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      German media turns on Harry Kane as England star slammed for ‘hanging around alone’ and going missing in big games

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      A GERMAN media outlet has turned on Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane despite his prolific goalscoring record in the Bundesliga.Kane joined Bayern in a huge £104million transfer from Tottenham last summer and has not stopped scoring since.German newspaper Bild has turned on Harry KaneCredit: GettyThe journalist suggested he goes missing in big gamesCredit: GettyIn 52 appearances across all competitions, the 31-year-old has netted 54 goals and provided 17 assists.He won the Bundesliga golden boot at the end of his first season and smashed a number of records along the way. However, German newspaper Bild has accused Kane of going missing in big games.Following Bayern’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, a column from journalist Walter M. Straten read: “Lots of effort, too little success. Harry Kane is hanging around alone up front.Read More in Football”What good are three goals against Kiel if he doesn’t even get a shot on goal in a big game like yesterday?”Fairness dictates that we shouldn’t unleash the Kane-can’t-win-a-title curse now. Especially since he had to leave injured .”Kane suffered an ankle injury late in the match and was forced off in the 86th minute.A statement from Bayern read: “Harry Kane took a painful knock to his ankle in Bayern’s Bundesliga game at home to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.Most read in BundesligaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Examinations by the club’s medical unit on Sunday determined a positive development.”Kane will continue to receive appropriate treatment.”Thierry Henry and Micah Richards pinpoint Erling Haaland’s biggest flaw that ‘Harry Kane can do’ on CBS Sports coverageThe striker is now a worry for Bayern Munich’s Champions League showdown with Aston Villa on Wednesday.Bayern boss Vincent Kompany said: “Hopefully it’s nothing serious. I’m not a doctor but I hope he can play against Aston Villa on Wednesday.” More

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      Arsenal fans say ‘take my money now’ as away kit for 2025-26 leaked including incredible nod to iconic retro jersey

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      ARSENAL’S away kit for next season will be inspired by the club’s iconic 1995/96 blue shirt, according to reports.The Gunners may be just nine games into the new season – but Adidas’ ideas for a new look have supposedly been leaked.Arsenal’s new away kit is set to look like thisCredit: XThe rumoured new kit is based on the shirt from the 1995/96 campaignCredit: GettyThe original shirt was made by NikeCredit: RexBack 29 years ago, the club had a much-loved away kit with a zig-zag in dark and light blue on it.And the retro Nike design it set to come back next campaign, with Adidas planning a modern take on the classic.An AI prediction of what the kit might look like on Bukayo Saka has surfaced on social media and fans love it.One said: “Take my money now.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “That is lovely.”A third wrote: “This would be elite.”More commented: “The gold Premier League champions badge might throw the colours off.”But Arsenal fans will be hoping the shirt only brings back a retro vibe rather than the team’s form that season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn the 1995/96 campaign under Bruce Rioch, the Gunners finished fifth in the Premier League and crashed out the FA Cup in the third round.Ian Wright was the top scorer that year with 23 goals.Former Arsenal and England star, 32, completes League Two free transfer after months unemployed Arsenal player ratingsBy Tony Robertson, Digital Sports ReporterLEANDRO TROSSARD inspired Arsenal to a dramatic injury-time 4-2 win after Leicester’s second-half fightbackHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the players…David Raya – 6After quiet first half Spaniard had to be alert in the second. Quick distribution allowed Arsenal to sustain attacking pressure.Could do nothing for the goal after being wrong-footed by the Havertz deflection and was at full stretch for Justin’s world class equalising volley.Jurrien Timber – 7Showed off both sides of his game with some good early interceptions before a superb low cross to set up Martinelli’s opener.Skied a shot over the bar following a goal mouth scramble in the second half.William Saliba – 7Expertly marshalled Jamie Vardy whenever caught in a one-v-one situation in the first half.Gave away a free-kick against the Foxes ace which ended up going in after a deflection off Havertz.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7After being centre of attention against Tottenham and Man City, the Brazilian had a more low-key day dealing with the Foxes, at least in the first half. His problems today were more on the ball than off.Saw one near-post header miraculously saved by Hermansen in the second half.Riccardo Calafiori – 6Closed down a dangerous chance early on after some sloppy midfield play from Thomas Partey, often tucked into midfield when in possession and looked very comfortable in the role.Went missing for Justin’s equaliser and was booked in the second half. Denied by a goal with a far-post header by a superb Hermansen save.Thomas Partey – 5Caught out on the ball in the opening stages by Ndidi but recovered to play some nice passes.Seemed absent from the midfield at times when asked to defend.Declan Rice – 6Made some good runs into the attacking third and was always able to offer an option. Delivered some dangerous corners and provided energy in midfield, even if much of the rest of his impact on the game was limited.Saw a pass into Havertz on the edge of the area result in a penalty appeal that was waved away.Kai Havertz – 7Back in midfield role today and looked assured in much of his play. Nodded a header agonisingly wide in the 37th minute. Saw Leicester’s goal just after half-time deflect in off his chest to wrong foot Raya.Only denied a goal by a world-class save by Hermansen and was denied a penalty moments later. Showed desire to get to the far-post and score a last-minute goal and make it 4-2 after a Jesus run.Bukayo Saka – 7Usual bright self and tested the gloves of Hermansen early on before smart switch to play in Martinelli, who should have done better before skying his shot over the bar. Moments later played in Timber before he set up the opener.A real captain’s performance from the winger with the most chances created, most shots and most completed dribbles out of any of his team-mates – and he chipped in with an assist.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Naughty tackle from ex-Spurs man Oliver Skipp didn’t dampen his spirits as he ended his goal drought by netting from Timber’s low cross. Arsenal’s most dangerous player in the first half and ended with an assist for Trossard on the stroke of half-time.Faded in the second half and did not get back in time for Justin’s equaliser before being hooked for Sterling.Leandro Trossard – 9Tigerish work leading the line and forced a number of high turnovers, one of which led to a good Martinelli chance being saved by Hermansen. Got a goal for his efforts with a deft side foot into the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.Struck the wood work in the 58th minute and should have scored after Arsenal won the ball back high. Was eventually the match winner with a scruffy injury time strike from close range.SubsRaheem Sterling (on for Martinelli 74 mins) – 5Didn’t make much impact after coming on.Ethan Nwaneri (on for Partey 85 mins) – 7First act after getting the ball was to dribble and curl a shot to the far corner, which was destined for the net if not for a superb Hermansen save.Gabriel Jesus (on for Trossard 94 mins) – 6Dribble and shot helped Havertz net a last minute goal. More

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      Inside Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow’s turbulent two-year marriage, from stag do scandal to footballer’s France move

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      ANDY Carroll and his reality TV star Wag Billi Mucklow have revealed they are divorcing, after a turbulent two year marriage.In a statement, the ex-England, Newcastle and Liverpool striker said: “Billi and I have privately separated earlier this year and we are under way with our divorce proceedings.Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow revealed they are going through divorce proceedingsCredit: InstagramCarroll and Billi have only been married for two yearsCredit: InstagramHowever, the nuptials nearly never happened after Carroll’s boozy stag doCredit: instagram”It has been a hard few months for our family and we continue to move forward amicably for our children.”The pair share three kids, having been together for 11 years.A source told us: “Andy and Billi care about each other a lot and have made some great memories together, but decided it was best for the family if they went their separate ways having grown apart.”They’re still focusing on the kids and being the best parents they can be and being respectful of each other.Read more Carroll news”They want the process to be straightforward for everyone involved. Andy has been throwing himself into his football.”Their relationship has been fraught with issues. SunSport looks at where it all went wrong.The stag do scandalIn 2014, Andy and Billi were seemingly headed for eternal happiness.They were very much in love, having got engaged just a year after meeting each other in a whirlwind romance.Most read in FootballEight years later, the two finally walked down the aisle at luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire.Billi Mucklow and Andy Carroll Divorce After Two Years of MarriageBut, it was a wedding that nearly never happened.Prior to their special occasion, Carroll went on his now infamous stag do with pals.Pictures surfaced of the towering forward passed out in bed with two women in Dubai.One of the girls, Taylor Jane Wilkey was also seen posing in a bathroom wearing the footballer’s personalised dressing gownWhen the photos circulated on social media, Billi reacted as you would imagine.She took off her £200,000 engagement ring and left their Essex home. It seemed like they would never exchange nuptials.Bar manager Taylor even shared an image on social media wearing Carrol’s bath robeTaylor Jane Wilkey shared images of her in bed with Carroll on the stag doA reprieveHowever, bar manager Taylor expressed her regret at the situation.She also insisted that nothing sexual happened.Taylor told The Sun: “It was all just a bit of entirely innocent fun. “It was an afterparty. We all went back to his hotel. There was me, Andy and my female friend.”I didn’t sleep with him, it wasn’t like that, there was three of us in the room.”It was a full day and night of drinking, we’d been at Cove Beach since 12, it was a really boozy day. Andy was steaming, we were all drunk.”She added: “We went back to Andy’s hotel suite and we played some music and he got into bed and passed out.”I was there with my friend until the early hours and took the photo as a joke.”My mates back home were goading me for the lowdown so I took that picture for a laugh and sent it to them.Carrol was forgiven by Billi after Taylor revealed nothing sexual happenedCredit: InstagramCarroll and Billi wed at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in HampshireCredit: INSTAGRAMCarroll left England and began a career at Amiens in FranceCredit: Instagramread more sport features”Nothing sexual happened. It was just a bit of banter.”After Billi requested Carroll show her all the pictures from the boozy stag do in clear-the-air talks, the wedding was back on.However, it was clearly a moment that broke trust between the pair.A fresh startIn August, 2023, Carroll left Reading after triggering a release clause in his contract.He joined French second division club Amiens – with his career in its twilight years.A year later, he would continue his adventure across the channel and sign for Bordeaux, where he currently plays.For Carroll, it encouraged a quieter life, away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Newcastle and London, where the nightlife may have proved a temptation.However, rather tellingly, he was alone.Billi made the decision to stay in their Essex home, as Carroll continued his career in France – one that hasn’t been profitable given Bordeaux’s financial struggle and fall from grace.Andy, who is said to be on £750-per-week, revealed to RMC Sport: “To be honest, it’s even costing me money to come and play for Bordeaux but I’m playing football and I am simply happy to be playing football.Carroll left his family behind to pursue his career in FranceCredit: InstagramBilli continued to live in their Essex home while Carroll played in FranceCarroll reportedly earns around £750-per-week playing for BordeauxCarroll has been linked to Harry Styles’ hairstylist Lou Teasdale”I want to be a part of this club’s history and to be frank, it wasn’t a question of money. In my career, it’s never been a question of money.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCarroll has since reportedly moved on from Billi – and is dating Harry Styles’ hairstylist Lou Teasdale.With divorce costing a pretty penny, expect Carroll to have dig deep into his savings to fund his divorce. More

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      Jadon Sancho reveals why childhood pal Cole Palmer will be ‘FUMING’ despite scoring four in Chelsea’s win over Brighton

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      JADON SANCHO has revealed that Cole Palmer will be “fuming” with his showing against Brighton – despite the fact that he scored FOUR goals.Palmer became the first player in Premier League history to score four before half-time, as Chelsea came from behind to beat Brighton 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.Jadon Sancho has revealed that Palmer will be ‘fuming’ not to have scored more goals against BrightonPalmer was the hero on Saturday after bagging FOUR first-half goalsSancho, who set up Palmer’s fourth goal and earned a penalty, was full of praise for his childhood pal and team-mate.The Manchester United loanee told Chelsea’s website: “When you have a player in your team like Cole Palmer, then anything is possible.”I’ve known Cole a long time, since our days together at Man City. “I’ve always watched him and I always thought he would go on to be a great player. He’s showing that now at Chelsea.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS’We see what he’s capable of each day in training, we see the quality he has and honestly, it’s no real surprise to me to see him score four goals.”In fact, he could have scored five or six goals. I’m sure he will be fuming not to add to his tally.”But in all seriousness, he’s such a quality player.”Palmer, 22, and Sancho, 24, both came through the ranks at Manchester City before the latter left for Dortmund in 2017.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPalmer had seven shots against Brighton and was disappointed that he failed to convert more of his chances. He told Match of the Day: “I should have had five or six. When I missed the first chance I was upset. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add up”But with the way they played and their high line I felt we’d get more chances.”The manager set up a good game plan, we knew how to attack them with first-time passes in behind.”Meanwhile, Sancho’s performance takes his season assist tally up to three in as many games, after setting up the winner against Bournemouth and providing Nicolas Jackson’s opener at West Ham.The former Dortmund star is enjoying life at Stamford Bridge after a miserable few years at United.Sancho marked Chelsea’s win with a celebratory post on Instagram, writing: “Special afternoon to make my first appearance at the bridge! +3 @colepalmer10 … no words needed🥶.”The post has chalked up more than 600,000 likes, with Palmer commenting “My Boy!” More

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      Former Man Utd wonderkid Ravel Morrison’s career plummets to new low as he makes very rogue free transfer

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      FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Ravel Morrison has signed for his 14th career club – this time heading to Dubai. Morrison was considered one for the future after coming through United’s academy alongside the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard. Ravel Morrison has signed for Precision FC in Dubai’s second divisionBut his career has continued to plummet and has now landed in the UAE with Precision FC – in Dubai’s second division. A statement read: “We are beyond excited to welcome the incredible Ravel Morrison to Precision FC! “This is more than a signing – it’s a statement, a game-changer for both our club and football in the UAE.”Known for his electrifying talent and skill, Ravel brings world-class experience and flair that will help our team to achieve it’s goals.READ MORE IN football “This is the start of something extraordinary. Welcome to the family, Ravel!” Morrison only ever made three senior appearances for United before being sold to West Ham in 2012. During his three years signed to the Hammers, he was also loaned out to Birmingham, QPR and Cardiff before joining Lazio in Italy. Morrison spent four years signed to the Italians, but spent a year from 2018-2019 on loan in Mexico with Atlas.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe then joined Ostersund in Sweden before moving back to England with Sheffield United in 2020. But the midfielder was only back in England for a year, which included a loan to Middlesbrough, before going to ADO Den Haag in Netherlands. ‘Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyMorrison’s last transfer to England came in 2021 when he spent a season with Derby before a switch to America with DC United. The 31-year-old was later released by the MLS side and makes his return to football with Precision – who got promoted to Dubai’s second division last season. Morrison joins the likes of Max Johnstone, Matt Lowton and Jamie Ward in the squad.Highly ratedHis rogue transfer to the UAE is all the more incredible when its remembered how highly he was regarded at United.Ex-United ace Quinton Fortune said he had more natural talent than Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.Speaking to FourFourTwo in 2021 he said: “At a club like Manchester United, it’s very difficult to say who the best youngster was.”Ronaldo was obviously incredible but Wayne Rooney was unbelievable when he arrived too.”But then you had another special talent who hasn’t progressed as he should have done: Ravel Morrison. He was definitely the most naturally talented player I’ve ever seen, but he didn’t make that next step like Ronaldo and Rooney did. In terms of talent, he was up there with them.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also rated him incredibly highly.Rio Ferdinand recalled: “Sir Alex Ferguson, I remember, he called me and Wazza [Wayne Rooney] over one day and said: ‘look at this kid, he’s better than you, Rooney when you were a kid, he’s better than you, Rio, better than Ryan Giggs when you were kids. This is the best kid you will ever see’.”Jesse Lingard and Morrison came up togetherCredit: Action Images – ReutersMorrison had a stint with DerbyCredit: GettyHis last club was D.C. United in MLSCredit: Getty More

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      Eddie Howe defends decision to play Newcastle star with broken toe despite him set to be sidelined for further two games

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      EDDIE HOWE defended the decision to play Alexander Isak with a broken toe – despite the star set to miss at least two more Newcastle matches.The Swedish striker came off after suffering the injury at Wolves a fortnight ago but then led the line against Fulham the following weekend after a painkilling injection.Eddie Howe has defended his decision to play Alexander Isak with a broken toeCredit: RexThe Swedish striker suffered the blow against Wolves but started at Fulham a week laterCredit: ReutersHowe revealed afterwards that the 25-year-old started to feel discomfort towards the end of that 3-1 defeat and it subsequently ruled him out of Saturday’s draw with Man City.The Newcastle boss confirmed there was zero possibility of Isak playing tomorrow against Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup at St. James’ Park.And he also looks almost certain to miss the trip to Everton on Saturday as well as potentially his country’s Nation League games with Slovakia and Estonia.When asked directly whether Isak playing at Fulham had aggravated the toe problem, Howe said: “I don’t think that would be the case. It was one of those situations where, if he could tolerate the pain, he would be fine.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“He tolerated the pain for about 80 minutes before he became aware of any feeling back in that toe.“It was either he’d be out until probably after the international break initially, or he could carry on playing as normal if he could tolerate the feelings and the effects of the injury. He hasn’t been able to do that, so we’re back to the original diagnosis, I think.”Asked whether that meant that Isak would not be back until after the international break, Howe said: “Possibly, yes.“We’ve not ruled him out (of Everton). We’re sort of assessing him on a daily basis, because there is a chance he could be fit for Everton if everything falls into place.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Of course, then we have a decision to make. Does he play in that game, or do we leave him knowing that he’ll be OK two weeks afterwards?”Despite Anthony Gordon, who has agreed a new six-year deal with Newcastle, starring and scoring against City, £10m summer signing William Osula seems certain to start against the Dons.Alexander Isak shows off his razor sharp shooting ability in Sweden training The Danish U21 ace’s only taste of action was as a late substitute at Craven Cottage but Howe is happy to remain patient in helping the ex-Sheffield United ace fulfil his potential. He said: “With Will, we were well aware that we’d have to go to work as coaches and Will would have to go to work as the player to develop himself, to improve every area of his game to become a Premier League striker.“We feel he has the attributes to do that.  He’s very, very quick, physically excellent. He’s a tall, imposing character and his best asset is running in behind and stretching the line for us. He has some things to smoothen out in his game. “We’ve seen already, certainly from the battles he’s had against our centre-halves in training, he has an ability to score goals and have a physical impact in the game, to make it uncomfortable for defenders.“We are working hard with him and he’s working hard. His attitude has been excellent.“He comes in with a big smile on his face every day. His career and his game is going in the right direction.”Meanwhile, Howe will also make late calls over whether to pick Kieran Trippier and Sandro Tonali after both players were forced off in the second half two days ago. More

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      ‘Do they know the law’ slams former Prem ref as he says VAR got Bruno Fernandes red card WRONG in Man Utd defeat

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      FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey claims Bruno Fernandes was incorrectly sent off during Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday.Fernandes saw red in the 42nd minute of the match following a challenge on James Maddison.Bruno Fernandes was sent off during Man Utd’s clash with TottenhamCredit: ReutersThe midfielder caught James Maddison’s shin with his boot after slippingWhile lunging in for a tackle, the 30-year-old slipped and caught the side of Maddison’s shin with his boot.Referee Chris Kavanagh immediately brandished the red card, leaving both Fernandes and manager Erik ten Hag baffled.VAR agreed with the on-field decision to confirm the United captain’s dismissal just a few moments before half-time.However, ex-Prem ref Halsey believes a review should have been recommended instead.Read More in FootballHe told SunSport: “It was a tough one for Chris Kavanagh because in real time it did look like a poor challenge.”So we cannot be critical of Chris in that situation. When I saw the challenge again, I thought straight away – it’s not a red card.”If we look at the law for serious foul play, a tackle or challenge that endangers an opponent with excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.”Whether the challenge is a lunge from the front, the side, the back, it must be sanctioned as a red card.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Now that, for me, that challenge didn’t meet the criteria of serious foul play.”What you can be critical of is VAR because when you look at it again and you see it again, it’s not.Bruno Fernandes rages in live TV interview after being SENT OFF for first time in Man Utd career vs Tottenham”The challenge doesn’t meet the criteria. Yes, he slips and it’s the back of his heel that goes down the side of his shin pad. But for me, when VAR look at that and they confirm the decision, I’m looking at that and thinking, do they know the law?”So in my opinion, I think it was a wrongful dismissal. Had VAR afforded Chris Kavanagh another look, so recommended a review, then I’m sure that Chris would have changed his mind and Bruno Fernandes would not have been sent off from the field of play.”So I believe that Manchester United have got a strong case for an appeal and they should do that.”Halsey went on to criticise PGMOL chief Howard Webb for his poor handling of some decisions so far this season.He continued: “They look at red cards and you can upgrade them from a yellow to red. You can downgrade a red to a yellow now. That’s what should have happened here.”So again, Howard Webb has got to look at his training education.”Another thing that really annoys me is the nonsense that comes out from the matchday centre.”Regarding the challenge, they need someone there that actually knows the law. The law is clear on serious foul play and that was not serious foul play that endangered the player’s safety with excessive force or brutality.”So for me, VAR should have looked at that and recommended a review. And, as I say, once Chris had gone and looked at it, and had a review got recommended, then he would have changed decision.”There are so many inconsistencies, Howard has got to sort this out.”Man Utd went on to lose 3-0 to Tottenham at Old Trafford, leaving them 12th in the Premier League table.Fernandes himself also insisted he should not have been sent off.He said: “Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card. If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.”The red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game but it wasn’t possible. They showed great effort and character and I was happy for that.”Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More

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      France boss stunned as World Cup winner and 137-cap legend shockingly RETIRES from international duty

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      FRANCE star Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 33.The Atletico Madrid player made 137 appearances for his country, scoring 44 goals in that time.Antoine Griezmann has revealed his retirement from international footballManager Didier Deschamps revealed that the pair had a long discussion about itGriezmann and Deschamps have a close relationshipGriezmann has been a key member of the France squad under manager Didier Deschamps since making his debut under him in 2014.The LaLiga winger’s social media statement read: “It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. “Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon.”After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege.”Deschamps said: “We’ve had a long discussion about his retirement recently.”Since his debut in the France team 10 years ago we’ve had a relationship based on trust and frankness.”Even if his club career is not over, Antoine will remain a monument of French football, one of the greatest players in its history.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”It was often said that he was my favourite. We indeed had built a very strong relationship, that will remain intact.”From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, Grizou.”Retired rugby legend and Six Nations icon takes up gruelling new sport at 47 Griezmann helped his nation win the 2018 World Cup.His Man-of-the-match performance put France 2-1 ahead with a penalty before a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Russia six years ago.The end of his World Cup adventure was marked by another final at Qatar 2022, playing 71 minutes of France’s eventual shootout defeat to Argentina.He was announced as the nation’s new vice-captain following the retirement of Hugo Lloris, with Kylian Mbappe named skipper in March 2023.He featured in all six games of Euro 2024, before crashing out in the semi-finals to winners Spain.He started for France in a 3-1 Nations League defeat by Italy in September, before his last appearance came as a sub in a 2-0 win against Belgium three days later.Griezmann has revealed his decision prior to the next international break in October when France play Israel and Belgium in the Nations League.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also won the 2021 Nations League with his country.The forward was top scorer at Euro 2016 with six goals as hosts France finished runners-up, losing to Portugal in the final.Griezmann was instrumental in France winning the 2018 World CupGriezmann also won the Nations League in 2021 More