Philippa Kaur

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    in Soccer

    Tottenham tipped to hire ‘outstanding manager’ if they sack Ange Postecoglou… by Postecoglou himself

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU reckons Tottenham will secure an “outstanding” manager if he is sacked at the end of the season.And the under-pressure Aussie also believes he will not have any problems landing another job if Daniel Levy gives him the bullet.Ange Postecoglou’s side are languishing in the bottom halfCredit: AlamySpurs face Chelsea tomorrow in the Premier League but the club’s only hope of a trophy is the Europa League and they face Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.Asked about his future at the club, Postecoglou said: “I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there’s some outstanding candidates out there for it.“And you know what, maybe someone will think, ‘Ah Ange Postecoglou’s not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.“It doesn’t rock my world. It doesn’t consume me. I’m here, I’m passionate about what we’re doing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad, bring success, I’m focused on that. That’s what I’ll keep doing.”Postecoglou also hopes that Mauricio Pochettino will eventually return to Spurs.The former Celtic manager claims he was not bothered about Pochettino’s comments that he had unfinished business at Tottenham after being sacked in 2019.Postecoglou said: “If Mauricio wants to come back one day, I hope it happens for him. We all have dreams and aspirations, if that’s what he wants.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMauricio Pochettino has made no secret of his desire to return to SpursCredit: Getty“I don’t feel disrespected. I think if you ask Mauricio that question directly, you’d get a pretty clear answer as to what his intent was.”Again, nothing from me to sort of be consumed with. I’m more focused on trying to make sure we win tomorrow night.”Moment Ange Postecoglou is confronted by fuming Tottenham fan and pulled away by own players after defeat at Fulham More

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    How Arsenal could be forced to line up against Real Madrid with FOUR defenders out and selection crisis

    ARSENAL have been plunged into yet another injury crisis – and it could not have come at a worse time.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is facing the prospect of missing FOUR defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final first leg tie at home to Real Madrid next week.Mikel Arteta has been plunged into yet another injury crisis ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League visit next TuesdayGabriel limped off 16 minutes into Arsenal’s 2-1 win over FulhamDutch right-back Jurrien Timber was also forced off on Tuesday nightCentre back Gabriel limped off after just 16 minutes of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday night with a worrying hamstring injury that could see the Brazilian out for weeks.Dutch right-back Jurrien Timber is now also a doubt with a knee issue picked up against the Cottagers – having also missed large parts of the international break due to illness.That duo joins full-backs Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori in the treatment room, both struggling with knee injuries.While White is fighting to be fit for Arsenal’s trip to Everton on Saturday, Calafiori will likely be missing for a few weeks after getting crocked for Italy over the break.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSSo, where does that leave boss Mikel Arteta when it comes to picking a defensive line that can take on Carlo Ancelotti’s Galacticos? He has a few options:Partey back in right backShould White and Timber miss out, then Arteta could turn to Thomas Partey – a midfielder who has spent a bit of time at right-back thanks to injuries this season.Arsenal have used this back-line just once before this term – a 3-0 league phase victory over Monaco in the Champions League.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesBoth Lewis-Skelly and Partey will take it in turns to invert into midfield.Most read in FootballHowever, Vinicius Jr would love the chance to run Partey ragged over 90 minutes, and would surely get the better of him on more than one occasion.Timber makes itThe preferred option for Arteta with Timber back in the line-up should he be able to shake off the knee knock that gave him a bit of trouble against Fulham.Timber’s defensive abilities, and driving runs forward, would fare much better against Vinicius Jr, allowing Partey to slip back into midfield.But another issue is that until Tuesday night, for 74 minutes against Fulham, Lewis-Skelly had never played next to Kiwior…White goes centre-backIf White passes his fitness test, then Arteta will seriously be considering reigniting the former Brighton and Leeds defender’s role as a centre back.White has the passing ability, the speed and the physicality to do a decent job in the middle, as he showed in the 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool back in October beside Gabriel.Wildcard optionThis would be a hugely risky but very interesting option should Arteta wish to shake things up completely, just like his mentor Pep Guardiola often does in these huge games.Switching from a four at the back to a three with two wing-backs, this would look to stifle Madrid’s attacking talents, while also adding another dimension on the counter.Lewis-Skelly and Timber could tuck in, especially to protect Kiwior from Madrid’s speed demons, while also overlapping given the chance to provide support for Saka and Martinelli out wide.Arsenal ratings v FulhamARSENAL had a night of mixed fortunes as they beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.Bukayo Saka not only returned but also scored after 101 days out.But injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber ahead of next week’s visit of Real Madrid took the gloss off the win.Here’s How SunSport’s Josh Hall rated Mikel Arteta’s men on the night.DAVID RAYA – 7Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.He doesn’t have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected goal.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6It looked like the Dutchman’s night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid.GABRIEL – N/AJust when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka, they lose another top star.Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior.Arteta – and every Arsenal fan up and down the country – will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel’s absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.However, he wasn’t able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he’s only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.He didn’t set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does – this time without Gabriel by his side.While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya pop up to save the day.Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.He’s become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.DECLAN RICE – 6He’s not a glamorous footballer, but he’s always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that’s a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 9Regularly made Timothy Castagne look silly throughout the match and get into dangerous positions by the byline.But despite fashioning plenty of opportunities, the Brazilian was – as per usual – struggling with his end product in the first half.It almost seemed as if every shot or final pass was rushed or snatched at for the opening 45 minutes.That changed in the second half when his delightful flick perfectly teed up Bukayo Saka for a dream return to action.Finally looked like he had the goal to top off a spectacular performance in the dying moments, but was deemed to be marginally offside when his effort found the back of the net.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Bright spark in the opening exchanges and volleyed one right down the throat of Bernd Leno in the 21st minute as he looked the most likely to find the back of the net at first.Instead it was his cutback that helped open the scoring when he placed it on to the boot of Mikel Merino to poke home the first goal of the night.Replaced by Saka in the second half in perhaps a foreshadowing of what might happen to his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.MIKEL MERINO – 8Merino has stepped up the role of of make-shift striker with the sort of professionalism you would want from any player in your team.He might not make darting runs behind the back four, or curl delightful efforts round the keeper, but he’s certainly got a knack for goal.His punt towards goal took a healthy deflection off Jorge Cuenca to send it into the corner, but he won’t care – now netting an impressive five goals in eight games as a centre-forward.He almost made that six when he rifled another effort goalward from a corner in the 60th minute.SUBS: JAKUB KIWIOR – 4 (ON FOR GARBRIEL 15mins)Always a tough task to replace one of the best defenders in the league, but didn’t do enough to impress at all.Sloppily gave the ball away to gift a golden opportunity to Adama Traore in the second half, but was lucky to see the shot blazed wide.He was partly to blame for leaving Rodrigo Muniz wide open for his wayward header on the 80th minute mark – once again saved by sloppy finishing.With each game that passes it seems to be more obvious that the Polish international just isn’t at the required level.BUKAYO SAKA – 8 (ON FOR NWANERI 66mins)The Emirates erupted in its loudest cheer of the night when Saka made his return to action after 21 games and 101 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.That was until he nodded home the Gunners’ second just six minutes after crossing the line and an even louder roar bellowed around N5.Arsenal have missed him dearly, and a return right before perhaps the biggest European game in the Emirates era could be crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5 (ON FOR TIMBER 77mins)Had very little impact on the match coming on so late, but did nick the ball off the foot of captain Odegaard who was lining up a thunderous effort. More

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    in Motorsport

    Max Verstappen tipped to receive ‘offer he can’t refuse’ and leave Red Bull after dominating F1

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has been tipped to quit Red Bull after dominating Formula One.Verstappen has won four world drivers titles on the spin in F1, putting him level with just five other drivers to have reached the figure.Max Verstappen has been tipped to leave Red Bull with an ‘offer he can’t refuse’Credit: GettySeven-time F1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya believes Aston Martin will poach VerstappenCredit: GettyHe believes the move to land F1 designer Adrian Newey will be key to the dealCredit: ReutersHowever, Red Bull’s dominance in the sport has massively waned since the start of last season, with the Milton Keynes outfit now the third or fourth fastest car on the grid behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.The 2025 season is the final season of the current regulations before a changeover in 2026, and Verstappen has now been tipped to leave Red Bull for a new challenge with his contract expiring at the end of 2026.Former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya believes that destination could well be Aston Martin, owned by billionaire businessman Lawrence Stroll.Aston Martin have been busy setting up for the upcoming 2026 season with the arrival of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, who they poached from Red Bull.READ MORE IN F1His expertise is one of the biggest reasons why Verstappen, whose Red Bull contract expires at the end of 2026, was so dominant – like Sebastian Vettel was before him.But seven-time Grand Prix winner Montoya believes the 27-year-old will look to rekindle that partnership, but only if the team submit a huge offer for him.A sensational report in January claimed Aston Martin were preparing a £1BILLION deal to land Verstappen, however, the team categorically denied this claim.Speaking to Vision4Sport, where you can enquire about exclusive packages to the world’s best sporting events, Montoya said: “I think Max will get an offer he can’t refuse from Aston Martin.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He might give Red Bull a chance for a year and a chance for Adrian to start figuring it out.”Adrian can’t do that immediately. It’s a new whole group, and everyone needs to start working together.Why snapping up Adrian Newey is such a coup for Aston Martin“Are they going to be better than where they are next year? For sure. But I don’t think they’re going to start winning a string of races.“But if Red Bull struggles in year one, then it wouldn’t surprise me if by race three, Max has already signed with somebody else.“If I were Max, I would go to Aston. Mercedes would be cool, too, but Aston would be the logical choice, having Adrian and Honda. Everything he has won with is there.”Montoya also reckons Aston Martin will open up a new spot at the team for Fernando Alonso to become an ambassador and replace him with Verstappen.He added: “If Verstappen joined Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso will retire and become an ambassador for life for the company.“Fernando would be pissed off to a point, but it’s the right choice. If you take Lance out of the equation, then you lose Lawrence.“And if you lose Lawrence, you lose everything. You lose Aston Martin, and then there’s no Max coming.“If bringing Max would mean that Lawrence would have to sacrifice Lance, that would be the wrong choice for the team.Read More on The Sun“If they forced Lawrence to do that. I think he would say, ‘Okay, here’s the team. Over to you. Let’s just sell the team, I’m not interested.’”Verstappen will have a new team-mate in Yuki Tsunoda for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix after Christian Horner and Co. axed Liam Lawson after two disastrous race weekends. More

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    in Soccer

    Former France international and Man Utd target, 34, trying to revive career in IRAN after sexual assault conviction

    FORMER France international Wissam Ben Yedder is trying to revive his career in Iran following his sexual assault conviction.The former 34, went on trial at a court in Nice in October for an alleged attack which took place the previous month.Wissam Ben Yedder has joined Iranian top tier side Sepahan SCCredit: GettyThe victim claimed Ben Yedder had groped her and performed a sex act in front of her in his car.Ben Yedder has been without a club since his contract with Monaco expired in 2024.He has since undergone alcohol detox and therapy and has now found a new club – Sepahan SC.The Iranian club announced the Frenchman has put pen to paper, with L’Equipe claiming he has been tied down on a deal until the end of the season, with the option of an extra year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has passed a medical and is now awaiting international clearance before being allowed to play.Sepahan SC are second in the Persian Gulf Pro League – Iran’s top tier.Ben Yedder has been under legal supervision since the alleged sexual assault incident.He received a suspended two-year sentence following his conviction.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 19-cap star was ordered to pay compensation of £4,100 ($5,300) to the victim and had to follow a treatment course.The court also ordered the suspension of Ben Yedder’s driving licence for six months.National League South star scores goal from inside OWN penalty area to complete stunning hat-trickIn a separate legal case last year, Ben Yedder was charged with rape, attempted rape and sexual assault over another alleged incident in the south of France.The case is Ben Yedder’s FOURTH brush with the law in recent years.His ex-wife accused him of psychological violence and he received a fine and suspended prison sentence for tax offences last year.Ben Yedder signed for Monaco in 2019 from Sevilla, costing the Ligue Un club £34million.He was once linked to Manchester United as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo when the striker left for a second time in 2022. More

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    Barcelona set to be BANNED from fielding two stars for the rest of the season as government get involved

    BARCELONA stars Dani Olmo and Pau Victor face being booted out of the club’s squad for the rest of the season – after Spanish league bosses uncovered an alleged financial ruse to allow them to play.LaLiga okayed the further registration of the pair in January after the club announced the sale of 475 VIP seats in the rebuilt Camp Nou – still due to open before the end of this season – to a number of Middle East investors.Dani Olmo could be banned from playing for Barcelona again this seasonCredit: GettyTeam-mate Pau Victor also is at risk as Barcelona’s accounts sparked action from LaLigaCredit: GettyThe 30-year deals were said to have pumped £84million into the club’s finances, allowing them to meet LaLiga balance sheet rules.It has now emerged that the paperwork confirming the deal was completed by a temporary accountant appointed by the club on December 31 after its arrangement with global firm Grant Thornton ran out.But when Barcelona’s new full-time accountancy firm, Crowe Spain, reported the official figures for this season by last month’s deadline, NONE of that sum was included.In a damning statement, LaLiga announced: “On January 3 2025, a certificate issued by the club’s new auditor was provided, recognising that the transaction was correctly recorded as income in the club’s Profit and Loss account for the current season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“This documentation was necessary and essential to validate the accounting. “Without these certificates, it would not have been possible for Barcelona to register players with LaLiga.“Subsequently, in its Interim Financial Statements referring to the first half of the current season, no amount of the aforementioned corporate operation is finally recorded in the Profit and Loss account.“That is contrary to what had been certified by the Club and the auditor at the time of the execution of said operation.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe result was LaLiga informing Barcelona that the £84m leeway had been knocked off its spending limits for this season, with both players officially “unregistered”, while the auditor involved in January has been reported to Spain’s financial watchdog.It puts the immediate playing future of the pair in the hands of the Spanish government, through its Sports Council, which is due to make a ruling in the coming days.Horror moment Barcelona star finds his tooth on the pitch after losing it in battle with Real Betis defender Barca are pinning their hopes on the Sports Council arguing that players have a right to work and that deregistering them now would unfairly prevent them from doing so.But it could see further problems beyond a likely block on new signings this summer unless there are major sales to fill the financial void.Real Madrid currently trail Barca by three points but would be likely to argue that their rivals’ position has been illegally strengthened by being able to field players who LaLiga now agrees should not have been available for selection.Olmo has played in seven LaLiga games – bringing six wins and a draw – plus three matches in the Copa del Rey, one in the Spanish Super Cup and two in the Champions League since his registration was confirmed in January.Victor has appeared in five games in total this year. More

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    Ex-Man Utd coach slams club for ‘closing the door’ on Anthony Elanga as he blasts current star he’s ‘never been sold on’

    FORMER Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has slammed the club for “closing the door” on Nottingham Forest matchwinner Anthony Elanga.And Meulensteen claims Elanga is much more of a United winger than Alejandro Garnacho, who struggled again in Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at the City Ground.Former Man Utd coach Rene Meulensteen has slammed his former club for ‘closing the door’ on Nottingham Forest match-winner Anthony ElangaElanga’s stunning solo goal earned Forest a 1-0 win over United on TuesdayGarnacho lacked goal-killing instinct against ForestMeulensteen worked with junior United teams before becoming a first-team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson.The Dutchman told Poker Firma: “I’ve never been sold on Alejandro Garnacho to be fairly honest.“I think there’s a personality and character issue at times.“Anthony Elanga on the other hand, his performance the other night was exactly what you want to expect from a Manchester United winger – strong, direct, powerful, full of confidence and taking players on.READ MORE ON MAN UTD “I always thought Elanga showed those glimpses when he was playing for Man United, but the club closed the door on him and his career has restarted at a different club.“You really have to question the decision-making process to let players like him go, because there’s been a few who have slipped through the fingers.”Elanga showed United what they were missing with the sensational fifth-minute goal that earned Forest a precious victory.The Sweden international broke from a United corner and ran more than 80 yards, with power and pace, before confidently stroking a calm finish past Andre Onana.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIn that magical ten seconds, Elanga highlighted his own qualities and showed up the deficiencies of goal-shy United.Ruben Amorim’s side created a number of openings but did not have enough quality in the final third to make them count as Forest defended the lead with their lives.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueMeulensteen worked with junior United teams before becoming a first-team coach under Sir Alex FergusonMeulensteen worked closely with Cristiano Ronaldo during the superstar’s first stint at UnitedAmorim rightly points out that Elanga, and other forward players who have left the club and thrived elsewhere, were all given chances at Old Trafford.Elanga joined United at the age of 12 and contributed just four goals and four assists in 55 appearances for the first team, 25 of them starts.Amorim said: “We are not talking about players who did not play for Manchester United.“Here the pressure is too big, sometimes. Sometimes you don’t have time and you should have time for these kids to develop.“But for that you need a strong base to support all these kids. If you don’t have that strong base, we are not going to help our kids.”Elanga, who is still only 22, joined Forest for £15m in the summer of 2023 after being frozen out by former United manager Erik ten Hag.He managed six goals and nine assists in 36 Premier League games last season and is on course to beat that, with six goals and eight assists in 30 appearances in this campaign.I’ve never been sold on Alejandro Garnacho.Former United coach Rene MeulensteenGarnacho’s contribution at United pales in comparison.The Argentinian has contributed only four Prem goals this season – and just one of them since Amorim took charge in November.The winger, 20, appears unsuited to his manager’s 3-4-2-1 system and seemed to be trying too hard to make an impact against Forest as the team yet again struggled for cutting edge.Amorim said: “He’s trying. You have one day where you are doing the right things, but in the final third we were not that good. That can happen.“The most important thing for me is when he needs to run back, he is running back.“Sometimes he is trying too much. He wants to help the team by doing his best. Sometimes he doesn’t make the best choice but you can point to any player today.”Read More on The SunBut Elanga’s devastating, match-winning contribution only underlined what Garnacho and United lack.For further information, go to Poker Firma.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More

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    Glamorous Real Madrid TV presenter wears see-through top at Copa del Rey semi-final after landing new job

    A GLAMOROUS Real Madrid TV host stunned pitchside at the Copa del Rey semi-final.Los Blancos edged out a 4-3 thriller with Antonio Rudiger scoring the winner in extra-time to secure a 5-4 aggregate win.Maria Arreghini took in the Bernabeu before the Copa del Rey semi-finalCredit: instagram @meriarreghiniThe Italian recently became a host on Real Madrid TVCredit: Instagram @meriarreghiniShe declared her love for the club in OctoberCredit: instagram @meriarreghiniMaria boasts 700,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @meriarreghiniShe often shows off with her postsCredit: Instagram @meriarreghiniBut many fans were more interested in what was going on just off the pitch as stunning Maria Arrenghini went to work.The new Real Madrid TV presenter had plenty to dissect at the Bernabeu – and did so in a totally see-through top.Later Maria gave her 700,000 followers a sneak behind-the-scenes as she filmed the Real Sociedad bus.She also posted an alternative angle of Endrick’s post-match interview.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMaria began her job a few weeks ago and has not taken long to capture fans’ attention.She often shares life updates on social media and her followers flocked to a recent post showing off her new workout routine.The 26-year-old declared her allegiance to Real Madrid in an Instagram post last October.She was seen in a Real shirt standing next to a trophy cabinet containing Champions League trophies.Most read in FootballAnd in late January she shared a behind-the-scenes snap on her first day working with the club.Since then she has posted a number of stories to her social media of her presenting work both at the training ground and at the illustrious Bernabeu.Glamorous Real Madrid TV host in busty display as she treats fans to mesmerising gym workout video after landing new job As well as appearing on tele, the blonde bombshell presents her very own sports show – in which she covers boxing and football.She has even featured boxer Ryan Garcia as a guest on her podcast, with other major names including musician Will.i.am, ex-Premier League star Adel Taarabt and former motorcylist Jorge Lorenzo.Maria was a competitive swimmer for around a decade, while studying journalism at university to ignite her career. More

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    ‘Horrible’ – Christian Horner reveals heartache at ‘cruel’ sacking of F1 star and ‘taking away his dreams’

    RED BULL team principal Christian Horner has admitted that he found it “horrible” axing Liam Lawson after just two races.Lawson replaced Sergio Perez at Red Bull in December after finishing the 2024 season with Racing Bulls, the constructor’s sister team.Christian Horner has opened up about his decision to axe Liam LawsonCredit: GettyLawson was demoted from Red Bull to Racing Bulls just two races into the seasonCredit: AFPHowever, the 23-year-old found himself out of the seat last week after being axed just two races into the current campaign.He will swap places with Yuki Tsunoda from this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix and return to Racing Bulls where he will partner rookie Isack Hadjar.Horner, the chief decision maker at Red Bull, has admitted it was “cruel” demoting Lawson but claims it was for the driver’s own good.The Brit told Sky Sports: “Of course, it’s horrible because you’re taking away someone’s dreams and aspirations, but sometimes you’ve got to be cruel to be kind, and I think that in this instance, this is not the end for Liam.READ MORE ON F1″I was very clear with him, is that it’s a sample of two races. I think that we’ve asked too much of you too soon.”We have to accept, I think we were asking too much of him too soon.”And so this is for him to, again, nurture that talent that we know that he has, back in the Racing Bulls seat, whilst giving Yuki the opportunity and looking to make use of the experience that he has.”Horner went on to reveal that both he and the engineers at Red Bull were “concerned” about how much Lawson appeared to be struggling throughout the opening two race weekends.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe continued: “I think with everything that we saw in Australia and China, you could see that it was really affecting Liam quite badly.”We could have left it, and I think that Liam is a driver with talent.Max Verstappen takes to the stage at F1 launch event at the O2 “Maybe within half a season he would have got there, but we just don’t have that amount of time.”It was something that was very clear to the engineering side within the team, just how much Liam was struggling with it all, and you could see that weight upon his shoulders.”The engineers were coming to me very concerned about it, and at the end of the day, I think it was the logical thing to do.”Lawson, meanwhile, didn’t expect the decision to be made so soon.He said: “It was definitely a shock, honestly. It’s not something that I saw coming.”The discussions we were having as well, I think, weren’t really leaning in this direction, so it was definitely not something that I sort of expected.Lawson admitted he didn’t see it comingCredit: AP”Obviously, I would have loved more time.”And I felt like with more time, especially going to places that I’d been before… it was a tough start.”We had a rocky testing. We had a rocky first weekend in Melbourne with practice. And then obviously China was a Sprint.Read More on The Sun”I think going to places that I’d been before with the way the car was quite tricky, I think that would have helped and I would have loved that opportunity.”But obviously, it’s not my decision, so I’m here to make the most of this one.” More