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      Scott McTominay leaves commentator stunned in first Napoli start as fans say ex-Man Utd star ‘plays like prime Maradona’

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      SCOTT MCTOMINAY has had a brilliant start to life in Italy.The Scotland international, 27, joined Napoli from Manchester United in a £25million deal last month.Scott McTominay has had an impressive start to life in ItalyCredit: GettyA compilation of McTominay’s all-action performance vs Juventus has gone viralMcTominay was mobbed by fans as he arrived in the Italian city upon signing.And he has endeared himself further to the Napoli faithful with his early performances.The midfielder was brought on a substitute for his debut against Cagliari earlier this month.Antonio Conte then brought him into his starting XI for Napoli’s clash with Juventus last weekend, fielding McTominay as a No10 in a 4-2-3-1 system.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match finished 0-0, but the Naples new-boy impressed with his all-action display.Italian broadcaster Riccardo Trevisani, who has long covered Serie A, even claimed that McTominay had made Juve stars look like “children”.He said: “Seeing McTominay live is incredible, impressive: he looked like Gulliver with children, they bounced off him!”I thought he was playing in place of (Matteo) Politano, instead Conte worked with Politano on the wing.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were also left in awe after a compilation was posted on X.One wrote: “This style of football suits Scott so much better. proud of the kid.”Watch Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay passionately mobbed by Napoli fans as he jets in to seal shock £25m transferWhile a second joked: “I’m seriously worrying about Serie A quality. If McTominay can play like prime Maradona I don’t rate Osimhen at all then.”A third claimed: “Tidy shift from Scott, this league will suit him well.”And another added: “United is a Prison. How can every player that leaves them get 10x Better.”Next up, McTominay and Co will take on Palermo in the Coppa Italia tomorrow.Napoli then return to Serie A action on Sunday, when they face Monza.Manuel Ugarte the next Roy KeaneBy PHIL THOMASNEARLY two decades have passed since Roy Keane led Manchester United into battle for the final time.It left a gap in the engine room that the Red Devils have never really come close to filling in the 19 years that have followed.Many tried and some managed it in flashes and, although the trophies still rolled in for a time, there was no snarling, bring-it-on warrior prowling the midfield.Until now… until the imminent capture of a man who views a 50-50 challenge like a starving Labrador staring at a side of ham.For three months, United have licked their own lips at the prospect of a midfield marshalled by Uruguayan tough guy Manuel Ugarte.Finally, they have their man.Ugarte is pretty much a ball-winner pure and simple.Rarely will you see him pinging 40-yard passes to split a defence.But ending his days with half the reputation of Keane and a fraction of his silverware would still mean a hell of a career. More

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      Erik ten Hag ‘couldn’t wait to drop’ Man Utd starter for player who ‘isn’t much of an upgrade’, says Paul Scholes

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      ERIK TEN HAG was champing at the bit to ditch Harry Maguire and replace him with Matthijs de Ligt, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has claimed.Maguire’s long-term future at Old Trafford has been up in the air for the last two years due to a string of inconsistent displays.Matthijs de Ligt has been thrown into the deep end at Manchester UnitedCredit: REXErik ten Hag’s immediate inclusion of his summer signing has come at the expense of Harry MaguireCredit: REXPaul Scholes reckons Ten Hag couldn’t wait to bin off MaguireCredit: REXThe world’s most defensive defender’s struggles prompted a £43million summer swoop for De Ligt, who has been thrown in at the deep end this campaign.And Scholes can’t help but feel De Ligt’s almost immediate inclusion in the starting XI is a telltale sign that binning off Maguire has been on Ten Hag’s mind for some time.During the latest Overlap Fan Debate: ‘He couldn’t wait to get de Ligt straight in ahead of Maguire, he was just waiting for the opportunity.”De Ligt has yet to convince Scholes that he deserves to be in the heart of United’s defence over Maguire, who vowed last year to fight tooth and nail for his place in the team.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe 49-year-old said: “And look, in all honestly, I’m not sure it is that much of an upgrade.”He might be slightly better but he is not a massive improvement where you think, ‘Wow.'”Ten Hag’s decision to integrate De Ligt and his former Bayern Munich team Noussair Mazraoui into the starting XI so quickly has come as a surprise to Scholes.He said: “Manuel Ugarte was announced on the pitch for the Liverpool game.Most read in Football”And then he went away with Uruguay.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And with the South Americans, they don’t come back until a Friday sometimes and then they played at 12:30pm on a Saturday at Southampton.“[Erik] ten Hag’s a bit like that with his new players, he seems to take a little bit of time to bring them in.I was Man Utd ‘teacher’s pet’ but Ferguson told me I’d never play for him again “[Matthijs] de Ligt was the same.”The only one who has come straight in is [Noussair] Mazraoui.”Manchester United will be back in action this evening, welcoming Dutch giants FC Twente to Old Trafford.Paul Scholes was speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet. More

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      Man City release statement with Rodri update after star travels to Spain to see specialist for knee injury

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      MANCHESTER CITY have released a statement providing an injury update on Rodri after the star travelled to Spain to see a specialist.Rodri was left in agony when he collapsed during City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.Man City have released an update on Rodri’s injury against ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Spanish ace went down after a light tussle with Thomas ParteyCredit: APHe was forced off the field as reporters suggested he’d suffered an ACL setbackCredit: ReutersThe midfielder clutched his leg after a light tussle with Thomas Partey.And he was forced to leave the field with the help of several medics.Pep Guardiola left nobody in doubt over the severity of Rodri’s injury by hailing him as a “strong” player who would never come off willingly.While reports suggested the Euros winner had torn his ACL, potentially ending his campaign.Rodri immediately flew to Barcelona to see a knee specialist.And following initial exams, City confirmed that Rodri has indeed suffered ligament damage to the joint.But they refused to say whether it was an ACL injury, which would deal a major blow to their title hopes.A statement from the champions, which did not put a time scale on Rodri’s absence, read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League. “The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester. Rodri lands in Barcelona for further medical tests after Man City star suffers ‘suspected cruciate ligament tear'”Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis. “Everyone at the Club wishes him a speedy recovery and mancity.com will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation.”Responding to the latest news, manager Guardiola said: “One doctor said it’s a big, big injury, the other said not as much so we’ll see. “Now it’s important to support him. Safe recovery, I would say not even a speedy recovery. Safe recovery for his future, for his career…”It now remains to be seen whether Rodri’s injury is a serious one, with ACL suffers out for anywhere up to a whole year.Guardiola has no natural replacement in his squad, with Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan the only real options.But if he is out for the season, boffins reckon City will LOSE their title after four wins on the bounce.According to Opta, City have only lost 11 per cent of their games with Rodri in the team since his 2018 arrival.That builds up to an impressive return of 2.36 points per game.Mateo Kovacic is likely to replace Rodri in City’s XICredit: AlamyIlkay Gundogan can also drop deep if neededCredit: AlamyBut when Rodri hasn’t been involved, City’s loss rate climbs to 24 per cent.Their points per game ratio also falls to 2.04.And based on the above, it’s been calculated that City will finish on 80 points this season.The last time a team won the title with that number was Manchester United in the 2010/11 term.And while in another campaign that could potentially be enough for five titles in a row, Arsenal’s recent finishes make that unlikely.Two seasons ago the Gunners finished on 84 points.While last term they picked up an impressive 89 points.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if Mikel Arteta emulates that number, he is likely to see Arsenal clinch their first title since the InvinciblesBut should Rodri recover quickly, City may yet end on 91 points that secured them their fourth league trophy last term. More

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      I won historic Premier League but a fan tried to run me off the road while calling me a f***ing disgrace

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      A FORMER Premier League star was almost run off the road by a fan months after winning the title.Former Leicester stalwart Marc Albrighton played every game as the Foxes won the Prem in 2016.Marc Albrighton said a fan tried to run him off the roadThe former winger won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorHe was accused of orchestrating Claudio Ranieri’s sacking a few months laterCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut a few months later manager Claudio Ranieri was sacked, much to the dismay of the fans who adored him.Albrighton, 34, was alleged to have plotted his downfall along with his team-mates Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel and Wes Morgan.That resulted in a fan almost running Albrighton off the road as he called him a disgrace.Albrighton recalled the incident on The Under The Cosh podcast, saying: “The day that story broke I was driving back, I had just jumped on the M69.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As I’m driving, I’ve literally just come on and I’m getting up to speed and this car has raced in front of me and braked, I’ve had to slam my brakes on and he’s tried to force me off the road.”At this point I’m probably going about 30mph and he’s trying to force me into the central reservation.”He’s got his window down and he’s going ‘you’re a f***ing disgrace you’re a f***ing disgrace’.”I’m thinking ‘what?! Why am I doing this? But the story had just broken that morning that apparently me, Vards, Wes and Kasper had held a meeting to get Ranieri sacked. I knew nothing about it.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlbrighton shared his adoration for Ranieri as a person and a manager, hinting that it was just one or two individuals at the club who were responsible for his sacking.The Aston Villa academy graduate spent ten years at the King Power and helped Leicester win the Premier League and FA Cup before retiring in the summer.Emotional moment Claudio Ranieri breaks down in tears as ex-Chelsea manager leads Cagliari to Serie A for third time More

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      Ten Hag looks unrecognisable playing for Man Utd opponents as he says ‘it’s not nice to have to hurt something you love’

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      ERIK TEN HAG looked unrecognisable during his time as a player at FC Twente.The Manchester United manager, 54, will come up against his former side in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United will face his former club FC Twente on WednesdayCredit: ReutersHe looked unrecognisable as a defender for TwenteCredit: RexHe had three spells at Twente and racked up more than 200 appearances for the clubCredit: RexIt comes 22 years after the former centre-back hung up his boots as a player, retiring following a third spell with Twente.Ten Hag broke through at the Eredivisie club in 1989 and went on to feature more than 200 times across a 13-year period.And the now bald manager looked totally different with a full head of hair back in the day.He came up against Twente as a manager while in Holland as he enjoyed an impressive five-year spell as Ajax boss.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNow he will face them for the first time as Man Utd head coach as the Red Devils look to kick off their European campaign with a victory.But Ten Hag has admitted he would have rather not faced his former club.Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the boss – who showed off his touch in training ahead of the game – said: “I would have preferred to play against someone else. It’s not nice to have to hurt something you love.”Of all the teams, Twente is the team I follow the most.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I watch them as a fan, as a supporter, not as an analyst. It’s a different way of watching their games.”Twente brought me a lot, I was put through their academy, so for me a great deal of history there.”Man Utd fans hail boss Erik ten Hag for having ‘a better touch than Hojlund’ after spotting mad ball skills in trainingMeanwhile, Twente boss Joseph Oosting has explained how he plans to lead his side to an unlikely victory at Old Trafford.He said: “I always believe in opportunities. If we dare to play, we can also create opportunities. Especially in the transition, we can hurt Manchester.”That is easier said than done but the will is definitely there.”We played games against Red Bull [Salzburg] that you learn from.”Everything goes at the highest tempo, whether it is on the ball or in defence.”You have to be top in everything and we need everyone to be there. I think we have also made progress in that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have respect for Manchester United, but we also have the full conviction and the will to get the most out of the game.”Twente sit fourth in the Eredivisie, starting their campaign with three wins, two draws and one defeat.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Watch Mbappe and Bellingham combine in ‘insane, world-class combo’ for goal in Real Madrid’s win over Alaves

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE and Jude Bellingham left fans drooling as they linked up for an “insane, world-class combo” in Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Alaves.Carlo Ancelotti’s men secured a narrow victory at the Bernabeu last night to go six points behind Barcelona — who still have a game in hand.Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe linked up for an amazing Real Madrid goalCredit: AlamyThe duo have already established a fine partnership as Real narrowly beat Alaves 3-2Credit: GettyLuca Vazquez and Rodygo were both on the score sheet as Alaves netted two late strikes to leave Real sweating in the final moments.But undoubtedly the star goal of the game occurred in the 40th minute when Mbappe slammed home his seven effort of the season.The Frenchman only arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer and already looks settled in his new home.But his effort was so good that it left Real fans gobsmacked as he linked up with star midfielder Bellingham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCollecting the ball from deep, Mbappe whizzed past an opponent before cheekily flicking a pass to Bellingham.The England ace pivoted round to face goal as Mbappe broke through the defence with a darting run.And Bellingham found the striker with pinpoint accuracy in a lightning-quick move.Mbappe took the ball under control with ease before slashing sideways into Alaves’ box.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut there would be no mercy for the visitors as he sliced a spicy shot past their goalie and into the side of the goal.It saw Los Blancos fans leap to their feet in amazement as they celebrated another Mbappe strike.’It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeAnd fans at home were as equally impressed.One said: “An insane, world-class combo.”Another declared: “Top quality.”One noted: “It’s looking good.”Another added: “Want to see more of these.”Bellingham and Mbappe’s link-up comes after Real chiefs put them on the same pay level.Mbappe arrived on a record £12.6million annual pay package, putting him well clear of Real’s other earners.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Florentino Perez feared it could cause friction among his other top stars.So Bellingham and Vinicius Jr are now both earning the same annual £12.6m wage too — the highest any player in Real’s history has pocketed.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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      Man Utd star Harry Maguire slapped with fine after being caught speeding in Land Rover

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      MAN United footy ace Harry Maguire has been slapped with a £1,000 fine for speeding in his flash Land Rover.The £80m centre-back, 31, was clocked by a traffic camera on the A616 in South Yorkshire doing 68mph in a 60mph zone.The £80m defender was at the wheel of his luxury Land RoverCredit: GettyMaguire was fined the four-figure sum for going just 8mph over the limit (pictured in 2023)Credit: ZenpixMaguire was at the wheel of his black Land Rover motor when he triggered the monitor near his home city of Sheffield just before 2pm on March 7.Two days later he missed the Red Devils’ Old Trafford clash with Everton for unspecified reasons.The Three Lions ace admitted the offence by post and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.His case was processed on Monday at Sheffield magistrates’ court, where JPs fined him £670 and added three points to his driving license.Read more about Harry MaguireIt meant Maguire did not have to attend court to hear the verdict in person.The former United captain, reportedly paid £190,000 a week, was also ordered to cough up a £268 victim surcharge and £90 in court costs, taking the total to £1,028.Police figures show around 130 motorists a year are caught out by the same speed camera on the Stocksbridge bypass.The busy artery, which links West Yorkshire to the M1, is set at the national speed limit – 60 for single-carriageway roads.Most read in FootballThe court run-in is the latest in a long line of driving woes for Man United stars.Maguire’s pal Marcus Rashford is currently banned from the road after speeding at 104mph on the M60.The forward was pulled over by an undercover cop car and claimed he only sped up as he was scared of being followed.Last year Rashford, 26, infamously collided with a grandmother in his £700,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan as he left United’s Carrington training ground.Both drivers luckily escaped without harm.Fellow England star Jack Grealish, of United’s rivals Man City, was also fined £666 earlier this year for speeding at 44 in a 30mph zone.Harry Maguire and Man United were approached for comment.Maguire was also given three penalty points on his licenseCredit: Getty More

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      Amazing pictures emerge of former Premier League club’s new stadium which will boast DOUBLE capacity

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      LUTON have unveiled photos of their stunning new stadium that will be double the size of their current ground.Kenilworth Road underwent a refurb when Luton were promoted to the Premier League last year.Luton have unveiled what their new ground will look likeCredit: lutontownA floodlight will stretch around the perimeter of the roofCredit: lutontownAll four stands are separate with hospitality boxes in the cornersCredit: lutontownThe main stand will host a museum, club shop, cafe and ticket officeCredit: lutontownThe exterior has a unique look with the floodlights acting like a haloCredit: lutontownBut that work pails in comparison to the new stadium – Power Court.The Hatters have received approval for their planning application, with the new multi-purpose venue designed to help “regenerate” the town.The new ground will boast 25,000 seats, compared to Kenilworth Road’s 12,056, and will have a unique look.Each stand is different with a Kop-like stand behind one of the goals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are all separate too like a traditional ground, not a bowl like many other clubs have opted for in recent years.That means there is space in each corner for individual box stands, with one appearing to host hospitality boxes.An exterior look at the main stand shows a ticket office, club shop, cafe and a museum.The club hope the stadium, including a hotel and music venue, will be completed within three years.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost striking is the floodlight above the stadium roof that covers the entire perimeter, shining down on the pitch from every angle.The new ground will be situated in the heart of Luton town centre, just over a mile away from Kenilworth Road. ‘Fan told me he was ‘****ing my mum’ | Gillngham’s Jack Nolan plays What the EFL?!But in order to go ahead with the build, the River Lea will have to be rerouted, and the council have agreed to the plans.Luton shared photos of the design on social media alongside the caption: “She’s going to be a beauty 😍”Fans seem to agree with one suggesting the stadium “looks incredible”.Another added: “Looks fantastic.”And a third wrote: “That’s absolutely beautiful.”The new ground will be double the size of Kenilworth RoadCredit: lutontownThe River Lea will have to be re-routed to make way for the stadiumCredit: lutontown More