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      Jamie Carragher reveals worst possible start to Liverpool career with yellow card after 20 SECONDS

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      LIVERPOOL icon Jamie Carragher went from zero to hero on his Anfield debut.The ex-defender started his first match for the Reds against Aston Villa in January 1997.Jamie Carragher has recalled his Liverpool debutCredit: AlamyCarragher is a Liverpool legend and made his debut in 1997Credit: Getty Images – GettyBut just a few seconds into the clash, he found himself skating on thin ice.Carragher received a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Villa midfielder Andy Townsend.And he was arguably lucky to avoid being sent off in embarrassing fashion.Recalling the mishap in the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast by Sky Bet, Carragher said: “My first start for Liverpool was against Aston Villa.Read More in Football”I’d played a couple of games beforehand – I came on in a cup game away to Middlesbrough and then we played West Ham at home, and I came on at half-time, playing centre-midfield with John Barnes when I was eighteen.”The week after, we played Villa and they were a good team. It was Brian Little’s team with three at the back and Dwight York upfront.”I started that game and got booked after 20 seconds. I did a two-foot tackle on Andy Townsend straight after kick-off. You’d probably get sent off for that now.”Despite his shaky start, Carragher went on to score his first Liverpool goal in front of the Kop.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Reds went on to win 3-0 at Anfield.Carragher started the match in midfield but was eventually moved to right-back after establishing himself as a regular name in the first team – even though he preferred to play centrally.Jamie Carragher knew his England career was over in car home from match and told Three Lions boss not to pick him”I went right-back because if I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t have been a Liverpool player,” he added.”Gérard Houllier always wanted me in his team. He used to say to me at the start of preseason, ‘I’m going to play you most weeks. I don’t know where, but you will play.'”The 46-year old went on to make 737 appearances for Liverpool before retiring in 2013.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Much-loved ex-Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy reveals shock future career plan as he targets jobs in Africa and US

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      FORMER Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has an eye on management after leaving Old Trafford.The former Blackburn striker was an attacking coach in Erik ten Hag’s first two years at the club.Benni McCarthy wants to become a manager after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe departed in the summer as part of a reshuffle that saw Ruud van Nistelrooy arrive at the club.Now McCarthy wants to become a manager and believes he is capable of taking over a team in MLS, or Africa.He told CNN Sport: “I think it’s clear after leaving United, that passion for wanting to be a head coach again blew through and that is the next step for me.”Whether it’s to go back to the African continent to manage one of the big teams with the knowledge I’ve gained, that would be amazing to try and make them one of the powerhouses in African football. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Also to try and reach a final when you play in the Club World Cup, that would be the aim.”Or even the MLS interests me a lot. Opportunities like that I would welcome because I think I’ve got what it takes to manage there and to make players better and help teams achieve goals they’ve maybe not achieved in the last few years.”McCarthy, 46, was well liked during his spell at United and was praised for turning Marcus Rashford into a clinical finisher during Ten Hag’s first season at the club.The coach helped the Red Devils qualify for the Champions League and he believes the team has what it takes to finish in the top four again.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe added: “You can’t discard Man United. In two seasons under Erik ten Hag they have won two trophies. “If they can take the cup form into the league and win on a consistent basis, then they are in with a chance – maybe not title contenders yet, but I definitely think to get themselves into the top-four again for Champions League football. Man Utd stars ‘hiding behind Erik ten Hag instead of fronting up and doing a job’, fumes Arsenal legend in scathing rant”Definitely they’ve got the squad of players to do so.” More

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      Watch Micah Richards’ hilarious reaction after Arsenal hero David Raya reveals favourite CBS pundit in awkward interview

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      MICAH RICHARDS celebrated a big win in the Champions League… with the help of Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.Richards, who never made it past the last-16 of Europe’s elite club competition, was appearing on CBS Sports alongside Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and newly-married presenter Kate Scott – formerly Abdo.Arsenal hero David Raya was interviewed by CBS Sports after his heroics against AtalantaRichards asked Raya who is favourite member wasRaya replied by saying Richards was his favouriteThis prompted a huge celebration from RichardsHe then ran over to Raya to hug and kiss himFollowing Arsenal’s game against Atalanta, which ended in a 0-0 draw thanks to a stunning double save from Raya which included a save from the penalty spot, the Spaniard appeared on the show.During the interview, former Manchester City star Richards asked Raya who his favourite member of the CBS crew was.In reply, Raya said: “Oh you put me right on the spot there.”I like you all, but for me I think Micah takes it, he’s quite funny.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis sparked a jubilant celebration from the 36-year-old, who then proceeded to get up before running over to the screen where Raya was and “hugging” and “kissing” him.Richards also shouted “I love you”, towards the goalkeeper.Fans loved Richards’ reaction, with one saying: “Who doesn’t love Big Meeks.”A second said: “Big meeks all the way.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “l love this guy.”Another said: “You gotta love micah… He’s so lively.”Watch hilarious moment Kate Abdo gets the giggles after Micah Richards’ X-rated slip of the tongue live on CBS Sports, CBSSportsGolazoArsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. More

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      Man City backed to be relegated by staggering 42 PER CENT of punters after huge court case kicked off

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      MANCHESTER CITY have been backed by nearly HALF of punters to be relegated.It comes as the court hearing into their alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules nears the end of its first week.Almost half of punters have placed bets on Man City to be relegatedCredit: RexMan City are facing between 115 and 130 charges brought against them by league bosses.This includes giving false accounts on player wages and sponsorships and failing to assist with the investigation.The financial breach charges stretch for nine years from 2009, while charges of withholding information run into 2023.The decision for the unprecedented trial is not likely to be known until the Spring.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut since the hearing began on Monday, punters have placed their bets on what they reckon the outcome will be.According to Betfair, a whopping 42 per cent of punters have placed single bets on Man City to be relegated.If found guilty, punishments could include a heavy financial penalty, points deductions, being stripped of previous titles and relegation.And it has now been revealed that City are at risk of being kicked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile there is also no certainty that the four-in-a-row Premier League champions would be able to compete in the Champions League and Club World Cup either.However, SunSport understands the latter is unlikely despite the rules allowing it to happen.’It was dead,’ says Peter Schmeichel as he savages Man City supporters and tells Micah Richards ‘leave the studio’Pep Guardiola’s Man City drew their most recent game 0-0 against Inter Milan in the Champions League.They have a 100 per cent winning record in the league so far, but host title rivals Arsenal on Sunday with one team set to lose their unbeaten start to the season. More

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      Michael Carrick calls on fellow Manchester United legend to help plot Sunderland’s derby downfall to Middlesbrough

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      MICHAEL CARRICK is calling on the help of Wayne Rooney to help claim derby bragging rights.The Middlesbrough boss takes his side 31 miles up the A19 on Saturday to face North East rivals Sunderland.Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth inflicted a first defeat of the season on Sunderland last weekCredit: RexMichael Carrick revealed he’s already spoken to the legend ahead of the Wear-Tees derbyCredit: PAThe Stadium of Light holds both painful and fond memories for Carrick after leading Boro to a 4-0 win there last year.He was also part of the Manchester United side that suffered title agony on the final day of the 2012 Premier League campaign there.Rooney secured the Red Devils a 1-0 victory, but Sergio Aguero’s famous last-ditch strike took the title to the Cityzens from United’s clutches.As news of City’s winner spread amongst the ground and the United players on the pitch, the home supporters went berserk with delight and even performed a ‘Poznan’.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRooney has since spoken of his bemusement and anger towards Sunderland fans for doing that.The England legend got some revenge last week when his Plymouth beat the Black Cats 3-2 courtesy of a 93rd-minute effort from Joe Edwards.That was his first Championship win since taking over the Pilgrims and it also brought an abrupt end to Sunderland’s 100 per cent start.Now Carrick has confirmed that Rooney has been helping him to secure Wear-Tees bragging rights.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “We’ve exchanged a couple of messages and I’ll speak to him more at some point.“It was a big result for them, so I was pleased for Wayne. It was an important result for them.Brutal Wayne Rooney reveals he became Plymouth manager because he ‘doesn’t want to be the next Gary Neville’“In terms of what we take from it, Sunderland have largely been consistent in the games they’ve played and you can see how they’re trying to play – the patterns and consistencies within the game.“We’ve got a decent idea of how they approach things, but it doesn’t mean that makes it any easier to play against.”Fergie’s Man utd famously lost out on the title in 2012 to the delight of the Sunderland fansCredit: AFPRooney and Carrick became close friends during their together at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters More

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      Watch bizarre optical illusion as Barcelona star sent off in Champions League… and commentator has NO idea what happened

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      A FORMER Premier League star was incredibly sent off in a bizarre optical illusion.And it proved crucial as his side fell to a shock defeat in their Champions League opener.Eric Garcia appeared to only be shown a yellow card despite his blatant foulCredit: X @TNTSportsThe official Champions League graphic indicated he had received a straight red cardCredit: X @TNTSportsEric Garcia started in midfield for Barcelona as they took on Monaco.However, his game lasted just TEN minutes before he was given his marching orders… or was he? Garcia was put under pressure by a sloppy pass from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.And that allowed Takumi Minamino to pick his pocket.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEx-Manchester City man Garcia then brought down the former Liverpool forward in a cynical foul as Minamino closed in on goal.It was a blatant goalscoring opportunity and with the incident taking place outside of the penalty area, the offence warranted a red card.But did the referee agree?Well, it was not immediately clear. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat is because official Allard Lindhout blew his whistle to award the free-kick and sprinted over to the two players sprawled out on the turf.He then reached for his back pocket and produced a card.’Brain-breaking’ intro to Champions League MOTD divides fans as BBC decision shows ‘game has never been more gone’However, on first viewing on the TV cameras, the card looked yellow. The commentator clearly thought so, too.Sam Matterface, calling the action for TNT Sports, said: “It’s just a yellow card. That’s a massive let-off for Eric Garcia. “Well, it looked like the yellow card came out. I was almost convinced the red card was incoming. The VAR will certainly check it.”Interestingly, as soon as the referee brandished the card above his head, it was the Barcelona players – rather than the Monaco stars – who immediately surrounded him and protested.That would therefore imply they were not happy with the decision – and surely would not have done so if Garcia escaped with only a yellow. Then the official Champions League graphic flashed up on the screen stating Garcia had received a direct red card – as he trudged off the pitch towards the tunnel. Matterface added: “Well, I wonder if the referee has brought out the wrong-coloured card because there’s absolutely no intention to win the ball and that would ordinarily be a red card. “We are being told on our information system it’s a yellow card but I think he’s walking here.”That’s a red card, a direct red card, that’s the right decision.”I think the referee pulled out the wrong card.”However, on further investigation, although the card seemed to be yellow on the screen, that actually appeared to be another footballing optical illusion due to a reflection of light.In fact, the referee DID pull out the red card.That was confirmed by photographs from the scene with Garcia and Minamino lying on the floor as the referee held up the card.The video footage also showed him putting the red back into his shorts during the commotion on the field.And Garcia’s early bath clearly had an impact as Maghnes Akliouche put Monaco ahead six minutes later.Lamine Yamal equalised just before the half-hour mark with his first Champions League goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut George Ilenikhena grabbed the winner for the Ligue 1 side 20 minutes from time to hand Barca the nightmare start to the new campaign. It was the 18-year-old’s first Monaco goal – and prompted hilarious scenes in the CBS Sports studios as Jamie Carragher butchered his attempt to pronounce Ilenikhena’s name. Referee Allard Lindhout clearly brandished a red cardCredit: GettyThe Barca stars complained as he put the card back in his pocketCredit: ReutersGarcia trudged off the field after just ten minutesCredit: Getty More

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      Jamie Carragher leaves Thierry Henry in stitches as he butchers name of Monaco’s newest hero after beating Barcelona

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      CBS Sports pundit Jamie Carragher begged Thierry Henry for help live on air – after struggling to pronounce George Ilenikhena’s name.The Liverpool legend needed all the help he could get during Thursday’s Champions League broadcast. Jamie Carragher joined Kate Scott, Thierry Henry, and Micah Richards on CBS Sports on ThursdayCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoThe former England defender had trouble saying George Ilenikhena’s nameCredit: CBS SportsHis colleague Thierry Henry tried to help him out with the pronunciationCredit: CBS SportsBut Carragher butchered his attempt, leaving the Arsenal legend in stitchesCredit: CBS SportsIlenikhena bagged the winner for Monaco as they stunned Barcelona in their clash at Stade Louis II.The 18-year-old forward netted his first goal for the club to give the Ligue 1 side a famous 2-1 victory. Carragher joined Henry, host Kate Scott, and colleague Micah Richards to review the game. Seemingly aware of his past challenges pronouncing names, Carragher jokingly said: “I think it’s only right that I [analyse] the winning goal.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs Scott asked why, Carra laughed in response: “Have you seen his name?”Henry attempted to help Carragher with his linguistic issues with the help of a “little song.”But Carragher couldn’t get past the first syllable of Ilenikhena, prompting the French legend to slam his head onto the table in laughter.The former Three Lions defender eventually got his pronunciation on point thanks to Henry’s input.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it’s not the first time Carragher has been stumped by a language barrier during a live broadcast. Back in April, Richards was left crying with laughter as the Kop legend struggled to interview AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.Watch Micah Richards cry ‘like never before’ at Jamie Carragher’s broken conversation with AC Milan starCarragher asked the Portuguese star: “When you see the games tomorrow, obviously the big rival of yours, Inter Milan are in the other semi-final, would you like that? A big semi-final with your biggest rival?”A baffled Leao, scratching at his earpiece, replied: “I didn’t understand can you, repeat please?”Carragher went back in again, only for the segment to fall apart with Leao unable to understand the question.In a separate awkward moment last season, Abdo was forced to apologise to Fikayo Tomori after Carragher and Richards both pronounced his name incorrectly throughout an interview. Monaco’s George Ilenikhena celebrates after his winner against Barcelona on ThursdayCredit: ReutersIt’s been a busy week on CBS Sports, with host Abdo revealing she has officially changed her name.The 43-year-old host married former boxer Malik Scott over the summer.She told her colleagues, to cheers: “Abdo – it has to go.”Allow me to reintroduce myself. We’re going to do this. S-C-O-T-T. Kate Scott.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCarragher couldn’t resist making an awkward joke following the on-air announcement. After Henry had shared a hug with Scott to congratulate her, Carra quipped: “Malik’s not here, is he?” More

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      Ten Hag reveals he was forced to play ’20 per cent’ fit stars last year as Man Utd boss refuses to rush Mount & Hojlund

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been given a double boost with Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount both ready to return.But Erik ten Hag will not be rushing anyone back into the first-team now that he has a fully-fit squad.Erik ten Hag revealed he was starting players who were just 20 per cent fit last termCredit: REUTERSMason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund are back in trainingCredit: GettyThe Red Devils boss admitted he was forced to play some of his stars too much and others when they were only “20 per cent” fit.Ten Hag said: “Last season we didn’t have a fit squad. From February on we had to find 11 players every time to construct a team.“We had to overload them. In top football you always go to boundaries.“It’s not avoidable — but when you have a full squad available it’s easier to manage the load. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We hope we can integrate them in a very careful way.”Ten Hag says he will make a late call whether to include the pair in the squad for Saturday’s tea-time visit to Crystal Palace.Danish striker Hojlund, 21, has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury on the pre-season tour.Mount’s first season at United was ruined by injury and he received another setback in just the second Premier League game of this season — also with a hamstring issue.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the pair have been pictured in full training at Carrington this week.Ten Hag said: “It’s very good news they are back on the pitch, they are back in gym training. Man Utd fans all tell Antony to do the same thing as Ten Hag gives £86m flop Jadon Sancho-style dressing down “We have to decide if they are fit enough to start but it is pleasing they are back, we have many games in this block.”The injuries which plagued Ten Hag’s team last term resulted in the club’s all-time Premier League low position of eighth.He also blamed them for the 4-0 drubbing away at Selhurst Park last May.Ten Hag said: “We know it is always tough there.“We had two players just up to 20 per cent to play — this time it is different.”He goes into the game not just with players fit again but full of confidence, like Marcus Rashford, 26, who has three goals in his last two games.Ten Hag said: “It’s good for the team, strengthens their belief and they will go for more goals.”Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6 More