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      Fuming fans say ‘I have no words’ after spotting what Bruno Fernandes did in final seconds of Man Utd’s FC Twente clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans raged at Bruno Fernandes for a decision he made in the final moments of their 1-1 draw with FC Twente.Erik ten Hag’s side had to settle for a disappointing point in their Europa League opener at Old Trafford on Wednesday.Manchester United fans were furious with Bruno Fernandes in stoppage timeIt looked as though the Portuguese playmaker was going to clip the ball into the areaBut he produced a tame shot before the referee blew the final whistleChristian Eriksen’s stunning opener was cancelled out by a second-half equaliser from Sam Lammers.Yet Man Utd had a good set-piece opportunity when the clock ticked into the 95th minute.With the minimum stoppage time up, Fernandes stood over a free-kick from around 35 yards out.The Red Devils loaded the box with six players as they waited for the Portuguese playmaker to loft a ball into the penalty area.READ MORE ON MAN UTDInstead, the Man Utd captain chose the audacious option of shooting from distance and saw his tame effort float into the keeper’s arms.The referee then blew his whistle for the end of the match.Fernandes’ decision infuriated Man Utd supporters as they took to social media to vent their frustrations.One said: “As for Bruno I have no words 😂😂 got his new contract been a mare since lol.”Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUnited fans were not best pleased with the midfielder’s performanceFernandes played the full 90 minutesAnother added: “Why did he shoot?! 😭😭”A third replied: “Definitely wasn’t part of the set piece instruction.”Man Utd player ratings: Joshua Zirkzee hooked again as Lisandro Martinez saves Erik ten Hag’s blushes (2)While a fourth responded: “He thinks he’s [Cristiano] Ronaldo 😭😭😭.”Fernandes, who last month penned a new contract to keep him at Man Utd until 2027, is yet to score in eight games this season but has contributed four assists.Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Man Utd legends agree on Sir Alex Ferguson’s most ruthless player axing – and it’s NOT David Beckham

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      PAUL SCHOLES and Nicky Butt have opened up on Sir Alex Ferguson’s infamous ruthless streak. The legendary Man Utd boss was known for moving players on from Old Trafford – no matter how big their star power. Paul Scholes has revealed who he believes was Alex Ferguson’s most ruthless releaseCredit: Football’s Greatest Eras PodcastScholes spent his entire career at Man Utd and won 25 trophiesCredit: Times Newspapers LtdFerguson memorably parted ways with club icons David Beckham and Roy Keane in the early 2000s after public falling-outs. But it was another player who both Scholes and Butt were stunned to see shown the exit door at Carrington.During a recent edition of their podcast Football’s Greatest Eras, Scholes claimed Fergie spotting when a player’s time was up at the club was “part of his genius.”He said: “He knew when the right time was.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”There would be players who would disagree with him, but whatever he did he felt it was for the best of the club.”Scholes went on to ask Butt who he believed was Ferguson’s “most ruthless” release. Butt replied: “I thought Jaap [Stam] was the biggest one.”Only because Jaap was in his pomp. And he still had many years to go.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStam, a no-nonsense centre-half, was a huge influence in Utd’s 1998/99 treble-winning season.He was unexpectedly sold in 2001 to Lazio, months after releasing his autobiography. ‘I miss it sometimes,’ says Sir Alex Ferguson as former Man Utd manager opens up in rare interviewFergie was said to be unhappy with revelations made in the Dutchman’s book. Scholes continued: “I always wondered – and I might be wrong here – if he used the book thing to get rid of Jaap.”To fast forward it a little bit, but maybe he felt Jaap was going against team ethics and team principles.”I don’t think any of the team ever thought that.”Jaap Stam won three Premier League titles with Utd before being unexpectedly sold in 2001Credit: GettyMan Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated hereFerguson has previously claimed he sold Stam after he “lost a yard of pace” following an Achilles injury.Sir Alex said, via The Daily Mail: “He’d been out for months and, when he came back, Steve McClaren and I thought he had lost a yard of pace.”We played Fulham and he didn’t have a good game and at that moment Lazio came in and offered £16.5m.”So then Jaap goes to Lazio and he played fantastic. So it was a bad decision. I should maybe have waited a bit longer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESScholes and Butt, both members of the Class of ’92, launched their joint podcast in January.The pair recently opened up the wild two-day bender the team enjoyed after beating Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final. More

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      Third tier club forfeit match for using ‘FAKE players’ including foreign star they claimed was ‘deaf, illiterate mute’

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      A THIRD-TIER club have been forced to forfeit a match after using a fake player they claimed was a deaf and illiterate mute.Romanian club CSM Adjud had three points taken away after their 1-0 win over Voința Limpeziș was turned into a forfeit.A Romanian third-tier side were stripped of a win after fielding an ineligible playerCredit: Facebook / ACS Voința LimpezișThe FRF Disciplinary Commission interevened following allegations Adjud had fielded an ineligible player.It was claimed that instead of Romanian Cosmin Togan taking to the field, it was actually a South American national playing instead.Adjud Ciprian Vrabie revealed his club thought such an incident may occur, so he asked the referee to take a look at the players’ registration sheet.He explained: “At one point, during the match, I heard that the player with number 21 from Limpeziș was speaking in a foreign language. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”On the score sheet, however, there was a Romanian footballer, who met the U19 criteria, born in 2005. “At half-time, I filed an appeal, and the referee requested that the respective player come to the booth for identification.”The officials from Voința explained that the footballer is deaf-mute, so it is not possible to talk to him.”And when he was only asked to write his name on a piece of paper, it was impossible, under the argument that he doesn’t even know how to write!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWho are these famous footballers?Limpeziș president Ioniță Dedu has revealed his club have appealed the league’s decision to forfeit the match.Dedu said: “I wasn’t even at that match and, frankly, I don’t know these details very well. “But I don’t think there was any substitution. How to do such a thing? I will also discuss again with my colleagues from the club.Mikel Arteta insists Ethan Nwaneri will get more chances for Arsenal this season “I understood that the federation self-reported that we would use two non-EU players.”It is about a Colombian and a Nigerian, who would have an American passport. Or something like that. I can’t tell you exactly. We have already appealed”.However, when asked to provide the name of the South American national who is at the centre of the storm, Dedu did not reply and instead rejected the reporter’s call and blocked his number. More

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      Fans think they know the exact date Erik ten Hag will be sacked as Man Utd’s tricky run of games is revealed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have predicted when Erik ten Hag will be sacked after spotting a bad omen.The Red Devils have began the new season from where they left off, with two defeats and a draw from five games, leaving them 11th.A group of United fans think they’ve found out the date Erik ten Hag is destined to be sackedCredit: GettyUnited might be haunted by ghosts from the past – one being Jose MourinhoCredit: GettyThe pressure is mounting on the Dutchman – who will play host to Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side on Sunday.United have also failed to make a winning start to their Europa League campaign as they were held to a 1-1 draw with FC Twente on Wednesday despite a dominant first half.After securing four points away from home in their last two Prem games, United enter into a difficult run of fixtures against Spurs, Porto, Aston Villa and Brentford.But one Old Trafford fan has used a crystal ball to predict that Ten Hag will be sacked on October 24.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis is the night when the Red Devils travel to Turkey to face former boss Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side.The mystic supporter wrote on X: “That Ten Hag sacked announcement after losing to Mourinho 👌.”The superstitions are linked to the Portuguese Special One’s time in charge of the club before he was sacked in 2018 as United fans thinking he’ll want revenge.If the prophecy rings true, the Dutchman has just one month left at the Theatre of Dreams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOthers on X have even predicted goals from former loan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Fred, who now play for Fenerbahce, will seat their old boss’s fate.But while many believe they’ve found Ten Hag’s date with destiny, other fans have backed the former Ajax boss.Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt agree on Sir Alex Ferguson’s most ruthless player axing at Man UtdOne wrote: “Ten Hag has two trophies in two seasons. Everyone needs to calm down.”A second chimed in: “I think I speak for all United fans, when I say Ten Hag needs time.”Before one more said: “Stop with the Ten Hag out narrative. I’m Ten Hag IN💪.”Another real test comes in December with a horror run of games some believe could prove to be Ten Hag’s undoing.United kick off the month with a trip to Arsenal, where they have failed to win in their previous six visits. That’s before the Manchester Derby ten days later, a banana skin clash away at Wolves on Boxing Day and a trip to Newcastle before the New Year. More

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      I played Pele and got the better of him, now I’m still going strong at EIGHTY in English football

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      JIM BARRON is still going strong in the beautiful game aged 80 after getting the better of football legend Pele.Barron is a former goalkeeper who clocked up more than 400 games in 20 years for various big names.Jim Barron is still going strong after a successful career as a goalkeeperCredit: RexHe came up against Brazil legend Pele, who could not find a way past the former stopperCredit: GettyBarron is now assistant boss at Bath City, with his 81st birthday next monthCredit: YouTube / Bath City FCThe stopper turned out for Wolves and Chelsea before settling down at Oxford United.Barron then enjoyed more success at Nottingham Forest and Swindon before heading to the USA in 1977.It was there he came up against three-time World Cup winner Pele, who was playing for the New York Cosmos after an incredible career with Santos.Pele, who netted a mind-boggling 1,279 goals in 1,363 games for his boyhood club, enjoyed a good spell in the States despite being in his mid-30s.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he could not find a way past Barron, who was between the sticks for Cosmos’ 3-2 win over the Connecticut Bicentennials 47 years ago.Despite shipping three, Barron kept Pele at bay with several saves as the Brazilian, who passed away in December 2022 aged 82, failed to hit the target.And with his 81st birthday approaching next month, the Durham man is still loving life in football.Barron, who retired in 1981 after a spell with Peterborough, is now working as assistant manager of National League South side Bath City.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter caretaker spells with Wolves, Birmingham and Northampton – as well as a brief stint as Cheltenham boss – Barron was cast in his Bath City role last year.The icon, who also worked as an Everton scout, makes a 172-mile round trip from his Berkshire home twice a week.Cars set on fire in furious scenes as Pele’s old club Santos relegated to Serie B for first time in 111-year historyBarron turned out for clubs including Nottingham Forest and ChelseaCredit: RexHe was regarded as a top goalie during his dayCredit: RexBarron remained in the beautiful game after his retirement and has held numerous coaching rolesCredit: GettyYet he is still enjoying his career as No2 to ex-Birmingham star Jerry Gill – who Barron coached 23 years ago.Recalling his battle with Pele, Barron told the BBC: “It was one-on-one, me against Pele. I made the save.“There’s a picture of me in a newspaper catching the ball and Pele jumping over me.“It didn’t matter who it was against, I always took great pride stopping anyone from scoring.”Can you name the famous fathers?On his advanced years, Barron commented: “I’ve got aches and pains, one of my wrists is not so good and I’ve got arthritis in a couple of fingers.“Apart from that I feel OK. I’d be bored without football. I’ve been paid all my life for something I’d do for free.“Since leaving school I’ve been pretty much involved in football, whether that’s playing, coaching, managing and scouting. In that respect it’s been a good life. I’ve been lucky.”Bath City boss Gill reckons Barron’s age does not impede him in the slightest, adding: “Jim has the work ethic of an enthusiastic 21-year-old.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I honestly forgot how old Jim was when I went to the board to get permission to appoint him.“My chairman said, ‘you do realise he’s nearly 80’. But this isn’t some 80-year-old who is sat in an armchair. This is a guy who is extremely active.” More

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      Premier League manager leaves game on CRUTCHES after injuring himself in the dugout as season goes from bad to worse

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      WEST HAM manager Julen Lopetegui was spotted leaving Anfield on crutches following last night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.The Hammers suffered a 5-1 loss to Arne Slot’s side as their season went from bad to worse.Julen Lopetegui injured himself during West Ham’s match against LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe West Ham boss suffered a calf issue on the touchlineJarell Quansah scored an own-goal to give West Ham the advantage after 21 minutes, but Diogo Jota quickly equalised.Second-half strikes from Jota, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo then sealed the win for Liverpool.New Hammers boss Lopetegui was animated on the touchline throughout and even appeared to injure himself at one point.With the score at 3-1, summer signing Crysencio Summerville missed a huge chance for the visitors.Read More in FootballLopetegui reacted by jumping in the air, but suffered a calf issue in the process.He then spent the remainder of the match seated in the dugout.During his post-match press conference, the Spaniard admitted: “I have one little injury in my calf.”Lopetegui went on to give his verdict on the game, adding: “I don’t think that we deserve this score. I think that we have been in the match, in a lot of moments, even better than them.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I prefer not to talk about the referee. It is very clear for me the decisions have been against us and the key decisions.”But in the end when we had chances to score we didn’t do. To win these kind of matches you have to stay close.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Bold £84m Bid for Nantes”After the third goal and the red card it was much more difficult. The last part of the match was very bad for us.”Liverpool will now face Brighton away in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. More

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      Euros winner Giorgio Chiellini teams up with Eni Aluko as retired footballers invest in exciting business venture

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      GIORGIO CHIELLINI is embarking on a new career venture after hanging up his boots. The Juventus legend has invested in women’s multi-club ownership group Mercury/13. Giorgio Chiellini is investing in women’s football after hanging up his bootsCredit: GettyHe has joined up with Mercury/13, who have former Lionesses star Eni Aluko on the booksCredit: RexNo-nonsense centre-back Chiellini enjoyed an illustrious career for both club and country.He won the Euros with Italy in 2021 and was a nine-time Serie A champion with The Old Lady. Chiellini retired last year after spending his final season in the US with Los Angeles FC.His experience over the pond helped demonstrate the “potential” of women’s football to the 40-year-old.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLChiellini announced his partnership with the consortium on Wednesday. He wrote on his Instagram page: “I’m really excited to share that I’ve joined Mercury/13 as an investor.”It’s a multi-club ownership group focused on supporting and growing women’s football globally.”After spending time in the USA, I saw the incredible strides women’s football is making there and how much potential it still has to unlock in Europe.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”That experience inspired me, and I’m proud to be part of a project that’s all about creating new opportunities for female athletes and taking the sport to the next level internationally.”Mercury/13 has pledged to invest more than £80 million into transforming women’s clubs around the world.Eni Aluko joins new US team Angel City owned by Hollywood big shots including Eva Longoria Former Lionesses star Eni Aluko is among those already partnered with the project.The group recently acquired Como Women, a mid-table team in Italy’s Serie A Femminile.They also describe investing in England and the Women’s Super League as an “absolute priority”.Mario Malave, Mercury/13’s co-chief executive said: “I would say there’s no higher potential than women’s football today.”If you give women’s football dedicated management, dedicated capital, and nurture it, it’s going to grow and blossom tremendously and become that sustainable business.”It’s nonsensical to expect it to be that today, if no-one’s invested in it over the last 100 years.” More

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      Man Utd given embarrassing new nickname as fans spot bizarre Europa League coincidence after FC Twente draw

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a brutal new nickname following their 1-1 draw with FC Twente on Wednesday.Erik ten Hag’s side failed to make a winning start to their Europa League campaign as they were held by their Dutch opponents at Old Trafford.Manchester United were frustrated by FC Twente in the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side have been ridiculed with a new nicknameCredit: GettyThe result leaves them 11th in the league phase of the new-look competition – which consists of 36 sides in the same division.The top eight progress straight through to the last 16 of the Europa League, while ninth to 24th go into two-legged play-offs.And Man Utd’s position in the table after one of their eight fixtures coincidentally mirrors their Premier League spot.They are also 11th in England’s top flight following two wins, one draw and two defeats from their opening five matches.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThis led them to be labelled “11th FC” on social media.To which one fan replied: “Consistency is key for Man Utd, so what you saying!? 😂”Another added: “11th in Europa League is a new level of low, even for Ten Hag loool 🤣😭.”A third responded: “Erik Eleven Hag.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a fourth said: “Lol they have taken over Chelsea’s position of last season 😂.”Ten Hag was uncharacteristically critical of his side following the draw to Twente.Erik ten Hag criticises Man Utd’s desire in Twente draw He said: “When you have ambition then you have to perform, you have to prove that point.”Today, especially in the second half, I think we were too easy-going, too complacent.”We didn’t bring it over the line and, as a team, you have to deliver this.”Man Utd’s other seven fixtures in the Europa League are against Porto, Fenerbahce, PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Viktoria Plzen, Rangers and FCSB.But next up they return to Premier League action when they host Tottenham on Sunday.Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More