Today probably, with the 0-1, 0-2, it’s normal to be in the way they were.’I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smoke”In the moment that we are in, a difficult moment, you can expect that they are not happy.”But in the same moment, it is the moment that we need more support.”Kieran McKenna was disappointed to see his side concede twice after going ahead, but the travelling fans gave them a huge ovation after full-time.We lost a little bit of confidence because we conceded, probably because of the environment.Enzo MarescaThe Ipswich boss is also concerned about Jaden Philogene, after the January signing “opened the side of his knee up” and had to be helped off minutes after coming on as a substitute.McKenna said: “It looks like a blow, no doubt.”He’s opened up the inside of his knee, so it’ll be scanned. It’s usually the MCL that gets some damage in that sort of tackle.Read More on The Sun”He had one on his left side last season, so we’ll get it scanned and see how he is.”We’ll be hoping that the damage isn’t too bad.” More

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    Oscar Piastri wins Bahrain Grand Prix as F1 team-mate Lando Norris overcomes being snitched on to snatch podium

    LANDO NORRIS is once again making too many mistakes to become a world champion after a chaotic weekend in Bahrain left him “hurting”.The McLaren driver had to settle for third, while team-mate Oscar Piastri showed him up with an expert drive to soar across the finish line more than 15 SECONDS clear of George Russell in second.Oscar Piastri produced a superb drive to take the chequered flag in BahrainCredit: GettyThe Aussie was joined by George Russell and Lando Norris on the podiumCredit: GettyThe Aussie began the race on pole and held off a late charge from MercedesCredit: APNorris was hit with a five-second penalty for being out of his grid laneCredit: Sky SportsNorris, 25, was plagued by errors last season, with his mentality being questioned when he choked on a number of occasions in a fierce title fight with Max Verstappen.There is no doubt the Brit is one of the finest drivers on the grid — and capable of leaving the rest for dust when he is on form.But his world title advantage is down to just three points over ­Piastri, while world champion ­Verstappen’s deficit has grown to eight points after finishing in sixth.It was chaotic from the very start for Norris, who could only manage a woeful sixth place in qualifying, despite sitting in the fastest car.READ MORE ON F1He was then guilty of a glaringly obvious false start to the race and slapped with a five-second penalty after soaring from sixth to third on the grid.Verstappen stuck the knife in as replays showed the Dutchman, who started one place behind him in seventh, snitching on his team radio, saying: “Lando is over his grid box.”Norris also stuttered with his overtakes, failing to get past Russell on the final lap despite the Mercedes man driving a broken car at that point.He had also made a mess of ­getting past Lewis Hamilton earlier on, going off the track and momentarily handing the place back before nipping up into third again.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNorris said: “Something is just not clicking with me in the car.”I’m not able to do any of the laps that I was doing last season.Sun F1 reporter Isabelle Barker tries Lewis Hamilton’s favourite spaghetti cooked by three Michelin star chef at Bahrain Grand Prix“I felt on top of the car. This year could not have felt more opposite so far. And even in Australia, whether or not I won the race, I never felt comfortable, never felt confident.”The car was just mega. And that’s helping me get out of a lot of problems at the minute.”I’m just nowhere near the capability that I have, which hurts to say.”I have spent a lot of time …. even last night I left late … to look into everything and understand what I’m struggling with.”THE new Formula One season is up and running and has already seen huge drama in the opening weeks.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have hope of ending Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is hoping for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARThe Ferraris produced a solid performance with Charles Leclerc fourth and Hamilton fifth.Verstappen was grumbling throughout after suffering a double whammy of pit-stop chaos.His moaning began on lap 11 when he was seething as the red light on Red Bull’s pit gantry stayed on once a tyre change was finished, despite the pit lane being clear.Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli overtook four-time world champion Verstappen on lap 20, with no answer from the Dutchman.Hamilton’s turn came next as he overtook Jack Doohan and then Verstappen with a brilliant double move on lap 22.By now, 27-year-old Verstappen was seething and he blasted on his team radio: “I can’t even brake any more. It’s just ridiculous.” The  Ferraris finally came alive and Leclerc squeezed past ­Norris for third and Hamilton slipped past Antonelli for fifth.Verstappen was pulling his hair out when he suffered yet another pit-stop nightmare after a gamble with hard tyres did not pay off.A sticky front-right tyre left him in the pits for  6.2 seconds and he rejoined in 19th place.The safety car was deployed on lap 32 owing to debris on the track — and all of the top five drivers pitted.When it had cleared, Hamilton showed the young bucks how  to do it with an epic overtake on Norris.The McLaren driver appeared to nip back ahead but went off the track and had to give the place back. He did eventually get back ahead of seven-time world champ Hamilton a few laps later.Verstappen had stormed back up to seventh, where he had started, with 17 laps to go.The fight for the final podium spot was on, with Norris snapping at Leclerc’s heels in third place.The McLaren driver very nearly nipped past with eight laps to go but Leclerc held him off by the skin of his teeth before Norris eventually had him.Russell was in a spot of bother late on – but escaped a penalty – as he was investigated for “accidently opening DRS”.Read More on The SunHe was having problems with the dash on his car anyway as Norris was hunting him down.Norris had his last chance to take second as he went wheel to wheel with Russell on the final lap but the Mercedes man just held him off. More

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    Man Utd suffer Europa League injury blow as gutted Zirkzee helped off pitch vs Newcastle with Hojlund only striker left

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of their huge Europa League showdown with Lyon on Thursday. Joshua Zirkzee appeared to pull up and clutch his hamstring before hitting the deck during United’s clash with Newcastle.Joshua Zirkzee was forced out of Man Utd’s clash with NewcastleCredit: PAThe Dutchman looked devastated before being helped from the fieldCredit: GettyZirkzee went down clutching his hamstring and needed help to walkCredit: Sky SportsThe 23-year-old had been enjoying a decent performance in the North East.But it was brutally cut short soon after the break at St James Park.Zirkzee was seen clutching the back of his leg with the Red Devils trailing 2-1.He was aided by Toon forward Joelinton and following treatment had to be helped from the field by medics.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnited boss Ruben Amorim was seen with his head in his hands on the touchline. Rasmus Hojlund was called from the bench to replace the Dutchman and is now United’s only fit striker. One United fan groaned on X: “Zirkzee, by far, United’s best number 9 at the club. Now injured ahead of the most important game of the season. Absolutely awful.”Another said: “Zirkzee gonna leave us with hojlund bro.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile a third added: “Losing Zirkzee for Thursday is gutting. Having to rely on Hojlund will be like playing with 10 men.”And a fourth commented: “Tbf I don’t care about the result, I expected it anyway but the Zirkzee injury is an absolute disaster.”Man Utd fans ‘pepper sprayed trying to use the toilet’ in stadium after Lyon clash as French police slammed Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana’s stand-in has a shockerMANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances…United welcome Lyon to Old Trafford on Thursday with the tie poised at 2-2.Goalkeeper Andre Onana committed two howlers and paid with his place in the starting XI on Sunday.The Cameroon international stayed back in the North West as the squad travelled to Tyneside on Saturday evening.Onana’s snub comes after SunSport exclusively revealed some team-mates wanted him AXED after his Europa League blunders. But he’s been told by Amorim he is being rested and will be back in the team for the return leg against the French giants.Turkish understudy Altay Bayindir made his Prem debut but had a day to forget, with Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali finding the net.And it got worst for Bayindir as his loose pass straight to Joelinton saw Bruno Guimaraes score Newcastle’s fourth in a drubbing at St James’ Park. More

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    ‘That’s a Keane Haaland tackle’ – Kylian Mbappe SENT OFF for sickening challenge days before Arsenal clash

    KYLIAN MBAPPE was sent off for a horror tackle just days before Real Madrid face Arsenal.The striker picked up the fifth red card of his career against Alaves — but his first in six years.Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a horror lungeCredit: EPAIt is the fifth red card of his careerCredit: AFPOne fan likened it to Roy Keane’s ‘tackle’ on Alfe Inge HaalandFortunately for Mbappe his side were 1-0 up at the time of the incident with Eduardo Camavinga on the scoresheet.And that is how the match ended, with Alaves also going down to ten men when Manu Sanchez was dismissed in the 70th minute.Mbappe, 26, will now serve a three-match suspension after he was sent off for serious foul play, which means he will crucially miss the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.The Frenchman was given his marching orders for a shocking tackle that left his opponent in a heap on the ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMbappe went diving in with his studs raised and caught Antonio Blanco high on his shin.He was initially shown a yellow card before the referee increased his punishment following a VAR review.Fans were left shocked by the aggressive nature of the challenge, with one comparing it to Roy Keane’s infamous ‘tackle’ on Alfe-Inge Haaland.A fan reacted saying: “Proper grim challenge.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Disgusting tackle.”A third wrote: “That’s a Keane-Haaland tackle that bad bad stuff.”Newly-emerged footage shows ‘disgusting act’ Kylian Mbappe did that could see him BANNED for Arsenal vs Real MadridAnd another commented: “They should ban him from all football for that! 🤷‍♂️”Mbappe’s red card comes days before Real Madrid face Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with the Spanish side trailing 3-0. More

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    Lando Norris punished by F1 bosses with five-second penalty after being snitched on by rival Max Verstappen

    LANDO NORRIS was hit with a five-second grid penalty for a false start at the Bahrain Grand Prix.To make matters worse, Max Verstappen – who started a place behind him on the grid in seventh – snitched on the British 25-year-old.Max Verstappen dobbed in Lando Norris at the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: EPANorris started in P6 after a disappointing qualifyingCredit: AlamyVerstappen noticed the 25-year-old was over his grid box as the cars lined upThe four-time world champion said on his team radio: “Lando is over his grid box.”Norris, 25, soared into third from sixth with a blistering start, but stewards hit him with a five-second penalty for the infringement.It came after a frustrated Verstappen admitted it had been a “tough weekend” for Red Bull.The Dutchman could only muster P7 in qualifying as he struggled with an “inconsistent” car.READ MORE ON F1Verstappen said in the build-up to Sunday’s race: “For whatever reason I’ve been struggling with the brakes.”It’s something that we need to investigate. And then general grip, I guess, throughout the lap, [it was] quite inconsistent.”That makes it very hard to understand what you actually need from the car when, for whatever reason, we can’t seem to make the tyres work.”We have tried a lot, honestly, with the set-up – left, right, up and down.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”But unfortunately nothing really gave us a clear answer, so that is of course a bit of a shame.”Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri started the race on pole after a blistering qualifying lap. Sun F1 reporter Isabelle Barker tries Lewis Hamilton’s favourite spaghetti cooked by three Michelin star chef at Bahrain Grand PrixAnd Norris couldn’t explain why he’d struggled to keep pace with his fellow McLaren.Norris admitted after qualifying: “I was just slow.”I have been slow this whole weekend, to be honest. THE new Formula One season is up and running and has already seen huge drama in the opening weeks.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have hope of ending Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is hoping for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARNothing too surprising. I have just been off it.”The car is amazing. I have nothing to complain about, the team are doing an amazing job.”But I am just letting them down.”Read More on The SunNorris got over the starting drama to finish third. Oscar Piastri produced an expert drive to finish in first, over 12 seconds ahead of second-placed George Russell. Verstappen came home in sixth, behind fith-placed Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in fourth. More

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    Newcastle vs Man Utd LIVE SCORE: Garnacho’s composed finish puts United level after Tonali’s sublime opener – updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED are trailing Newcastle courtesy of a superb team goal involving Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali.Isak flicked the ball up in a delightful manner before feeding it through to Tonali.And the Italian midfielder then hit it on the volley, leaving Bayindir with no chance.Live stream: NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Premier LeagueNewcastle starting XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno, Joelinton, Tonali; Barnes, Murphy IsakMan Utd starting XI: Bayindir; Mazraoui, Lindelof, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Eriksen, Amass; Garnacho; Fernandes; ZirkzeeBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from St James’ Park with our live blog below…Newcastle 1-1 Man Utd37. Who saw this one coming?!Copy linkCopiedAgainst the run of play!Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Man Utd35. It’s wave after wave of black and white attacks.Isak dances wide around Bayindir but then almost scoops a chip back in from an impossible angle.Moments later, Burn meets a free-kick with a towering header that drops on to the roof of the goal.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Man Utd33. Newcastle smell blood here.Barnes finds room on the left again, and although Bayindir needlessly pushes out the cross, he redeems himself with a point-blank save to deny Isak on the follow up.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Man Utd31. Harvey Barnes goes on a mazy run down the left, toying with Noussair Mazraoui.The winger eventually tries one step over too many though, and runs it through to Bayindir.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Man Utd29. As it stands, that goal has Newcastle up to fourth and a point behind third-place Nottingham Forest, over who they have a game in hand.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Man Utd27. Newcastle are in the mood now, and so is Sandro Tonali.When nobody comes to close him down, he takes aim from 25 yards and isn’t far off with a shot that ends up crashing into the advertising hoardings.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Man Utd24. Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!Sandro Tonali is making a habit of scoring astonishing goals, and this is another for the collection.Kieran Trippier pushes a pass into Alexander Isak on the edge of the area, and though his first touch is a little loose, his second is sublime.The striker cushions it over the head of Leny Yoro so that it falls perfectly on to the right foot volley of Tonali on the run.The ball flies past Altay Bayindir, who has no chance in the Manchester United goal, and crashes into the bottom corner to send St James’ Park into a frenzy.Copy linkCopiedWhat a goal!Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Man Utd22. Isak goes close with a header!Murphy makes progress on the right and then slips a pass inside to Guimaraes. The Newcastle captain plants his foot on the ball, looks up, and then delivers a pinpoint cross into the area that the Swede glances just wide.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Man Utd19. Excellent defending from Trippier, who deals not only with an awkwardly-bouncing ball but the presence of Fernandes.The right-back comes right across to the left to win the header and then cooly knocks possession back to Pope in goal.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Man Utd16. Ugarte picks up the game’s first yellow card and he’s not happy with either referee Kavanagh or his own teammate Dalot.It’s Dalot that gets caught in possession, and allows Livramento to steal in down the left.In his desperation to get back, Ugarte slides in on the England international and takes him out, although possibly after getting a foot on the ball.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Man Utd15. At the other end, Isak shows off some of his fancy footwork too.The Swedish striker is a joy to watch, but gets his cross wrong here, curling it high, wide and out of play.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Man Utd12. Woah! Brilliant football from Manchester United!Fernandes and Eriksen exchange passes, and the Portuguese captain does similar with Zirkzee, who produces a beautiful back-heeled flick.He gets the ball back too, and strikes first time with a side-footed shot that is quickly pushed over the bar by Pope.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Man Utd11. A first test for Bayindir, who races off his line to claim a deep free-kick from Trippier.He’s not helped by the positioning of Yoro, and has to leap over his own defender to take the catch.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Man Utd9. Zirkzee manages to keep an overhit Dalot cross in play and, in doing so, hooks the ball on to the arm of Murphy from close range.The forward appeals for a penalty, but the referee isn’t interested and those on VAR duty concur.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Man Utd7. The visitors opt for a spell of possession among their back three and wing-backs in an attempt to quiet this home crowd down.It doesn’t work.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Man Utd5. Ruben Amorim, kitted out in his Manchester United tracksuit, is already out to the touchline and barking orders at his team.Unusually, Jason Tindall is keeping a low profile in the opposite dugout.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Man Utd4. Newcastle keep on coming in the early stages.Fernandes jumps over Zirkzee’s crossfield pass, and that offers the opportunity for the Toon to spring forward.Murphy picks up possession on the run, and unleashes a fizzing low effort from 25 yards that flies just wide of Bayindir’s right-hand post.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – Newcastle v Man Utd1. Chris Kavanagh blows his whistle, and the visitors get the action underway. But despite starting the game, it doesn’t take long for Manchester United to find the ball in the back of their net.Just 48 seconds are on the clock when Joelinton steers in Kieran Trippier’s cross, but the right-back was rightly flagged offside as he delivered into the box.Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!The Newcastle United supporters haven’t stopped celebrating since lifting the League Cup last month, and today they pay tribute to Kevin Keegan with a banner at St James’ Park that reads “In ’82 he came to save us. In ’92 he came to entertain us.”Their manager in the modern era – Eddie Howe – is not here today having been admitted to hospital during the week so assistant Jason Tindall takes charge this afternoon.It’s been another awkward week for Ruben Amorim, but he has shown he is not afraid to make big decisions in the Manchester United hot seat.Who will come out on top? It’s time to find out.Copy linkCopiedTeenage kicks for HarryIt’s not that long ago that Harry Amass was working his way through the Watford Academy – but today he starts a Premier League game for Manchester United.In doing so, he – at 18 years and 28 days – will become the fourth youngest player to start a Premier League match for the club behind Mason Greenwood (17y 223d), Federico Macheda (17y 253d) and Phil Neville (18y 21d).Copy linkCopiedAmorim allowing Onana to disconnectManchester United manage Ruben Amorim has made the decision to drop Andre Onana for today’s game at Newcastle, meaning that it will be the first Premier League game the goalkeeper hasn’t featured in since the final day of the 2022-23 season.Taking Onana’s place at St James’ Park is Altay Bayindir, and Amorim has been clear with his pre-match comments that the move is for one game and has been made to give his underfire stopper some head space.It’s a normal thing. Sometimes you have to push the player to play again, and sometimes you have to allow the player to disconnect. He’ll be back in training tomorrow and focused on the next game.Ruben Amorim on Andre OnanaSky SportsCopy linkCopiedAmass appealHarry will make his first Manchester United start against Newcastle.The left-back, 18, made his debut against Leicester last month after coming off the bench.He will now make his first Red Devils start in the trip to Newcastle, with Ruben Amorim shuffling things up.Patrick Dorgu has made way for Amass, who was called up to first-team training for the first time in February 2024.Amass had to remain patient for his debut after being named on the bench on several occasions under Erik ten Hag and Amorim.Copy linkCopiedAndre Onana OUT of the squadRuben Amorim has taken keeper Andre Onana out of the firing line for Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle today.The Cameroon international stayed back in the North West as the squad travelled to Tyneside on Saturday evening.His axing comes after SunSport exclusively revealed some team-mates wanted him AXED after Thursday’s Europa League blunders against Lyon.But he’s been told by the manager he is being rested and will be back in the team for the return leg against the French giants next Thursday.And Onana – who endured a nightmare in the first leg in France last week – is believed to be in agreement with the decision.Copy linkCopied More

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    Who is Man Utd starlet Harry Amass?

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ruben Amorim has given starlet Harry Amass his first Premier League start against Newcastle.The youngster made his debut against Leicester last month after coming off the bench.Harry Amass is making his full debut against NewcastleCredit: GettyAnd he will now get the chance to shine in United’s constantly changing defence.Who is Harry Amass?London-born Amass arrived at Old Trafford on July 1 2023 after starting his career at Watford.He was a regular for United’s Under-18s and Under-21s last season, and was an unused substitute for their Premier League matches against Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth in April 2024.Amass was also named in the Reds’ squad for the FA Cup semi-final win against Coventry at Wembley Stadium.Read more on Manchester UnitedCapped by England at Under-17 level, he was heavily involved in United’s 2024 pre-season friendlies, starting all three matches of their US tour, where he assisted Amad’s goal during a 3-2 win over Real Betis in San Diego.Amass got his first taste of Premier League action two days after his 18th birthday when, on 16 March, he replaced Alejandro Garnacho for the final 20 minutes of United’s 3-0 win at Leicester City.What has Harry Amass said?Speaking after his debut against Leicester, Amass said: “It’s an incredible experience. I’m just proud at the moment and I think my family will be proud of me, everyone watching at home. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and hopefully there’s many more to come.“It all just fell on the right day, with the 18th birthday, so it’s not a bad one, is it?Most read in Football“When I found out I was very excited. I was warming up down there and got the nod and that’s when it was real.” More

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    Chelsea ratings: Sancho shines but Palmer’s poor form continues and Jackson shows why Blues are looking for new strikers

    JADON SANCHO spared Chelsea’s blushes as Enzo Maresca’s side came from behind to draw.Relegation-threatened Ipswich went 2-0 up after 31 minutes with Chelsea flat throughout the first half.Jadon Sancho spared Chelsea’s blushes with a beautyCredit: GettyCole Palmer was not at the races againCredit: ReutersNicolas Jackson fluffed his lines in front of goalCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez was a rare bright spark for the BluesCredit: ReutersThey kickstarted into life immediately after the break when Axel Tuanzebe bundled a Noni Madueke cross into the back of his own net under pressure from Marc Cucurella.Chelsea should have already been a goal to the good but Nicolas Jackson fluffed his lines – a familiar tale this season.The Blues were booed off the pitch after their first half display but Sancho redeemed his team-mates after he unleashed a brilliant curling effort into the top corner.Chelsea came into the fixture having won each of their last five Premier League games at Stamford Bridge but failed to build momentum after their midweek win in Warsaw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCole Palmer delivered another weak performance but Fernandez continued his recent impressive form, while Sancho shined from the bench.A victory would have propelled Chelsea into fourth place, a point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City, but a draw leaves Enzo Maresca’s side in fifth.Here is how SunSport’s Conor Jones rated the Blues display…ROBERT SANCHEZ – 4The keeper had a quiet first half but failed to stop either of the goals and his distribution was poor.Most read in FootballThe Spaniard faced very little in the second half as his side dominated possession and looked much more dangerous.TREVOR CHALOBAH – 4Pushed high to support Madueke and forced a save from Alex Palmer in the first half with a low, driven strike but it was a routine stop.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe defender was at fault for the second goal where he was pulled out of position and failed to win a header over George Hirst, eventually leading to the Enciso cross and Johnson’s header at the back post.Chalobah was then moved into centre half at the break and dealt with Ipswich’s counter-attacks reasonably well, denying Liam Delap a shot on goal shortly after he came on.’I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smokeTOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5The defender had a quiet game and will be disappointed to have conceded two at home after keeping a clean sheet away at Legia Warsaw.Tosin didn’t offer a threat from set pieces and was part of Chelsea’s worst 45-minute period of the game.Made way for Malo Gusto in the second half, with Trevor Chalobah moving across into centre-half.LEVI COLWILL – 5Started brightly, playing a brilliant pass through the lines from a free-kick which found Enzo Fernandez in the half space.Managed to find himself open in the Ipswich box for a free header which should have found the back of the net but can instead be added to the list of missed chances for the Blues on the day.Chelsea put in a poor display at the back as a group and allowed the visitors to capitalise on their mistakes.Ultimately, the Englishman will be disappointed with his backline’s performance, especially after a clean sheet midweek.MARC CUCURELLA – 6The Spanish full-back was up to his usual tricks on Sunday, rolling in pain to win a free-kick in the first half leading to relentless boos from the travelling support.The Spaniard’s defensive performance didn’t match his theatrics as he was caught on the back foot for the opening goal from Enciso and then beaten at the back post for Johnson’s header and Ipswich’s second.Cucurella came out of the blocks firing in the second half and was in the box to bundle home Madueke’s cross, with the help of Tuanzebe.Overall, he was dangerous and caused Ipswich more problems than most of the Blues’ front line.MOISES CAICEDO – 5Didn’t play noticeably badly but was part of a midfield that was caught out on the break for both goals.Protected his back four with more consistency in the second half but recycled the ball well and regained possession on numerous occasions.Needs to offer more going forward when his side are struggling to create.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 7Enzo was positive and drove the Blues’ attack forward throughout the first half, linking up well with Madueke and pressing eagerly with Palmer.The Argentinian matched his attacking work rate at the back going forward and tried to drive his team up the pitch with every possession.The midfielder was keen to take on shots and when his side were struggling he was the only player who showed signs of turning things around.NONI MADUEKE – 6Madueke was a threat down the right-hand side early on and pressed the Tractor Boys’ back line with enthusiasm but his day was defined by missed chances.An awkward volley nearly crept past Alex Palmer at the near post but Ipswich fans were relieved to see it nestle into the outside netting.The winger failed to convert again in the last ten minutes of the first half after Palmer slid in Cucurella and the Spaniard delivered a dangerous cut back which he spooned into row Z but delivered the assist to kickstart the comeback.COLE PALMER – 4Palmer started quietly but perked up around 15 minutes into the first half when he toyed with the Ipswich backline before combining well with Pedro Neto to fizz a ball across the six-yard line.Yet, the young attacker looked hesitant and lacking in confidence as he failed to show the cut throat decision making and talent we saw in the first half of the season.If the Englishman was hoping this fixture could be the turning point in a run of flat form, he was wrong.PEDRO NETO – 6Found acres of space on the right flank but failed to capitalise despite numerous balls into the box and consistent opportunities to cut in onto his right foot.Came close with a volley from the edge of the area in the second half and picked up his performance in the second half but still lacked the cutting edge.The winger had a half chance to win the game with a difficult volley in the box but could only slice the ball high and wide.NICOLAS JACKSON – 4Jackson showed signs of life but was kept quiet by Dara O’Shea and made a case for his side to start looking at strikers come the summer transfer window.The striker should have scored in the eighth minute of the game after Enzo played a dangerous ball across the box from the right but he could only hit the post.The Senegalese attacker lost the physical battle with Ipswich’s backline and failed to offer a dangerous outlet on the break which was where his side looked most dangerous.SUBSMALO GUSTO – 5Came on to replace Tosin and offer a conventional full-back on the right-hand side which helped the home side’s stability in the second half.Inverted well and helped contain Ipswich counter attacks by recycling the ball around the edge of the area and offered himself on the right flank.JADON SANCHO – 7Came on and scored a wonderful equaliser but didn’t have loads of opportunities to impact the game outside of his goal.Read More on The SunOverall, Maresca couldn’t ask for much more and Sancho rescued a point for his side.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 5Did not make an impact in his few minutes on the pitch. 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