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      Southampton vs Man Utd prediction: Free betting tips, odds and preview for Saturday lunchtime clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED – and boss Erik ten Hag – are in desperate need of a win this Saturday lunchtime when making the trip to Southampton.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest – and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the Premier League encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesSouthampton vs Man Utd previewManchester United have lost two on the bounce heading into the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.So what better opportunity to get back to winning ways than with a trip to a side with three defeats on the spin to start the Premier League campaign.United were thumped 3-0 by Liverpool before the international break, which followed a late defeat at Brighton the week previously.Pressure again appears to be mounting on Erik ten Hag, with the credit in the bank of last season’s FA Cup triumph quickly deteriorating.He can’t afford to lose at a Saints side who are quickly recognising the task at hand after promotion.At least they scored a goal last time out, albeit a 95th minute consolation at Brentford, having failed to score in the opening two games, despite playing Newcastle with ten men for most of the game and then at home to Nottingham Forest.And in Ben Brereton Diaz, they have a striker with the joint-longest run without a Premier League win (17 games), which doesn’t bode well for them. Is Southampton vs Man Utd on TV and can it be streamed?Southampton vs Man Utd will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1Subscription members of Discovery+ can stream the entire action on the official website or app.Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match.Southampton vs Man Utd team newsManuel Ugarte signed too late to make any sort of appearance against Liverpool last time out and – after appearances for Uruguay during the break – should be involved in some capacity here.Casemiro’s place appears up for grabs after he was hooked at half time in that Liverpool thrashing, though it remains to be seen how the Brazilian’s future looks at Old Trafford.Rasmus Hojlund and Victor Lindelof resumed first team training during the break and look set to be in the squad, though Mason Mount, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw are set to miss out.Southampton vs Man Utd oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.William Hill new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Southampton vs Man Utd betting tips and predictionsIt’s Nacho timeAlejandro Garnacho has had a stop-start campaign to this point, missing open goals and having big goals chalked off by VAR.The Liverpool defeat was his first start of the season and given the form of the attacking players thus far, it’s easy to pinpoint him as the main danger man in the ranks for United.Will get off the mark sooner rather than later – we’re hoping sooner in this instance!Alejandro Garnacho to score 1st at 6/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREWood he, wouldn’t heFormer Manchester City academy ace Taylor Harwood-Bellis must be relishing taking on United here.The big defender played a game-and-a-half for the England U21s during the break, too.Booked in two of the three Premier League games and could come up against Garnacho here in what promises to be a tough afternoon.Taylor Harwood-Bellis to be carded at 17/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo overtakes Taylor Swift by reaching 60MILLION YouTube subscribers just 23 days after launching channel

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO might have some BAD BLOOD with Taylor Swift after he surpassed her YouTube subscriber count just 23 days after launching his channel.The football superstar has now amassed a whopping 60.3 MILLION subscribers, smashing multiple records in the process of achieving the dizzying numbers.Cristiano Ronaldo’s YouTube channel continues to grow at an unbelievable paceCredit: GettyHis account has now has more subscribers than Taylor Swift’sCredit: GettyRonaldo unveiled his YouTube channel last month and has already made the list of the top 100 most subscribed to channels on the platform.In fact, after surpassing pop queen Taylor Swift’s 59.8m subscribers, he now has the 43rd biggest YouTube channel around.And there’s no doubt he will continue to rise the ranks with his channel growing at an exponential rate.Ronaldo, who netted his 900th career goal last week, knows all too well what it means to be breaking records on the pitch and is now doing the same thing off it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis account became the fastest channel to ever reach one million subscribers, doing so in just 90 MINUTES!While he also smashed the record for hitting the 10million subscriber mark, achieving the feat in less than 24 hours.The previous record for hitting the 10million mark had been set in seven days, meaning Ronaldo’s effort blows it out of the water.The Portuguese powerhouse’s viewing figures have been on another stratosphere too. Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAcross his 37 uploads since the channel’s creation, Ronaldo has already amassed over 443 MILLION views – averaging 11.7m views per video.Ronaldo has always had a huge presence on social media and is already the most followed person on Instagram with 638 MILLION followers keeping a keen eye on his snaps.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears as 39-year-old becomes first player EVER to score 900 goalsHe beats out the likes of Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and footballing rival Lionel Messi to be Instagram’s most followed star.Messi sits second in the list, but still lags some 134million followers behind his footballing counterpart.On the pitch Ronaldo continues to break records despite hurtling towards the age of 40.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner hasn’t showed any signs of slowing down either, netting 62 goals and registering 17 assists in his 68 appearances for Al Nassr since he made the Saudi switch. More

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      Ousmane Dembele becomes third most expensive transfer EVER seven years after leaving Borussia Dortmund

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      OUSMANE DEMBELE has become the third most expensive transfer of all-time… SEVEN years after completing the move.The winger, 27, joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for an initial £96million.Ousmane Dembele’s Borussia Dortmund exit has become the third most expensive transfer everCredit: EPABarcelona paid a total of £125million after add-ons and bonuses for Dembele in 2017Credit: AP:Associated PressHis fee saw him tied with Paul Pogba’s Manchester United return as the eleventh most expensive deal in football history.However, Dembele has now risen to third in the list after the final cost of his Barca switch was revealed.He leapfrogs Philippe Coutinho’s 2018 move to the Nou Camp from Liverpool, in a deal understood to have been worth £105million.According to Bild, the Spanish giants paid £125million in total for the Frenchman once bonuses and add-ons were included.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong those add-ons was £17million from Barca qualifying for the Champions League twice during Dembele’s time at the club.The fees see Dembele place behind Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who were signed by Paris Saint-Germain for £198million and £163million, respectively.His move to LaLiga came just a year after joining Dortmund from Rennes for £30million.During his single season in Germany, Dembele scored 10 goals and provided 22 assists in 50 appearances.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe forward went on to spend six years at Barcelona before a £42million switch to PSG last summer.That deal took his cumulative transfer fees to £197million following 40 goals in 185 appearances for the Blaugrana.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveDembele joined Paris Saint-Germain last summer to take his cumulative fees to £197millionCredit: RexMeanwhile, Bild also report Dortmund have made more from player sales than any other German club since 2015.Across the last nine years, BVB have raked in £876million in transfer fees.Those fees include Jude Bellingham’s £87million move to Real Madrid in 2023, which could rise to £115million with add-ons.Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland have also been sold for over £50million in recent seasons.Dortmund have raked in £876million from player sales since 2015, including an initial £87million for Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyErling Haaland and Jadon Sancho were also sold for a combined £123millionCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea’s Conference League clash moved 770 MILES to Chinese border as Blues face 18-hour trip and freezing temperatures

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      CHELSEA’S Europa Conference League group stage match against Astana has been moved over 770 miles away from the original location.The Blues were set to face the Kazakhstan Premier League side at the Astana Arena.Chelsea will face Astana at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadion – 770 miles away from the original locationCredit: PAThe stadium does not have a roof and the match is set to be played in DecemberCredit: GettyBut due to ongoing renovation work at the 30,000-seater stadium, the fixture has been moved to the other side of the massive country.It will now be played at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadion in Almaty – on the Kyrgyzstan border and only 250 miles from China.And, to make matters worse for the Blues, it is also set to take place in December, meaning temperatures will likely drop below freezing.The host stadium does not have a roof, so fans will face wintry conditions.Read More in FootballGenerally, temperatures in Almaty, Kazakhstan, range from 2°C to -7°C in December.And, ironically, Cole Palmer – who goes by the nickname ‘Cold Palmer’ based on his goal celebration – will not be able to play.The 22-year-old was left out of Chelsea’s Conference League squad last week.Injury-jinxed midfielder Romeo Lavia and defender Wesley Fofana were also left out of the 27-strong group for the competition.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEnzo Maresca made the decision to balance the work load of some young players.Palmer was a key member of the first team squad last season and played 3,734 minutes of football in total.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlySo far this season the midfielder has scored once and provided four assists in five games.Chelsea will face Gent, Heidenheim, Shamrock Rovers, Panathinaikos and Noah in their remaining Conference League group stage games.Chelsea will lose their soul by leaving Stamford BridgeBy Matt PennJUST what London needs – another £1billion bowl-shaped, soulless football stadium.No offence to Spurs, because theirs looks great, but it’s not like they had years of title-winning history to celebrate at White Hart Lane.Arsenal moved on from Highbury a couple of years after their last Premier League title win in 2004, and to no avail, they’ve been chasing that glory ever since.And the less said about West Ham’s move from Upton Park, the better. The Olympic Stadium pales in significance to Upton Park, where binoculars weren’t needed to see the pitch from Row Z.It’s no secret Chelsea fans have become disillusioned with the club since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali took over from Roman Abramovich two years ago.The sacking of two full-time managers in that time, a 12th-place finish in the league, no European football, billions spent on Brazilian teenagers you’ve never heard of and civil war between the owners have turned the club into a laughing stock.Seems like the perfect time to revamp plans to leave Stamford Bridge, doesn’t it?According to The Guardian, Chelsea are in talks to move to a new 60,000-seater site in Earl’s Court, something they’ve attempted before.Chelsea are said to have made plans for the Lillie Bridge depot site as an area that could be developed in a move that could cost hundreds of millions.Forget that so much else still needs fixing on the pitch, that the results are still not going the way they should, that players still can’t seem to click on a consistent basis.The owners, who are said to be looking to buy each other out already, might not think it, and the seats might be a little rusty, but fans do value tradition.The Bridge has been a place supporters can call home every other Saturday. It’s raw, the stands are close to the pitch, it has four sides, and most importantly, it’s owned by the fans.For any deal to go through, Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), a group made up of over 14,000 fans, have to approve a move away from the 42,000-seater stadium.On the other hand, redvelopment of Stamford Bridge would see the team move away from the stadium for a number of years, likely double the three years Tottenham spent at Wembley.But why not overhaul each stand one-by-one? Both Liverpool and Fulham had stands refurbished and they were able to stay put. There are also plans for Crystal Palace to do the same.If Boehly and Eghbali are so desperate to put money at the forefront of their decision-making, then go about it in a way which will appease fans.Sadly, football isn’t really about fans anymore, and it’d be easy to say Chelsea will lose their soul if they leave Stamford Bridge.But you fear they already have. More

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      Former Newcastle star Dwight Gayle, 34, returns to football with new club after playing friendlies for free agent XI

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      PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Dwight Gayle has joined Hibernian on a one-year deal.The 34-year-old has been without a club since leaving Derby at the end of last season.Dwight Gayle has signed for Scottish side HibsCredit: X @HibernianFCGayle spent six years at NewcastleCredit: GettyHe has kept fit over the summer by playing for a PFA side dubbed “unemployed XI”.The players association invited several free agents to train together and feature in friendlies as a team.Gayle starred alongside Ravel Morrison and Carl Jenkinson in the side.And the matches have helped convince Scottish outfit Hibs to hand him a contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManager David Gray said: “It’s great to be able to bring Dwight to the club.”He’s performed at a top-level throughout his career and has a real desire to show his abilities here in Scotland.”He’s a different type of striker to what we currently have in the building. “He’s a real penalty box type of striker, a great finisher, and his experience will be of great benefit to us.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGayle joined Crystal Palace in 2013 and scored 25 goals in 74 appearances for the club.His time at Selhurst Park is best remembered by the two goals he netted to cost Liverpool the title in 2014.Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international breakWho are these famous footballers?Gayle also spent six on the books of Newcastle, scoring 34 times.In recent years, he has been in the Championship with Stoke and League One with Derby. More

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      Former Premier League star names manager who could solve Man Utd’s problems but warns Zidane would reject club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED need to bring in Thomas Tuchel as their new manager as he is the “solution” to their problems.That is according to Premier League hero William Gallas, who suggested Tuchel, 51, could succeed at United just like he did at Chelsea.Zinedine Zidane won’t join Manchester United, insists William GallasCredit: GettyGallas claims Thomas Tuchel would be the ‘solution’ at Man UtdCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag is already under fire after a poor startCredit: GettyGallas believes Tuchel would succeed at Man Utd like he did at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are off to a slow start, losing two of their three opening Premier League games and manager Erik ten Hag is already under fire.Ten Hag barely managed to hold on to the top job last season thanks to his FA Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City, but he revealed club chiefs informed him they looked for a replacement.The Dutchman even admitted that Tuchel was among his bosses’ top candidates.Gallas believes the German tactician would be able to turn things around at Old Trafford if he got at least two years in charge.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Bayern Munich boss, who is now a free agent, won the Champions League in his first season with the Blues in 2021 as well as the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.Gallas told Gambling Zone: “Thomas Tuchel could be the solution to Manchester United’s problems.”If he came into the club and was given time, given two years to create his team, the club would be in a completely different position to the one it is in now.”At Chelsea Tuchel was very organised, the players respected him and he won the Champions League as well as a couple of other trophies, you can see why he was a success and maybe he wasn’t given enough time to Chelsea to turn things around.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGallas, though, is adamant that United should completely forget Zinedine Zidane as a potential successor to Ten Hag.The ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham ace insists Zidane won’t be keen on the job because he can’t speak English and has his eyes fixed on France’s national team.’Will you let me finish’ snaps Gary Neville live on Sky Sports as Man Utd legend refuses to answer Carragher’s questionGallas added: “Manchester United fans should forget about Zinedine Zidane, he won’t take the job and the main reason is that he doesn’t speak English.”He won’t want to put himself in that situation where he would need to learn the language and I think that’s fair. “He needs the players to understand what he expects from them and to have that relationship where he can have fun and joke around. “He won’t accept the job if an offer came in and I don’t think we will see him in the Premier League any time soon.”I think he is still waiting for the France national team job. He won everything there is to win with Real Madrid and he only has one job on his mind now.”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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      Cristiano Ronaldo lifts lid on home life as he reveals son doesn’t speak to him for days at a time after padel matches

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S kids have certainly inherited his competitive personality.The football superstar has opened up on what life at home is like with his children and how their competitive streak will sometimes see him go days on end without talking to his eldest son.Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his family lifeCredit: instagram/Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo claimed that he and his eldest son Cristiano Jr will go days without speaking after competitive padel matchesCredit: Instagram Cristiano RonaldoSpeaking with former team-mate Rio Ferdinand on the retired centre-back’s podcast, Ronaldo revealed that even family holiday fun can turn into lengthy feuds with the star always determined to win.He said: “I was in the Red Sea a couple of days ago, I play every day padel. Me and Cristiano Jr get mad, we don’t speak for like two days.”This is why I’m happy, even the small one Matteo [gets competitive], I like it. It shows they have personality.”While some may think that going days without talking over a game of padel may be a bad thing, Ronaldo is convinced it shows that his kids are learning the competitive streak that has given him the edge throughout his glittering career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe added: “Seriously, my kids, they are like me. I don’t teach them but they see my example because sometimes when I lose I get angry, sometimes I cry, depends on the moment.”They are kind of the same. So even with my kids I compete, I always want to win. I don’t give nothing for free.”Ronaldo now has five children, two of which he had with partner Georgina Rodriguez and three that were all born via a surrogate mother.Cristiano Jr, the eldest of Ronaldo’s kids, seems to have inherited his love for winning the most and looks as though he is trying to follow in his dad’s footsteps on the pitch too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 14-year-old is currently playing in Al-Nassr’s academy in Saudi Arabia, shadowing his dad’s work for the first team.While he also played in the youth setups for Juventus and Manchester United before his old man’s move to the Middle East.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr follows in dad’s footsteps with incredible free-kick in training session with Chelsea starCristiano Jr has even told Ronaldo that he wants him to keep playing until they are able to take to the pitch together.But dad Ronaldo has insisted he isn’t putting much pressure on his firstborn to make it as a pro.He said: “This generation, it is difficult to tell them something and let them do it.”They will always see their daddy as an example, they see me every day in what I do, at home, in training, or in a game. They see me work a lot.”Right in this moment, Cristiano wants to be a football player but I don’t make big pressure, I make a little.”He’s 14 years old, he has pressure already to be the son of Cristiano [senior]. Let him make his own mistakes, but I hope that in the future he can be a professional player.”If he doesn’t become a player, maybe another job, but I will always support him. We cannot put pressure on our sons because we are famous.”Cristiano Jr is currently playing in Al-Nassr’s academyCredit: Getty More

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      How Angel Gomes’ stats compare with Man Utd midfielders after club lost him for FREE with England star linked to return

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      ANGEL GOMES impressed for England over the international break.Gomes, 24, stars for Lille in Ligue 1 after being let go by Manchester United in 2020.Angel Gomes impressed with England over the international breakCredit: GettyGomes, back right, was once a rising star at Man UtdCredit: Getty – ContributorHe was the club’s youngest debutant since Duncan Edwards but left for free in 2020Credit: PABut he has reinvented himself as a deep-lying playmaker at LilleCredit: GettyIt means United could have in theory had a Carrington-made partnership of Gomes and Mainoo that cost nothingCredit: GettyInstead, United have splashed out £121m on deep midfielders in the last two summersCredit: ReutersAt the time Gomes – then a winger or attacking midfielder – was not considered good enough to stay at Old Trafford.He was the first player born in the 2000s to feature in the Premier League, was United’s youngest debutant since Duncan Edwards at the age of 16 and, according to former coach Paul McGuinness, was the best player at every age group as he came through the ranks at United.But all of that was not enough to see him stick around, perhaps in part due to his small 5ft 6″ frame not being seen as suited to Premier League football.However, following the move to Lille and a loan transfer to Boavista, he has blossomed in a new position as a deep-lying playmaker after Paulo Fonseca spotted something not immediately obvious to others. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn Gomes, Fonseca – who coached him from 2022 to last season before moving to AC Milan – said: “Angel is maybe the most intelligent player I have in my team. “He understands faster than the others everything about the game; he loves the game.”The Red Devils have long held a need for a deep-lying conductor who can bring the ball up the pitch and pick a pass with ease.The irony is that on Gomes’ debut it was Michael Carrick performing that job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd with United failing to replace the cultured midfielder, in hindsight, it would have been a no-brainer to keep Gomes around for a potential Gomes-Mainoo midfield pairing costing nothing.Instead, the club forked out £70million – plus £375k a week – on Casemiro, whose performances last season and at the start of this have led to transfer chiefs splashing £51m on Manuel Ugarte.Lee Carsley gives glowing review of Angel Gomes and reveals England star’s staggering football knowledgeThe numbers from last season compared to the Red Devils midfield and Ugarte back this assessment too.Excluding club captain Bruno Fernandes, Gomes had the most assists per 90 minutes and the second-best chances created per 90 and passes played into the final third per 90 behind Christian Eriksen.Gomes was also better than all United stars for successful passes, with only ball-winning specialist Ugarte having more per 90 during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.Even for England, 123 passes against Finland with a success rate above 94 per cent further emphasises his ability on the ball.That being said, Gomes does not come up well in terms of defensive numbers, with duels, interceptions and tackles not being his speciality.However, the increased demand from clubs for security on the ball in deep areas which has led to the rise of more on-ball specialists over ball-winners, has spiked interest in Gomes’ services.SunSport exclusively revealed that Newcastle were plotting a January transfer for the midfielder.United have also been linked with bringing the star back home, an idea that Gomes has not ruled out in the future.In November 2022 he told L’Equipe: “Do I imagine myself coming back one day? Obviously, it’s home.”I would love to come back. But you never know in football. I just have to keep my feet on the ground, and keep playing, making the most of it. 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.”I can’t predict what will happen in the future.”Following his England performances, some fans also want to see Gomes return to his old stomping ground.One said: “Cannot wait for Angel Gomes to play for my club next season. “The deep-lying ball-playing midfielder we’ve been crying out for finally here. Mainoo – Angel – Ugarte. Now that’s a great midfield.”A second said: “Mainoo, Ugarte, Gomes and another signing for the pivot would be elite.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third said: “If Collyer can prove a good squad player and Mount can stay fit (unlikely) We should let Eriksen go for free, try sell Casemiro and bring Angel back for free.”What the future will likely hold is further Three Lions appearances – with or without Lee Carsley as boss – and a chance to show his stuff in the Champions League, including matches against Real Madrid and Liverpool.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. 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