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      Forgotten Man Utd star slapped on the head by team-mates as he returns ‘like a new signing’ after 15 MONTHS out

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      TYRELL MALACIA was given a new player initiation by his Manchester United team-mates as he neared a return from injury.Malacia, 25, has not played football for 15 MONTHS.Forgotten Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia returned to Man Utd trainingCredit: GettyMalacia was given an arrival initiation by team-matesCredit: X / manutdPlayers playfully slapped him on the head as he nears a return to actionCredit: GettyMalacia has been sidelined through injury for 15 monthsCredit: GettyHis last competitive fixture came for the Netherlands in a June 2023 Uefa Nations League game before he went under the knife for a knee injury a month later.Complications following the surgery meant he was forced to undergo a second procedure that kept him out of action for even longer. However, the left-back has slowly been edging his way back into contention to play again.The club released footage of Malacia doing some light jogging two months ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFast forward to today and Malacia has been spotted in training with his Man Utd team-mates.After more than a year out of action, a video of his comeback saw him given a player tunnel initiation where he ran through a crowd of team-mates and had his head playfully slapped for the ritual.Fans were delighted to see the defender welcomed back to training.Taking to social media, one fan said: “So happy for him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second said: “Happy to see him back.”Another said: “Amad was randomly waiting to hit him with the ball on his head.”‘I miss it sometimes,’ says Sir Alex Ferguson as former Man Utd manager opens up in rare interviewA fourth added: “Good vibes.”Speaking on Malacia’s return earlier this month, manager Erik ten Hag said: “Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away.”Over a season now from an injury to return, but he’s working very hard, he’s progressing really well in this moment.“He’s making big steps, so we think, at short notice, we can expect him in the team training, and he is a talent, it’s natural.“I expect also, soon, he can return into games then.”Ten Hag also said he would not rush Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund back from injury following the medical room horror show seen at the club last season.United face Crystal Palace in Saturday’s evening kick-off as they looked to capitalise on the momentum from their 3-0 win at Southampton and 7-0 win over Barnsley in the last seven days. More

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      Conor Gallagher shows true colours with classy gesture to Chelsea academy kids after being sold to Atletico Madrid

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      CONOR GALLAGHER hasn’t forgotten his roots at Chelsea’s academy after sealing his big move to Atletico Madrid this summer.The England international made the switch to the Spanish side from Chelsea last month in a deal worth around £35m.Conor Gallagher showed he still has plenty of love for his former club Chelsea despite making a move to Atletico MadridCredit: GettyGallagher met with Chelsea’s youth players after they watched him play in the Champions League in MadridCredit: Instagram / @conorgallagher92Gallagher, 24, had been with the Blues from the age of six – rising through the ranks at Cobham before breaking into the first team after a successful loan at Crystal Palace.And his energetic performances have now earned him a spot on Diego Simeone’s Atletico team in La Liga.But that leap to the Champions League giants hasn’t meant Gallagher has forgotten about the team that made him, posting a heartwarming photo on his Instagram to prove otherwise.Gallagher posed alongside a group of Chelsea’s academy players in Madrid after they had stopped by the Metropolitano Stadium to watch the midfielder and his team-mates beat RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGallagher appeared to take some time to catch up with the youngsters during their trip to the Spanish capital to play in the Madrid Football Cup.The Atletico newbie posted the picture with the youngsters alongside the caption: “Great to see some of the academy boys in Madrid. “Appreciate you coming to watch me and the team last night. Good luck in the tournament.”Life in Madrid has got off to a flying start for Gallagher.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAtletico remain unbeaten this season and Gallagher has already found the back of the net once in his first four appearances for the Mattress Makers.Thursday night saw Simeone’s side fight back from an early Benjamin Sesko goal to win their opening Champions League clash after Antoine Griezmann and Jose Maria Gimenez netted for the La Liga club against RB Leipzig.Conor Gallagher sends packed Atletico Madrid stadium wild at unveiling by speaking SPANISH after Chelsea exitIn fact, things are going so well for Gallagher that he has already been given his own chant by Atletico’s adoring fans.And he is certainly feeling the love after being effectively forced out of the club at Chelsea this summer.Speaking to The Athletic about his move to Atletico Madrid, he said: “I’ve felt very wanted and appreciated, which is important for any footballer. “Chelsea are a huge football club, one of the biggest in the world, along with Atletico, but I have taken that exciting step of playing Champions League football and challenging for trophies. “It just builds me with even more confidence and happiness to play my best football. It was just full of excitement to be joining Atletico.”Gallagher has already bagged his first goal for AtleticoCredit: Getty More

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      Moment Cardiff and Leeds fans unite for incredible Sol Bamba tribute after ex-Prem star’s death aged 39

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      THIS is the moment Cardiff and Leeds fans united for a moving tribute to Sol Bamba after the ex-Prem star’s death aged 39.Bamba died aged just 39 last month while working for Turkish side Adanaspor.A banner hailing Sol BambaCredit: Huw EvansThe march started with a minute’s applause for BambaCredit: Huw EvansLeeds also honoured their former playerCredit: Huw EvansThis afternoon Cardiff and Leeds fans chanted “There’s one Sol Bamba” in unison at the Cardiff City Stadium.There was a minute’s applause for Bamba ahead of kick-off in this afternoon’s Championship clash.It comes after Bamba’s heartbroken wife Chloe praised his “astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism” during his health battle.She said: “Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.”Read More FootballThen added: “Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”Bamba and Chloe shared three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy.Bamba was known as one of the good guys of football and made 51 appearances for Leeds United and 24 for Middlesbrough.He played in the Premier League with Cardiff City in the 2018-2019 season after being promoted in second place in the Championship the previous year.Most read in FootballCardiff City said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”.”As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone lucky enough to know and love Sol.”Leeds United said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”Middlesbrough FC said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”Former club Trabzonspor paid a heartbreaking tribute to their former player who made 27 appearances.They said in a statement: “We have learned with deep sorrow the passing of Adanaspor Coach Sol Bamba, who wore our jersey between 2012-2014.”May God have mercy on him and we offer our condolences to his family and all his loved ones.”He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 but had beaten it after undergoing four months of chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free.Bamba was born in France but made 46 appearances for the country of his parents’ birth – Ivory Coast.After playing he stayed with football and moved into management as an assistant manager with Cardiff City in 2023.He was technical director of Turkish side Adanaspor this year.That club shared a tribute to the manager saying he “fell ill” before a match yesterday and “was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there.”Our condolences to his family and our community.”Just days before his death Bamba posted a heartbreaking tribute to ex-England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson following his passing from terminal cancer.Bamba’s tribute read: “Deeply devastated by the news of Sven’s passing today.”He was not just an exquisite person, but he was also the best coach I’ve ever had, inspiring my journey as a player but also as a manager.”My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Sven.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pair had first worked together from 2011, when Bamba joined Leicester City where Eriksson was manager.They later reunited in the Ivory Coast national team setup. More

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      Free agent Dele Alli in line for Premier League return as supremo reveals ‘agreement’ with Tottenham over signing him

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      DELE ALLI is in line to return to action in the Premier League soon for Everton.Dele, 28, is currently a free agent after his contract with the Toffees ran out in June.Dele Alli looks set for a return to the Premier League with EvertonCredit: GettyDele became a free agent after his contract with Everton ran out in JuneCredit: GettyDele is determined to regain his old fitness and play for England in the 2026 World CupCredit: GettyThe versatile midfielder spent the entirety of the previous campaign nursing a hamstring injury he suffered during his loan stint at Besiktas the season before.The ex-England international – who has bravely opened up on his sleeping pill addiction and child abuse trauma – is still training with Sean Dyche’s first team even though he is not on the club’s books.The ex-Tottenham star is trying to prove his fitness in order to earn a new contract with the Merseysiders.Everton’s Director of Football Kevin Thelwell suggested Dele could be on his way back to Dyche’s squad as both parties are keen on a deal.Read More on FootballThe club has even reached an understanding with Spurs, with whom they had agreed on various bonuses when he swapped North London for Goodison Park in 2022.Thelwell told BBC Sport: “We are in a good space now with Tottenham.”We have an agreement with those guys about what happens next if we sign him and he would dearly love to play for Everton in the Premier League and we would dearly love that to happen as well because the boy has had a very difficult time.”Dele has admitted he’s been dealing with a hard time the last few months due to his injury. Most read in FootballBut the playmaker is adamant he is not finished as he “knows his level” and is determined to regain his old fitness in order to earn back a place in the England squad in time for the 2026 World Cup.Dele previously said: “I know how good I can be when my head is in the right place and I’m feeling good. Obviously, I’m disappointed with the injury right now but I’m excited to get playing.reveals bold target ahead of football comeback and has reminder on his phone at 11am every day as motivation“It’s hard for me to even watch football. It’s been tough for me, I’d say, this past eight months has been hard to watch.“You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says, ‘World Cup 2026’. “That’s my aim for now. I think that people will be like, ‘He hasn’t played in a year’ but I don’t care, I know my level.”Dele Alli Career StatsDele Alli has made quite an impact in the Premier League as the stats below show:2011-2015: MK Dons – 44 apps – 8 goals – 4 assists2015-2022: Tottenham – 269 apps – 67 goals – 58 assists2015: MK Dons (Loan) – 44 apps – 16 goals – 11 assists2022-2024: Everton – 13 apps – 0 goals – 0 assists2022-2023: Besiktas (Loan) – 15 apps – 3 goals – 0 assists2015-2019: England – 37 apps – 3 goals – 7 assists More

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      I 100 per cent fear getting dementia but have ways to try to fight it off, admits Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson, 82

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has revealed that he is “100 per cent” worried about getting dementia.The former Manchester United boss, 82, also lifted the lid on how he misses life in the Old Trafford dugout in a rare extended interview.Sir Alex Ferguson revealed how he sharpens his mind amid fears he’ll lose his memoryCredit: GettyThe legendary manager began working with a charity before Bobby Charlton succumbed to dementia last yearEngland heroes Nobby Stiles, Sir Bobby Charlton and his brother Jack Charlton were all diagnosed before their deaths.In an interview about his work with a dementia charity, Fergie was asked if the disease frightens him.He told BBC Breakfast: “I’m 82, obviously I worry about it. Generally my memory is quite good, pray the lord and touch wood it will stay that way. “But I worry about it, 100 per cent. I would be lying if I said anything different.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSF”I read a lot, I do quizzes a lot and I think that helps. “You have those YouTube quizzes, 100 questions, and I think if I don’t get to 70 per cent I’m struggling.”Several other footballers face an ongoing battle with dementia including ex-Middlesbrough striker Alan Peacock, 86.Sir Alex suffered a brain haemorrhage back in 2018, after which he underwent successful emergency surgery at Salford Royal Hospital.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis late wife Lady Cathy, who he described as his “bedrock”, died aged 84 last October following a serious illness.United hero Denis Law suffers from Alzheimer’s at the age of 84, having admitted a few years back that the condition had caused him anger, frustration, confusion and distress.Fergie retired from management in 2013 following a 27-year spell with United.Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrongThe fierce Scotsman until this day still also regularly attends United games both home and away.On missing the glory days, Fergie added: “I have been retired 11 years now so you find a way of adjusting. Yeah, I miss it sometimes. “I think the first year after retirement, I went to the European final and I said to Cathy ‘this is what I miss’ – big games, the European games.”So then I went to most of the European finals because I find something I can relate to, something I would liked to have done every day.”Because these are the big events that United should always be involved in.”He was speaking as part of National Playlist Day, which is used to celebrate the power of personalised music playlist for those living with dementia.One of the songs on Sir Alex’s playlist is My Own True Love by Margaret Whiting, the theme from the 1939 film Gone with the Wind.It reminds him of his beloved wife, Cathy, who he met in 1964 while working at a typewriter factory. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe took United into four Champions League finals after claiming the European Cup Winners Cup with Aberdeen in 1983 – a feat that first drew him to Old Trafford chiefs.The legendary boss won 13 Prem titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues during his Red Devils reign. More

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      Tottenham vs Brentford LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Spurs look to bounce back from North London derby defeat

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      TOTTENHAM welcome London rivals Brentford on Saturday afternoon.Spurs will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in last weekend’s North London derby.Brentford are seeking their first win on the road following defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City away from home this season.Kick off time: 3pm BSTTV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to the 3pm blackoutFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Southampton vs Ipswich LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as both sides look to secure first wins on return to top-flight

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      SOUTHAMPTON host Ipswich in a huge Premier League clash this afternoon.Both sides are still seeking their first wins of the season on their returns to the top-flight.Kick off time: 3pm BSTTV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to the 3pm blackoutFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Liverpool vs Bournemouth LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Reds look to bounce back from first defeat of season

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      LIVERPOOL welcome Bournemouth to Anfield for a huge Premier League clash this afternoon.The Reds will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s shock 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.Bournemouth will be looking to add to their recent joy on Merseyside after their thrilling 3-2 win away at Everton in August.Kick off time: 3pm BSTTV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to the 3pm blackoutFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More