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    ‘Had to be them, this draw is rigged’ moan fans as Man Utd handed nightmare Europa League draw

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed the Europa League draw as “rigged” after discovering their path to the final.The Red Devils and fellow Premier League side Tottenham were placed in a pair for the draw after finishing third and fourth respectively in the league phase.Man Utd will play Real Soceidad in the last-16Credit: ReutersUnited’s path to the final has been revealedAfter the play-off round, the English clubs were partnered with potential opponents Real Sociedad and AZ Alkmaar. Today’s draw revealed that United got the harder last-16 tie and will play the Spanish side as Spurs go head-to-head with the Dutch club.If United beat Real Sociedad, they will face either French outfit Lyon or head back to Romania to play FCSB, who they met in the league phase.Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma or Athletic Bilbao await in the semi-final. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans have slammed the draw as “rigged” and on facing Real Sociedad instead of AZ, supporters complained “it had to be them”.Others said: “We are finished.”More commented: “It was fun while it lasted, let’s focus on the FA Cup.”It is a tough draw for United as Real Sociedad pose the joint-third best defence in LaLiga.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut they have the advantage of playing the second leg at Old Trafford on March 13 after heading to San Sebastian on March 6.Lyon are the favourites to win their last-16 clash against FCSB and they showed their class in the league phase, only losing the last of eight matches which was a dead rubber.Man Utd squad is worse than Tottenham despite £553million MORE in transfer spending in last decade, says Gary NevilleOn the other side of the draw, Spurs will face either Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt should they beat AZ.Bodo/Glimt, Olympiakos, Viktoria Plzen and Lazio are their possible semi-final opponents.It means a United vs Spurs final is a possibility. More

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    Europa League draw LIVE: Man Utd and Tottenham opponents CONFIRMED as English sides on opposite sides of draw – updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham have found out their Europa League oppnents!The Red Devils and Spurs have been drawn onto opposite sides of the draw, making an all English final a huge possibility.United will face Real Sociedad, while Tottenham face AZ Alkmaar – whom they beat 1-0 in the group phase.The first leg of the round of 16 will take place on March 4/5, and the second leg will take place on March 11/12.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…Tottenham’s route to the finalSpurs are hoping to end a trophy drought that stretches all the way back to 2008.Here’s the route they will have to take if they’re to win this season’s Europa League: Round of 16: AZ AlkmaarQuarter-final: Ajax or FrankfurtSemi-final: Viktoria Plzen, Lazio, Olympiakos or Bodo/GlimtFinal: Real Sociedad, Man Utd, FCSB, Lyon, Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma or Athletic BilbaoCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAmorim – United have ‘more problems than solutions’It’s been a tough start to life at Old Trafford for Ruben Amorim.Spain’s Real Sociedad are up next in the Europa League – and the Portuguese boss admits things have been a struggle since he joined in November.Amorim told the BBC: “What I feel is that sometimes you don’t feel improvement in the team but some games you think we can play and create situations. That is a good thing.”In this moment when you watch the games, you see more problems than solutions. “That is clear. When we play some games, I see things are there and we are capable but we have to be consistent.”Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedCapital gains Chelsea and Spurs will both be in action at home on March 13 – and Uefa are happy for the games to go ahead. Uefa rules usually prevent two clubs in the same city, or within a 50km radius, from hosting European matches on the same day.But according to the Mail, the organisation have relaxed rules ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham now both being in action on March 13.Tottenham welcome AZ Alkmaar to North London in the Europa League, while Chelsea will face Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League. Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw in fullShould you just be joining us, here’s how the draw played out early in Nyon, Switzerland.The 16 remaining clubs have been sorted into their respective brackets. As such, Man Utd, Tottenham and Rangers can start plotting their route to the final in Bilbao. Here’s the draw for the last 16, along with who each team could face in the quarter-finals:Bodo/Glimt or Olympiacos vs Viktoria Plzen or LazioFenerbahce or Rangers vs Roma or Athletic BilbaoAZ Alkmaar or Tottenham vs Ajax or Eintracht FrankfurtFCSB or Lyon vs Real Sociedad or Man UtdCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedHome comforts Manchester United will face Real Sociedad in the last 16 of the Europa League – and will play the second leg at home.Often seen as an advantage in tournament football, the draw went in United’s favour for the latter stages. The Red Devils will also play the second leg at Old Trafford in both the quarter-final and semi-final, should they get that far. Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedTell me MourRangers face a tough task as they go up against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the last-16. The Special One loves his European football – he remains the only manager to have won all three current Uefa club competitions.Fenerbahce are currently second in the Turkish Super Lig, six points behind leaders Galatasaray. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedTop providers in the Europa LeagueGoing into the round of 16, this is how the assist chart looks:Mertens – Galatasaray – 5 assistsCherki – Lyon – 4 assists Dzeko – Fenerbahce – 3 assistsCopy linkCopiedTop scorers in the Europa LeagueGoing into the round of 16, this is how the Golden Boot race looks:El Kaabi – Olympiacos – 7 goalsOsimhen, Varga, En-Nesyri, Aghehowa – 6 goalsHojlund, Akgun – 5 goalsCopy linkCopiedAnge’s second season spectacularAnge Postecoglou has insisted his sides always wins something in their second season. The Europa League is the last chance they have, as they are out of the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and out of the Premier League title race.They will have to beat AZ Alkmaar in the round of 16, and then either Ajax or Frankfurt in the quarter-final, before they could potetnaially meet group stage winners Lazio in the semi-finals.Copy linkCopiedAn all-English final?There is a chance that Manchester United and Spurs meet in the Europa League final this season!Spurs narrowly beat Amorim’s side last weekend, will they meet again in the final?Credit: Mark Pain/Alamy Live NewsCopy linkCopiedRangers learn their opponentRangers will face the Turkish League’s second placed side Fenerbahce in the round of 16.The sides last met in 2001, with the first leg ending 0-0, and the second leg ending 2-1.Credit: gettyCopy linkCopiedUnited’s problemAccording to OptaJoe on X, United haven’t won ANY of their three home games in Europa League history against Basque opposition.They have lost to Real Sociedad in 2022 and Athletic Club in 2012, and drew to Sociedad in 2021.Credit: Mark Pain/Alamy Live NewsCopy linkCopiedA rematchAZ Alkmaar and Tottenham will face off in a rematch of a game they have already played this season. Tottenham won 1-0, and Richarlison scored the only goal.Credit: REUTERS/Dylan MartinezCopy linkCopiedManchester United’s fate is decidedUnited will host Real Sociedad in the round of 16 in the Europa League. Sociedad have only one win over United, a 1-0 win in 2022.Of their four meetings in the Europa League, United have won two, lost one and drawn one.Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw completeThere we have it.Tottenham will need to see off AZ Alkmaar to set up a clash with Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd face Real Sociedad and could then take on either FCSB or Lyon in the last-eight. And Rangers will go up against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, with Roma or Athletic Bilbao the prize in the quarters.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa League quarter-final bracketBodo/Glimt or Olympiacos vs Viktoria Plzen or LazioFenerbahce or Rangers vs Roma or Athletic BilbaoAZ Alkmaar or Tottenham vs Ajax or Eintracht FrankfurtFCSB or Lyon vs Real Sociedad or Man UtdCopy linkCopiedEuropa League last-16 draw in fullBodo/Glimt vs OlympiacosFenerbahce vs RangersAjax vs Eintracht FrankfurtFCSB vs LyonAZ Alkmaar vs TottenhamReal Sociedad vs Man UtdViktoria Plzen vs LazioRoma vs Athletic BilbaoCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestRoma vs Atletic BilbaoCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestViktoria Plzen vs Lazio Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestReal Sociedad vs Manchester UnitedCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestAZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestFCSB vs LyonCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestAjax vs Eintracht FrankfurtCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestFenerbahce vs Rangers Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw – latestBodo/Glimt vs Olympiacos Copy linkCopied More

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    How Arsenal and Liverpool’s Champions League draw hands English teams huge advantage in race for fifth spot in Europe

    ENGLISH teams have been handed a boost in the race for an extra Champions League spot following the quarter-final draw.Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa are the three remaining English teams in Europe’s premier competition after Manchester City were knocked out by Real Madrid.English clubs have been handed a boost following the drawCredit: GettyLiverpool could meet Arsenal in the semi-finalCredit: AFPThe trio have been pulled out on the same side of the draw which means Liverpool could take on Villa, and one of those two sides could face the Gunners in the semi-final.That means each team could pick up a win in the Round of 16 to boost England’s co-efficient ranking.England currently lead the rankings with 106.6 points, with Italy second on 93.4 and Spain third on 89.1 – an extra Champions League place will be awarded to the top two countries.But with two Spanish sides drawn against each other in the next round – Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, there will be fewer opportunities for Spain to win points.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGermany, who are fourth in the co-efficient rankings, face the same issue after Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen were drawn to face each other.However, with Borussia Dortmund in the same half of the draw there could still be an all-German semi-final – just as there could be an all-English semi-final.And while there is no prospect of an all-Spanish semi-final, Real Madrid or Atletico and Barcelona could all reach the last four, on different sides of the draw.However for Spain to overtake England in the rankings they would likely need one of their clubs to win the Champions League, and hope English sides do not reach the latter stages.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe points earned by clubs from the same domestic league are added up and divided by the number of clubs the league has in Europe – England and Spain have seven while Italy has eight.This season, bonus points are available to clubs playing in the Champions League, so England have an advantage with three teams left, particularly as Liverpool could play Villa in the quarter-final to guarantee at least one English club in the semis.Earthquake strikes Lisbon during Champions League press conference and leaves whole room shakingManchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea also remain in European competition so could boost England’s co-efficient ranking further.If England are awarded an additional place, that would mean FIVE teams in the Champions League next season.That extra place would be handed to the team finishing fifth in the Premier League – currently Bournemouth. More

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    Europa League draw revealed with Man Utd handed trickier tie than Tottenham but both sides on track to meet in final

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham could face off in the Europa League final after the draw revealed their fate.The two English sides finished inside the top eight of the Europa League league phase.Man Utd have learned they will play Real Sociedad in the Europa LeagueCredit: AFPMeanwhile, Spurs will face AZ Alkmaar in the last 16Credit: AlamyThe two teams are on course to meet in the final in Spain after being put on opposite sides of the drawCredit: ReutersThat saw them both go straight into the Round of 16 phase, where it’s been revealed that Man Utd will face Real Sociedad while Spurs take on AZ Alkmaar.Prior to the draw it was known that the two Premier League sides – who finished third and fourth in the league phase – would face one of AZ or Real in the first knockout round.Man Utd – who have a generally horrible record when playing in Spain – actually have a decent record against Sociedad, having yet to be beaten by the Spanish side away from home in three attempts.Overall, they have played them six times, winning three, drawing two and losing one.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Spurs have played AZ only once, winning that clash 1-0 during this season’s league phase. Overall, the North London side have not fared well when visiting the Netherlands though, winning just five times out of 11 trips.Meanwhile, both sides have also learned their road to the final which will be hosted at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain on May 21.Tottenham’s path would see them take on the winner of Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe semi-finals would then see them play one of Bodo/Glimt, Olympiacos, Viktoria Plzen or Lazio.On the other side of the bracket, Man Utd’s potential quarter-final opponent would be one of FCSB or Lyon.Roma and Frankfurt fans throw flares as riot police called in after violent scenes in Europa League clashTheir semi-final opponents would be one of Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma or final hosts Athletic Bilbao – potentially setting up either a reunion with ex-boss Jose Mourinho or a blockbuster Battle of Britain.With both sides way off the pace in the Premier League they know their best chance of playing in Europe next season could be to win the Europa League this term.However, being on opposing sides of the draw, it could come down to a winner-takes-all final.Tottenham have beaten United three times out of three in all competitions already this season.But the Red Devils are remarkably the only team in either the Europa League or Champions League that remains unbeaten this season on the continent. More

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    Former Man Utd star Wes Brown finds love again after marriage breakdown and bankruptcy – with Cheryl Cole lookalike

    FORMER Manchester United player Wes Brown has found love again following his split from reality TV star wife Leanne.The 45–year-old has been secretly dating a stunning businesswoman for the past year, with pals saying things are getting serious between the pair.Wes Brown with his new love AmyCredit: instagram/@wes_brown24The star was married to Leanne Brown and shares three children with herCredit: Getty – ContributorWes’ new partner looks just like the singer CherylCredit: GettyWes teased his new romance earlier this week when he shared a snap of stunning Amy, as she celebrated her 41st birthday.He simply captioned the snap: “Happy Birthday babe.”Amy – who draws comparisons to Cheryl Cole thanks to her dark locks, works in aesthetics sales and lives in the same area as Wes.An insider said: “Wes and Amy have been together for over a year now and things are going really well between them.Read More on football“She is really successful and has her own thing going on. She is well liked in Cheshire and people think they are a great match.”Wes split from his wife – Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne – in 2022.The couple were together for more than 20 years and wed in 2009 before going on to have three children.The footy star was declared bankrupt in 2023 – despite earning £50,000 a week at one stage during his 15-year stay at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballIt was a series of property deals that went wrong and scuppered the 1999 Treble winner, known as one of the nicest men in football.Speaking about his bankruptcy, he told the Ben Heath podcast: “I think the main thing is when you are making a lot of money, you need the right people, don’t you? And I would say that’s one of the things I didn’t have.”Ex-Man United ace Wes Brown secretly splits from reality TV star wife Leanne He added: “It’s a long story and I won’t go into the detail, but it’s stuff that happened a long time ago with certain investments and getting into stuff that as a young kid, a lot of people go into, [but] don’t really understand it.”It’s what a lot of people are doing and then it came to a head last year, and that’s how it went.”It’s happened and I’m just getting on with it but it’s one of those things where you hope people, especially this generation, don’t get involved in.”Brown, who won the Champions League with Man Utd in 1999 and 2008, earned 23 England caps.He also had spells with Sunderland, Blackburn and Kerala Blasters.The Sun has contacted Wes for comment. The footy star was declared bankrupt in 2023Credit: Getty More

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    When is the Europa Conference League draw? EXACT start time, TV channel, Stream FREE as Chelsea learn opponents TODAY

    CHELSEA will learn their Europa Conference League opponents TODAY!The Champions League draw and Europa League draws also take place, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United among the British teams learning their fates.Chelsea learn their Conference League opponents and what side of the draw they are on TODAYCredit: PAIn the Champions League, Arsenal were handed a decent draw against PSV – but it means they will face the winner of Real Madrid vs Atletico in the quarter-finals.United and Tottenham are learning their opponents now.Chelsea are the heavy favourites to win the Conference League and made very light work of the group phase.Enzo Maresca’s team won all six of their matches – scoring 26 and conceding just five in the process.That was despite the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson not playing any minutes in the tournament.When is the Europa Conference League draw?The draw takes place on Friday, February 21.It will start at 1pm UK (1pm CET).It will take place after the Europa League draw in Nyon, Switzerland.What TV channel is the Europa Conference League draw?UK viewers will be able to watch the draw on TNT Sports 1.Most read in FootballHow can I watch the Europa Conference League draw for FREE?Who can Chelsea face in the Europa Conference League draw?The draw is already partially complete, with Chelsea knowing they can only face one of two teams.What is also to be decided is which side of the draw the Blues will end up on.The two potential opponents are either Real Betis of Copenhagen. More

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    Inside Man City star Erling Haaland’s car collection, from a £350k Aston Martin to a Porsche 911 GT3 worth £160k

    MAN City star Erling Haaland has collected a fleet of astonishing motors over the years.The Norwegian star, 24, recently inked a new deal at the Etihad – earning him a whopping £500,000-per-week.Erling Haaland boasts an amazing car collectionHaaland has a stunning Porsche 911 GT3 worth £160k in his garageCredit: Supplied
    It’s a salary that allows the Cityzens’ top scorer to live a life of luxury.One of his favourite pastimes is adding to his extensive garage.Since his pay rise, Haaland has splashed the cash on two incredible new motors.In the past week, the poacher has been seen driving into City’s training ground in a stunning Porsche 911 GT3 worth around £160,000.Read more on Erling HaalandThen, just a few days later, he rocked up in a Aston Martin DBX 707 that carries a price tag of £350,000, as he left Manchester Airport.But those two stunners are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his car collection.Join SunSport in marvelling at what Haaland enjoys to drive.Porshe 911 GT3, £160,000No sooner had he put pen to paper on his 10-year bumper contract, Haaland was seen with a flashy new set of wheels.Most read in FootballThe bold orange colour of his 911 GT3 certainly made him stand out from the crowd as autograph hunters waited for signatures outside City’s Etihad Campus.Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash It’s one of Porsche’s greatest ever cars – since its release in 2017.Incredibly, it’s super-fast and is able to crush 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds.Aston Martin DBX 707, £350,000Upon returning to our shores, following a Champions League humbling by Real Madrid in the Champions League, Haaland was seen leaving Manchester Airport in ANOTHER new car.This time, it was a lime green Aston Martin DBX 707 – better known as a special edition Formula 1 safety car. It was the world’s most powerful SUV – producing 715bhp – until the Ferrari Purosangue came along.It’s no slouch, either, capable of hitting 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds.Aston Martin’s timeless DBX 707 is famously used by F1 as a safety carCredit: Aston MartinIt can reach 0-60 mph in an impressive 3.3 secondsCredit: Aston MartinRolls-Royce Cullinan, £300,000Costing a mega £300,000, Haaland’s also got himself a luxury Roller.The Cullinan is a favourite among sports stars, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Andy Ruiz Jr owning one.It is a giant of a car, reaching 5.3m long, 2.1m wide and 1.8m tall.But that’s not to say the 2.6 tonne Cullinan lacks any power.Its 6.75-litre twin turbo V12 engine means the giant motor is still capable of hitting 62mph in five seconds with a top speed of 155mph.The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is one of the most expensive in Haaland’s car collectionCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresRange Rover Sport, £120,000Another stereotypically footballer’s car, Haaland’s Range Rover Sport is top of the range.It features massage electric memory seats and a Meridian sound system.Back in 2018, it was the most leased car by Premier League stars.A quick glance at Man Utd’s Carrington training ground car park and you will see tons of them.Incredibly, it can manage 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 176 mph.Haaland has been seen behind the wheel of footballer’s favourite – Range Rover SportCredit: GettyAudi RS6 Avant, £120,000The RS6 is Haaland’s go-to.When he played in Germany for Borussia Dortmund, he had a red one.Now he’s playing for Man City, he’s been spotted cruising around the city in a ridiculously trendy Carbon Black performance model.A zippy vehicle, it’s capable of reaching 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.The Audi RS 6 Avant costs £120,000Credit: AlamyMercedes-AMG GLE Coupe, £90,000Just because it is the cheapest in Haaland’s fleet, it doesn’t mean it is the worst.This leg roomy Mercedes is the height of luxury in the SUV world.At 6ft4in, the forward needs to feel comfy – and with the GLE Couple he’s found his everyday runner.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s a car Haaland often takes to and from training every day.And he won’t be late considering it manages 0-60 in 5.2 seconds.A £90,000 Mercedes AMG GLE 63 Coupe is the cheapest car in Haaland’s car collectionCredit: Alamy More

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    ‘I need to f***ing change’ – Arsenal’s David Raya reveals he was at ‘my lowest’ after ‘worst game as a professional’

    DAVID RAYA has opened up on his “worst game as a professional” footballer and how it inspired him to improve.The Spanish goalkeeper joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford in 2023, with Gunners set to decide in the summer of 2024 whether they would trigger a £27million option to buy him permanently.David Raya has opened up on the lowest moment of his professional careerCredit: GettyHis career had started well there as he managed to dislodge Aaron Ramsdale as the No1.But his chances of sealing a full transfer and keeping the No1 spot took a dramatic dent after a pair of clangers against Luton in December.Raya had firstly flapped when trying to come off his line for a cross at a corner to allow Elijah Adebayo to head home an equaliser to make it 2-2.Less than ten minutes later Raya was once again found wanting as Ross Barkley fired a shot straight through him for the Hatters to take a shock lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGoals from Kai Havertz and an injury time winner from Declan Rice publicly spared Raya’s blushes, but the game proved to be a major trigger of self reflection privately.Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast with legendary Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman, Raya said: “We go back to last year, it was like an adaptation year. “I think we saw one David before the Luton game, and one David after Luton. That was a turning point of when I was at my lowest. “That was the worst game I ever played as a professional. I just said to myself, ‘I need to f***ing change.’ Sorry about the language.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I needed to change things and I need to turn it around because I wasn’t myself. So from there, I think we saw an improving David in goal and off the pitch.”I think this season, from the start of the season, there’s been another goalie more like myself. I don’t think I was myself the whole season last year. There were good periods, very bad periods. Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old self”And then from Luton towards the end of the season, it was a very good period, personally, but I knew I had more to give to the team and to everyone. I said to myself, this is the season.”Raya pushed on from that disastrous performance to lead Arsenal to 12 more clean sheets that season to bring his total to 16 overall.Mikel Arteta subsequently triggered the purchase option in the loan deal, with Raya affirming his spot as No1 in year two.He has led the Gunners to nine shut outs and the best defensive record so far this season.That was the worst game I ever played as a professional. I just said to myself, ‘I need to f***ing change.’ Sorry about the language.David RayaHe added: “It was just an adaptation season because it’s difficult to come from Brentford to a big team. All the noise, of course you can not listen to it, but you know it’s behind you, so it’s tough. “To turn it around to this season, I think I’m just myself, I’m just having fun playing. That’s the most important thing for a player. If you don’t have fun, you’re not going to be your best version. “So I’m having fun every single game, enjoying playing and just taking the challenges.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The pressure from last season to this season is completely different, in my opinion. “I always said the pressures are what you put on yourself because you know how good you are, what you can do, and then just don’t listen to the outside world.” More