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    Inside life of ‘special man’ Lee Carsley who raised son with Down’s Syndrome and continues second job alongside England

    LEE CARSLEY does not intend to put his life on hold after becoming interim England manager.The Three Lions boss oversaw wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland in his first two games in charge, and has received growing support to take the job on full-time.Lee Carsley has received growing support to be the next permanent England managerCredit: AlamyBut he admitted how he turned from being a ‘selfish’ player after the birth of his second sonCredit: GettyCarsley takes his son, who has Down’s Syndrome, to Solihull Moors Foundation on FridaysCredit: Instagram @solihullmoorsfoundationBut Carsley, described as a “special man” by SunSport columnist Troy Deeney, is far more than just an international coach.He is a loving father who takes his son, Connor, to training for the Solihull Moors Foundation’s Down’s Syndrome team regularly on Friday evenings.In an interview with the Daily Mail last year, Carsley opened up on how the birth of his second son in 1999 saw him turn the leaf from being a “selfish” Premier League player.Carsley has three children with wife Louisa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis second son, Connor, was born with Down’s Snydrome, a condition which increases the risk of health complications such as heart disorders, hearing problems, thyroid issues and recurrent infections.He said: “It affected the whole family. I was quite selfish as a player. I didn’t know anything about special needs because it didn’t affect me. “I was quite sheltered in terms of if you went to hospital (for an injury), you went to a specialist. A car took you in, waited, you went straight in, back in the car and away. “We went from that to, ‘No, this is the real world, if you want a speech therapist you have to get in the queue with everyone else’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That probably doesn’t sound right but it was different from what we’d always done. “It made me a lot more aware of the bigger picture, the bigger world, more aware of how much support families need. Money is obviously important but it didn’t help us.”‘Good on him’ – Lee Carsley wins the praise of Roy Keane after very frank admission following first two England gamesCarsley also revealed how Connor, now 25, would take up around 80 per cent of his and his wife’s time when growing up compared to siblings Callum and Lois.His own fundraising efforts for the foundation led to extra support being made available for other families.When moving to Everton in 2002 he became vice-president of the club’s Disabled Supporters’ Association, while his influence led to further donations to the Down’s Syndrome Association from team-mates.The late Sven-Goran Eriksson was said to be among those to contribute.Carsley, 50, also has the second job of coaching weekly sessions for young footballers aged between 16 and 21 at the Strachan Football Foundation in Warwick.It affected the whole family. I was quite selfish as a player. I didn’t know anything about special needs because it didn’t affect me.Lee CarsleyOn his role at the team, he said: “I still find a way to coach which gives me the chance to practise what I’m going to do with any teams I’m working with.”I could potentially be practising for two months on what I’m going to try, rather than a day when you’ve got two games in an international window.”It gives me a chance to experiment and then hopefully deliver it when the (England) players are live.”I was there in Warwick last Friday (Aug 23). I’ve been doing that for maybe three years. It’s like an education and coaching centre.”The biggest thing you notice when you first come and work internationally is that you stop coaching and I was adamant that wasn’t going to happen to me.”My biggest strength is coaching so that is one of the things I didn’t want to stop.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have other priorities within the job as well. I have to be creative and make sure I have got a couple of hours every week on a Friday morning that I’m able to get out there and try things and get it wrong!”England’s next games will come in October against Greece and Finland.England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham. More

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    Dele Alli in limbo as he’s left out of Everton Premier League squad after contract ran down… but star handed lifeline

    DELE ALLI has been left out of Everton’s Premier League squad following the end of his contract last season.The 28-year-old midfielder had reportedly been working towards gaining a new deal with the Toffees, after being named on the club’s retained list in May, but remains unemployed.Dele Alli has not been named in Everton’s Premier League squad after failing to win a new contractSean Dyche had suggested their was a chance for Alli to win a new dealBut Alli has been offered a lifeline as there remains hope for a space to open up in Everton’s 23-man squad .According to Prem rules, free agents can join the squad after the deadline if less than 25 players have been named.With Youssef Chermiti, Roman Dixon and Harrison Armstrong classed as youth, there is room on the first-team list of free agents.Any Prem squad with 25 players or more cannot add free agents until the next registration window in January.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAlli made just 13 appearances for Everton in two-and-a-half years and didn’t feature once in the previous campaign due to fitness issues.But he continued to train with Everton, who have remained supportive, at Finch Farm despite technically being a free agent.Dyche suggested in August that Alli could play his way into a new deal if he impresses in some behind-closed-doors friendlies.After leaving Tottenham for Everton in January 2022, Alli joined Turkish team Besiktas on a season-long loan with an option to buy eight months later.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe has not played competitively at all since he was substituted at half-time for Besiktas in a goalless draw against Antalyaspor in February 2023 and returned to Everton last summer.In July 2023, Alli bravely opened up on his mental health battle after previously revealing his childhood trauma over being abused and selling drugs.Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panelThe 37-capped England international also went to rehab for a sleeping pill addiction.But Alli told Monday Night Football that he was getting back to a better place.He said: “I’m doing really well, it’s been nearly a year now. I’m feeling good, obviously injured which is disappointing. “I think when I did that interview that I’d said it was the best I’d felt at that time, obviously coming out of rehab and getting ready to be back playing.“It’s been tough but it’s a journey I’ve been on and I’m enjoying it and just waiting to get back now.“The reaction and support that I got was obviously overwhelming. “It was amazing to see how many people that did help and I’m definitely very proud of it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAt his pomp, Alli looked to have the world at his feet after scoring 67 goals and providing 58 assists in 269 games for Spurs.Meanwhile, Dyche’s own job is safe for now after a vote of confidence from the Everton board following three defeats from three this season.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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    Casemiro DROPPED from Man Utd XI to face Southampton but Ugarte doesn’t replace him as forgotten man gets rare start

    CASEMIRO has been brutally AXED by Erik ten Hag following his horror show against Liverpool.The five-time Champions League winner was at fault for two of the Reds’ goals as they romped to a 3-0 win over Manchester United before this month’s international break.Casemiro has been axed by Erik ten Hag following his horror show against LiverpoolCredit: GETTYThe Brazilian was at fault for two of the Reds’ goals at Old Trafford and was brutally axed at half timeCredit: PAErik ten Hag has dropped the former Real Madrid man for Saturday’s clash with SouthamptonCredit: AFPTen Hag hooked the Brazilian during the half-time interval, handing youngster Toby Collyer his debut.And the Dutchman has opted NOT to included him in the starting XI for this afternoon’s clash with Southampton.But he’s not been replaced by summer signing Manuel Ugarte, who joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day.Ten Hag has opted to replace the 32-year-old with fellow veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen for this afternoon’s match at St Mary’s.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Old Trafford faithful were quick to react to Ten Hag’s decision on social media.One wrote on X: “Casemiro couldn’t start.”Another said: “After Casemiro’s stinker against Liverpool, Ten Hag can’t risk [him] anymore.And another said: “Casemiro absolutely had to be dropped.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne remarked: “So Casemiro on the scrap heap for another player marginalized by Ten Hag?”Another chimed in: “Ten Hag should get credit for dropping Casemiro despite Ugarte not being ready.Man Utd Player Ratings Casemiro’s Nightmare Against Liverpool”That message had to go out there after the Liverpool shocker. “Are we about to see an Eriksen rebirth?”Several Red Devils fans called for Casemiro to be dropped in the wake of his nightmare display against the Reds.Although many of them have blasted Ten Hag for starting Eriksen over £50million newboy Ugarte.One said: “[The] solution for Casemiro is Eriksen?”Another said: “Eriksen for Casemiro?”And another said: “Eriksen over Casemiro and Ugarte as DM in 2024? “[What] the fuck is wrong with Ten Hag and my club?One remarked: “Eriksen over Casemiro is scary.”Another chimed in with a series of facepalm emojis: “Drops Casemiro but brings in Eriksen…”United bounced back to winning ways thanks to a 3-0 win at St Mary’s thanks to goals from Matthijs de Light, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.After the match, Ten Hag said: “The start was not easy. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think the penalty was the turning point in the game and not so far after we scored and that was very important.”From that moment on, the game was all ours.” More

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    Premier League legend, 36, welcomes first child with stunning model partner, 28, as Messi’s wife sends congratulations

    MANCHESTER CITY legend Sergio Aguero’s stunning girlfriend Sofia Calzetti has given birth to their first child.The 36-year-old, who had to retire from football nearly three years ago because of a heart condition, confirmed yesterday he had become a father for the second time.Sergio Aguero posted a snap of his baby daughter clutching his fingerCredit: Instagram @soficalzettiThe Man City legend welcomed his second child to the worldCredit: Instagram @aguerobenja19Sofia Calzetti is Aguero’s girlfriendCredit: Instagram @soficalzettiThe beauty works as a modelCredit: Instagram @soficalzettiHe posted a picture of his newborn daughter Olivia clutching the happy couple’s fingers.Aguero wrote along the snap on his social media: “September 13 2024. Welcome Olivia. We cannot express in words so much happiness.”His model partner posted a congratulation messages they had received from friends and family along with more photos showing the ex-Argentina international cradling his baby.Aguero revealed in March he was expecting a child with Sofia, 28.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis Instagram post at the time showed the loved-up duo holding each other by the hand with two pictures of the ultrasound showing their baby in her womb.The post was captioned: “Immense excitement. We’re waiting for you little girl.”On Tuesday, heavily-pregnant Sofia published a selfie photo showing her practising yoga at the couple’s home in Miami alongside an emotional message which said: “Last yoga class with my little one inside me. “Such strong emotions I can’t find the words to explain them.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“In days or hours, perhaps, she will change my life for ever. I am going to begin to live what I dreamt of all my life, being a mummy.”One of the first to congratulate them was Sergio’s 15-year-old son Benji, whose mum Gianinna was one of Diego Maradona’s two daughters with his wife Claudia Villafane.Man Utd & Man City Premier League combined XILionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo wrote “congratulations” on the couple’s Instagrams alongside several heart emojis.Aguero announced his retirement from professional football at an emotional press conference in December 2021.The five-time Premier League winner was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat days after he was taken to hospital clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems and dizziness during a game for Barcelona.He signed for Barca after becoming Man City’s record goalscorer during his decade in England.Aguero took a massive pay cut to join the Catalan giants after being offered the chance to team up with close pal Messi.But he played only five games for Barca with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.Who are these famous footballers?Sofia kept her 824,000 followers up to date with her pregnancyCredit: Instagram @soficalzettiAguero and Sofia have been together since 2019Credit: Instagram @soficalzettiShe reconciled with Aguero shortly after rumours emerged that they had broken upCredit: Instagram @soficalzettiLionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo congratulated the coupleCredit: Getty More

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    New favourite lined up to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host after Jermaine Jenas sacked by BBC

    THE BBC have lined up a new replacement for Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, it’s been claimed.The former Everton and England hitman, who succeeded Des Lynham, has been at the helm of the MOTD ship for a whopping 25 years.Gary Lineker’s days as Match of the Day presenter are coming to an endCredit: BBCJermaine Jenas was the front-runner to replace Lineker before the Beeb axed him for his sexting scandalCredit: BBCMark Chapman is reportedly now the favourite to succeed LinekerCredit: GETTYBut his long-term future with the Beeb remains in doubt following the public backlash to his likening of the former Conservative Government migrant policy to “Germany in the ’30s”.Jermaine Jenas was long seen as the successor to the MOTD hot seat but is out of the running after being AXED by the Beeb for his sexting scandal, which SunSport exclusively revealed.And the Britsh broadcasting powerhouse has reportedly pivoted to a presenter already in their ranks to replace Lineker.That’s according to The Times, who claim Mark Chapman is the new frontrunner to succeed Lineker.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChapman, of course, is already well known to footie fans as he presents Match of the Day 2 on Sundays, a role he’s had since 2013.The 50-year-old is also a presenter on Radio 5 Live and recently became the face of the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show.Chapman’s new gig is set to get underway next week when Europe’s elite club competition kicks off.And The Times claims Chapman’s latest appointment is the reason why he’s the favourite to replace Lineker.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMark Chapman has presented Match of the Day 2 for the last 11 yearsCredit: BBCThe potential appointment of Chapman as Lineker’s eventual replacement doesn’t come as a surprise.Lineker, however, viewed the disgraced Jenas – whose marriage is on the rocks after his inappropriate work-related behaviour – as his eventual successor.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble The 63-year-old said last year: “Jermaine Jenas – who is probably drifting more towards my role.”I think Jermaine is doing it really well as well, doing The One Show.”When asked Micah Richards if he was nervous about Jenas replacing him, he replied: “Nervous? ‘”I’m ancient. My time is nearly up.” More

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    Southampton vs Man Utd LIVE SCORE: Rashford breaks goal drought as Ten Hag’s men pick up easy victory – latest updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED have comfortably beaten Southampton 3-0 in the Premier League.The Red Devils went ahead thanks to Matthijs de Ligt’s first goal for the club, which came moments after Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s penalty. Marcus Rashford made it 2-0 with a brilliant curling effort moments later. And Alejandro Garnacho made it 3-0 with a brilliant finish in the last minute of the game. Kick-off time: 12:30pm BSTLive stream: Discovery+TV channel: TNT Sports 1Southampton XI: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Stephens, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Downes, Fernandes, Ugochukwu; Dibling, Archer, Brereton DiazMan Utd XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Eriksen, Mainoo, Fernandes, Amad, Rashford, ZirkzeeBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action from St Mary’s with our live blog below…Match reportMatthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford grabbed the first-half goals to postpone the next Erik ten Hag crisis for at least another week.But Manchester United were let off the hook by a Southampton side who outplayed them in the opening half an hour and failed to convert a penalty.It would have been fascinating to see how United responded to that kind of setback.In the end, though, Ten Hag’s side ran out comfortable enough winners and he avoided becoming the first United boss to lose three Premier League games in a row since 2015.The Saints never recovered from somehow finding themselves two down at the break after striker Cameron Archer let them down at both ends.Copy linkCopiedMore from Ten HagHe continued, discussing Marcus Rashford and what that goal could do for him.He said: “It’s very important. For every striker, they want to be on the scoring list. “Once the first is in, more is coming. Once a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it’s going, it’s coming more.”Copy linkCopiedMan Utd player ratings from SunSport’s Charlie WyettAndre Onana: 7Noussair Mazraouri: 7Matthijs De Ligt: 7Lisandro Martinez: 7Diogo Dalot: 5Kobbie Mainoo: 6Christian Eriksen: 7Bruno Fernandes: 7Amad Diallo: 7Joshua Zirkzee: 6Marcus Rashford: 7Subs: Garnacho 7 , Ugarte 6, Maguire 6, Evans 6, Casemiro 5Copy linkCopiedTen Hag reactsUnited boss Erik ten Hag told Match of the Day, via the BBC, that the game changed on Andre Onana’s penalty saveHe said: “The start was not easy. “I think the penalty was the turning point in the game and not so far after we scored and that was very important. From that moment on, the game was all ours.”I’m not surprised [by De Ligt’s quality]. At this moment he is not fit, he’s not at 100% speed. He needs the games to go up to it. “We see glimpses now and once he’s there he will do much better. We are happy with him and especially today with his game.”Copy linkCopiedTough statPlenty of difficult stats will be headed Southampton’s way.But that was their 400th Premier League defeat of their existence.Unfortunately for them, it certainly won’t be their last.Copy linkCopiedHow it standsNot long until the 3pm kick offs get underway.United up to 7th with that victory and they can put their feet up and watch the other scores roll in.Southampton in 19th but will go bottom if Everton can get anything at Aston Villa.Copy linkCopiedDe-LigtedMatthijs De Ligt told TNT Sports: “The win was obviously really important. I think if you get three points from three games it’s not enough so there was some pressure but I think today we played very well. “A big credit to Andre Onana who saved a really important penalty, he changed the game for us.”We’ve been working on some set pieces, this one was not exactly out of the book but this was from a good spot.”Copy linkCopiedMatch statsThe numbers to round up the action from St Mary’s.Incredible that Saints had no shots at goal after the penalty was scored.10 shots on target for Manchester United in the end and they took a grip of possession in that second half.Copy linkCopiedFT: Southampton 0-3 Man UtdAfter the opening 30 minutes, you couldn’t have seen it being so comfortable for United.Southampton were well in the game and should’ve gone in front from the spot – Onana saving Archer’s spot kick.United scored twice in the rest of the first half through De Ligt and Rashford.Southampton had NO shots at goal since that penalty and it was tough after Stephens was sent off with ten minutes to play.Garnacho added the icing on the cake, scoring with the final kick.Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEComfortable second half for United and it was needed!Southampton 0-3 Man UtdCopy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-3 Man Utd90+6. Terrific ball in behind the Southampton defence by Casemiro.Dalot catches it on the byline and cuts it back to eight yards out where Garnacho rushes onto it and smashes high into the roof of the net.Job done for Ten Hag.Copy linkCopiedSigning off in style!Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd90+4. Free kick Southampton from the resulting corner.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd90+3. Great play between Zirkzee and Garnacho, with the former sending the latter into the area down the left.His attempted shot is blocked behind by the sliding Bednarek for a corner.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man UtdIT SHOULD BE THREE!90+1. How has Zirkzee not scored!??Amad does superbly well down the United right and his cut back finds Mainoo who lays it off perfectly to Zirkzee eight yards out. He sends Ramsdale the wrong way but the Saints defender throws a leg at it and superbly keeps the ball out the net.Should’ve been a Zirkzee goal.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man UtdSix minutes added on.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd87. Fernandes receives a pass from Garnacho, 25 yards from goal in the centre of the pitch.He unwinds an effort which is dragged comfortably beyond the left post of Ramsdale.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd85. It’s a run out for Casemiro, who will replace De Ligt in the closing stages.OFF: De LigtON: CasemiroReports of cramp for the Dutch defender.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd83. Attack against defence for the rest of the game it seems, though United appear content with what they’ve got.Saints have a brief attack forward but Mainoo wins it back and wins the free kick.De Ligt looks to be struggling, he’s picked up a knock.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd79. Shocker of a challenge from the Southampton skipper.Garnacho skips by him on the halfway line, right in front of the technical area.He catches Garnacho on the knee when sliding in and Stuart Attwell has no option but to send him down the tunnel.Silly and reckless and could’ve been a sore one for the United winger. Saints down to ten for the final ten minutes.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man UtdRED CARD FOR JACK STEPHENS!Southampton down to ten men.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd76. Ten Hag taking no chances.OFF: MartinezON: EvansCopy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd75. Bit of showboating between Mainoo and Fernandes down in the corner in front of the United fans.Southampton win the ball back and Cornet looks to break down the right but excellent defending from Martinez prevents him.He’s hobbling a bit, the United defender.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd74. Harry Maguire commits a foul well into the Southampton box before kicking the ball away.Another yellow card for delaying the restart!Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-2 Man Utd72. Here come those United changes and it’s a debut for Manuel Ugarte.OFF: Rashford, Eriksen and MazraouiON: Garnacho, Ugarte and MaguireCopy linkCopied More

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    International footballer, 30, rushed to hospital and in intensive care after falling from second floor balcony

    A SAUDI ARABIAN footballer has been rushed to hospital after falling from a balcony, according to reports.Fahad Al-Muwallad reportedly fell from his second-floor balcony at his home in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Saudi Arabia international Fahad Al-Muwallad has been hospitalised after falling from his second floor balconyCredit: Getty – ContributorThe incident is said to have occurred between 9-10am on Thursday.Al-Muwallad was rushed to hospital after suffering multiple fractures.Local news outlet Dubaieye1038 report the 30-year-old was placed in the intensive care unit upon arriving at the Rashid Hospital in Dubai.They add that no one was with the winger at the time of the incident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaudi sources indicate some friends left three hours beforehand.Street and home camera footage are now being looked into to determine the cause of the incident.Al-Muwallad recently starred for Saudi Arabia in their World Cup qualifying matches against Indonesia and China.He played just 19 minutes across the two matches, which were his first games for his country since March 2023 when he wore the captain’s armband.Most read in FootballThe Al-Shabab star has played 74 times for his country, scoring 17 goals.He starred for his nation at the 2018 World Cup, where he chipped in with one assist as the Falcons were eliminated in the group stage.Al-Muwallad had starred in both of his clubs matches in the Saudi Pro League this season.He was removed from his nations World Cup squad in 2022 as a “precautionary measure” due to uncertainty surrounding a doping case.The winger had been banned from all football activities for 18 months from the end of March that year.His sentence was later reduced by the Saudi Sport Arbitration Centre which allowed him to initially be selected to Qatar 2022.However, an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency to the Court of Arbitration for Sport saw Saudi Arabia remove him from the squad. More

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    ‘I have delivered here,’ says Erik Ten Hag as Man Utd boss faces pressure following miserable international break

    ERIK TEN HAG admits he is under pressure – despite a fresh vote of confidence from Manchester United’s top brass.The Dutch boss saved his job by winning the FA Cup in May and was given a new deal.Defiant Erik ten Hag says he has delivered success at Man UtdCredit: GettyBut defeat at Southampton today would mean United losing three Premier League games in a row for the first time since 2015.Asked about support from upstairs, Ten Hag said: “In football you have to win, you have to deliver, that’s clear. As I’ve said, I have delivered here.”It’s good the new leadership acknowledge this and says this, we are working together to be more successful.“We have higher targets than we’ve already achieved.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited finished eighth last term and started this season with two defeats from their first three, including a 3-0 walloping by Liverpool two weeks ago.But new chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Dan Ashworth backed Ten Hag during the international break.Berrada said: “Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely,“We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut even the international break has not given Ten Hag a chance to get out the limelight.He has had a miserable week off, with Teddy Sheringham saying he will be axed by Christmas and Cristiano Ronaldo firing shots at him.Erik ten Hag warns Manuel Ugarte could take MONTHS to get fit in further blow to Man Utd fans after Liverpool hammeringNew signing Matthijs de Ligt was at fault for several goals conceded by Holland in their two games.And the club were unable to shift Antony amid late loan interest from Turkey.Meanwhile, Ten Hag insists United are in a transition period.New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made big changes behind-the-scenes, while five new players have been brought during the summer.Ten Hag, 54, added: “It’s not only to do with me, nobody can deny in these last eight or nine months a lot has happened to this club.“A new leadership team, new structure and ownership structure. It’s a huge turnaround I would say.”Ten Hag is also dealing with huge injury problems, with Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund out.But left-back Tyrell Malacia, 25, is back in training after missing all of last season with a knee injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “We want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away.“He’s working very hard and making big steps.”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