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      Play Score Predictor now ahead of Matchweek 16 – win an early Christmas present of £250 cash!

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      HOW does an early Christmas present of £250 sound?That’s exactly how much dosh we’ll give away to the winner of Score Predictor Matchweek 16.Play now ahead of the weekend’s actionCredit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek to help inform your decisions.Crystal Palace v ArsenalThe Eagles have lost just one of their last nine games in all competitions and would have been particularly delighted with a 3-1 victory over rivals Brighton last time out.After a tough start to the season, Oliver Glasner’s side have become much harder to beat lately but the Gunners have prospered in this match-up in recent years.Mikel Arteta’s men have won the last four meetings with Palace, scoring 12 goals and conceding just two in that time.Arsenal were frustrated by Everton last weekend and they will have to be more inventive from open play at Selhurst Park as Palace generally defend corners well – only Brentford have conceded fewer league set-piece goals this season.Most read in FootballThat being said, it’s difficult to ignore the significant gap between these two sides in the league table.Our Prediction: 1-0 to ArsenalArsenal sit third in the table currentlyCredit: GettyEverton v ChelseaThe fixtures don’t get any easier for the Toffees following their rearguard at the Emirates.Cole Palmer and friends are flying at the top of the form table having won every game so far this month.The Blues have also earned more points on the road than any other top-flight team this term.Meanwhile, Everton have mustered just nine points from seven league games at Goodison Park.It’s hard to look past Enzo Maresca’s troops, especially as the last meeting between these sides finished 6-0 to the Londoners – Palmer scored four goals that day.Our Prediction: 2-0 to ChelseaPalmer enjoyed himself against Everton last seasonCredit: RexFulham v SouthamptonMarco Silva’s side remain unbeaten this month despite a tough run of fixtures.They drew to Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool either side of a 3-1 win over Brighton – the Seagulls’ first defeat at home in 2024/25.As for Saints, they shipped five goals in one half to Spurs last weekend which proved to be the end of Russell Martin’s tenure at St Mary’s.Southampton have cobbled together just five points since promotion and only one of those has come away from home.Strange things can happen in the wake of a manager’s dismissal but this should be comfortable Sunday afternoon for Fulham.Our Prediction: 3-1 to FulhamMarco Silva is doing an excellent job at FulhamCredit: AFPManchester United v BournemouthLike Fulham, the Cherries are a well-organised outfit making waves in the top half this season – they’re up to sixth after Monday night’s draw with West Ham.Andoni Iraola’s side have knocked off Manchester City, Arsenal and Spurs at home but their away record isn’t bad either – they rank seventh for points won on the road.As for the Red Devils, it’s difficult to gauge where they’re at while Ruben Amorim beds in but a late turnaround in the Manchester derby has kept spirits high.Historically speaking, Bournemouth would be massive underdogs at Old Trafford but these two sides have never been closer in terms of their current prospects and the South Coasters did win 3-0 in the corresponding fixture just over a year ago.At this stage, the most common selection among Score Predictor users is a 2-1 home win but we’re inclined to give the visitors more credit.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawAmad Diallo inspired his side to victory at the EtihadCredit: PATottenham v LiverpoolSunday’s 4:30pm kick-off promises much excitement as it pits the league’s second-top scorers against the leaders.Ange Postecoglou is not one to turtle up against strong opponents while Liverpool are missing key personnel in defence so this could be a high-scoring affair.Spurs beat the Reds 2-1 at home last season but that game was overshadowed by a VAR howler that disallowed a perfectly fine Luis Diaz goal.Liverpool got their revenge with a 4-2 win at Anfield back in May and it’s tempting to back a similar scoreline this time around.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 4-2 to LiverpoolProve you know better by submitting your predictions for Matchweek 16 now.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**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.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea future

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      ENZO MARESCA has broken his silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test.The FA has provisionally suspended the Ukrainian winger after he provided a positive result for an A-sample in October.Enzo Maresca has broken his silence on Mykhailo MudrykCredit: GettyMudryk has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for meldoniumCredit: GettyThe drug is similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern EuropeCredit: Instagram / @mmudryk10Mudryk, 23, reportedly tested positive for meldonium, which is a banned substance similar to insulin which could lead to a FOUR YEAR BAN.He and Chelsea are now awaiting the result of a B-sample, which will confirm the original test if it is positive.Maresca has come out in support of the £88.5million signing and believes he will return to the team.He said: “We all believe Mudryk is innocent.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“I don’t think Misha’s Chelsea career is over. I think he will come back. “We don’t know when, that is the only doubt we have in this moment.“But for sure, he will be back.”Mudryk has protested his innocence and claimed he was left in “complete shock” when he was told.Most read in FootballHe said: “This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules.“I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs testWhat drug did Mudryk take?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK returned a positive sample for a drugs test in October.The Chelsea winger could face a ban for up to four years – because the drug was a performance-enhancing substance.It is alleged Mudryk had the drug meldonium in his system.Meldonium – aka mildronate – is a metabolic modulator similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern Europe.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in January 2016 following its high prevalence at the 2015 European Games in Baku.Just months later, former tennis world No1 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation – although this was later cut to 15 months on appeal.Sharapova had been taking the drug for ten years for various health issues and claimed she was unaware it had been added to the banned list.Also in 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin was found to have traces of meldonium in his system before he was due to fight fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder.“I know I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.Maresca has also insisted that Mudryk’s team-mates are also in support of the player.He added: “We all support Misha.”The situation is a bit more clear.”We have a statement from the club, who have already said what we need to say, so there is not anything to add.”All the players inside the training ground support and trust Misha.”Chelsea released a statement in the aftermath of the news in which it backed up Mudryk’s claims.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt read: “Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.“Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.”How long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine.  More

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      Keir Starmer vows to BLOCK English clubs joining new European Super League as he slams hated plot to revive it

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      ENGLISH clubs will be BLOCKED from joining the newly-proposed European Super League, Sir Keir Starmer vowed today. The footie-mad PM went studs up on the latest threat of a breakaway tournament and said Premier League sides would not participate “on his watch”. Sir Keir Starmer has attacked plans for a European Super LeagueCredit: ReutersA22 have written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for permission to form a new league of 96 teamsHe is currently passing laws for a new football regulator with powers to ban teams from joining adjacent competitions. Downing Street hit out after promoter A22 Sports announced proposals for a 96-team series.The bizarre “Unify League” worships the EU – with its four divisions named Star, Gold, Blue and Union after the bloc’s flag. Arsenal-fan Sir Keir’s spokesman said: “Clearly this is not something the Prime Minister supports.Read more on politics“You’ve heard him previously say that on his watch, there’ll be no Super League-style breakaway from English football. “And as part of the strength in the Football Governance Bill, the regulator will be able to prevent English clubs from joining future breakaway competitions by taking into account factors such as sustainability, heritage and fairness should be at the heart of our game.They added they hope to pass the legislation – currently going through the Lords before coming to the Commons – “as quickly as possible”.Ex-Sports Minister Tracey Crouch – who first proposed the regulator in her Fan Led Review – slammed this “latest wheeze”.Most read in FootballShe told The Sun: “While this is a matter for UEFA, after the huge fan reaction to the breakaway super league that ultimately led to the Bill now going through Parliament to protect the long term future of English football, it will be a brave move for any Premier League club to support this latest wheeze without the approval of its fans.”Niall Couper, chief executive of football campaign group Fair Game, added: “The spectre of a new Super League needs to be killed immediately. And that is exactly why football needs a regulator with real teeth and why it needs one now.”The owners of elite clubs cannot be allowed to run roughshod over football.”But it is not just about urgency, it is also about ensuring the regulator has real power.”Without the ability to stand up to the top clubs, then it will betray not just the fans but the entire football pyramid that the success of our national game has been built on.”What’s the ‘Unify League’ and which Prem teams would play in new version of European Super League?Revived Super LeaguePromoter of the new league, A22 Sports, unveiled plans for a radical revamped format named the “Unify League” on Tuesday.The Madrid-based firm, backed by Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez, said it had written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for official endorsement for the league.The previous attempt by the firm to form a breakaway league announced in April 2021 was met by huge fan backlash.But the new refined league will see 96 teams spread across four divisions – Star, Gold, Blue and Union – and crucially include promotion and relegation, meaning inclusion will be based on merit.As many as TEN Premier League teams will be offered the chance to take part in the new competition.Participation in the league would NOT affect membership of the Premier League, but the tournament would effectively spell the end of the Champions League.SunSport understands a significant number of Prem clubs have privately said they would be willing to take part in the new league.A22 bosses believe Uefa must endorse its latest proposal following a December 2023 European Court of Justice ruling that previous tactics used to block a Super League were contrary to EU law.And the league’s bosses are confident the latest iteration of their “Super League” will receive authorisation from Uefa, according to The Guardian.The report adds that Uefa is unlikely to respond in haste and that authorising the league, in essence calling A22’s bluff, will be an option under consideration.The prize fund for the tournament is yet to be confirmed, but A22 has promised £330million in “solidarity” payments for smaller clubs and countries.The total pot is expected to exceed the current £2billion Uefa fund for the Champions League and the £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeasures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included in the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, currently going through Parliament and backed by all major parties.But the new competition seeks to supplant Uefa and be club-run — as happened when the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.Plenty to like… but will fans back it?By Martin Lipton, Chief Sports ReporterTHE biggest issue with the first version of Super League was that it was utterly unfair.Football has always been about what you earn on the field — and offering the Prem’s Big Six a place in a breakaway elite for life would have destroyed the fabric of the game.So while many fans reacted in anger at the ­latest proposals unveiled by Madrid-based A22, its new plans do tick more boxes.Qualification by merit, rather than on the basis of what a club did ten, 15 or 20 years ago is a step in the right direction.As are extra “big” games, playing all teams in a mini-league, home and away — it’s hard to keep tabs on a Champions League table of 36 clubs.Then an end-of-season knock-out with real tension, especially with a final four-style week of one-off semis and the final.But it seems unlikely that a new streaming platform, offering both ad-supported “free” games and a bells-and-whistles subscription service, can really earn the billions required to run four competitions every season.The potential autumn 2026 launch means huge obstacles will have to be cleared quickly — and that includes winning over the fans whose determination torpedoed Super League version one in 48 hours in 2021.In the end, it will come down to the clubs.If they feel their bread is being buttered the way they like it, then it could be on — and if that means jettisoning the Carabao Cup, so be it More

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      Julen Lopetegui’s dad Jose dies aged 94 as West Ham confirm manager has returned to Spain for funeral

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI will take charge of West Ham on Saturday despite having to return to Spain following the death of his father this week.The Hammers manager, whose side face Brighton this weekend, is back in his home country after his dad, Jose, passed away on Tuesday aged 94.West Ham have confirmed Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend his dad’s funeralCredit: GettyJose Antonio Lopetegui passed away at the age of 94Lopetegui’s coaching staff are taking training during his absence, though the ex-Wolves manager will be back on Friday to hold a pre-match press conference.The 58-year-old travelled to Spain for three days during the November international break to spend time with his dad.Jose Antonio Lopetegui died after suffering from health problems this year, according to Spanish outlet AS.A West Ham spokesperson: “West Ham United can confirm head coach Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend the funeral of his father, Jose, who sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the club are with Julen, his family and friends, and we kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this time.“Lopetegui’s coaching team will oversee training during this period.“The club will be making no further comment at this time.”Dad Jose, who was one of 11 siblings, was a renowned stone lifter and somewhat famous in Basque sport.Most read in FootballStone lifting is a traditional sport that involves lifting heavy stones onto the shoulder to test strength and endurance.It is known as “Harri-jasotze” in the Basque County and all eight Lopetegui brothers regularly competed.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starAt the Circo Price in Madrid, Jose was able to lift 182 kilos to the astonishment of the crowd.The eight brothers attempted to set a record of each lifting 188 kg at the same time, but were persuaded not to by their wives, who considered stone-lifting to be a rural pastime not befitting of their new statuses as urban businessmen.Jose was also a seasoned boxer in his youth.Lopetegui’s former club Sevilla, with whom he won the Europa League, also said: “Sevilla FC expresses its condolences to Julen Lopetegui and his family on the death of his father.”The West Ham manager has been under intense pressure due to a poor start of the season.But he has also had to deal with striker Michail Antonio suffering a horror car crash and also the passing of his father.Meanwhile, Lopetegui’s side drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Monday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers are 14th in the Premier League with 19 points from their opening 16 games this season.The Spaniard took over from David Moyes at the London Stadium in the summer. More

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      Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall as they announce stunning redevelopment plans next to stadium

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      ASTON VILLA have pledged to build the Premier League’s largest ever BEER HALL.Club chiefs have revealed plans for a “bold regeneration” project of Villa Park ahead of the club’s 150 anniversary in January 2025.Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall in ‘The Warehouse’Credit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla have launch plans a ‘bold regeneration’ project of Villa Park and its surroundingsCredit: X @AVFCOfficial‘The Warehouse’ will become the largest beer hall in the PremCredit: X @AVFCOfficialAccess to the beer hall will be free to ticketed supporters on matchdaysCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe multi-million pound renovation project, planned to launch in Christmas 2025, will feature a centrepiece named ‘The Warehouse’.It will become the largest beer hall in the Prem and access will be free to ticketed supporters on matchdays.Villa see The Warehouse as the Midlands’ premier concert venue for events but also want to attract boxing nights too.Fans can enjoy a pint while watching large flat-screens and enjoying state-of-the-art LED lights for pre-match enjoyment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere will also be an expanded plaza in the North Grounds, with the aim of amplifying the matchday atmosphere.Villa’s president of business operations Chris Heck labelled the project as “transformational” in an aim to deliver “the best matchday experience in the Premier League.”The development is expected to take 12 months to complete.The club aim for the regeneration project to mirror Villa’s rise on the pitch in the last five years under the ownership of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVilla have vowed to build the fan experience zone of the futureCredit: X @AVFCOfficialClub chiefs plan to make The Warehouse the Midlands’ leading concert venue away from matchdaysCredit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla beat Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years last season.But Unai Emery’s side’s form has somewhat dropped in the Prem this term as they sit seventh in table.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squadHowever, they sit fifth in the Champion League standings and therefore remain on course to qualify for the next stage of Europe.Villa have come under fire from supporters with season ticket price hikes and for closing off areas to match-going supporters and transforming them into extra-cost sections.The Midlands club last season shelved plans to redevelop the North Stand and take the stadium’s capacity beyond 50,000.But Heck insists the new world class venue will include a 3,500-seater hub outside the ground.The North Ground developments are due to open by Christmas 2025Credit: X @AVFCOfficialIt will also help Villa align with Premier League financial fair play regulations, with the significant extra revenue raised through a boost in footfall.Heck said: “This is a transformational project, well on its way to completion for next season. “We want to create the best matchday experience possible in the Premier League, so we’re giving our fans an open space to do what fans do best – come together to celebrate the players, the game and the lifeblood of this community.“And the strategic decision to utilise this space as a world-class entertainment venue adds another pivotal piece to climbing the financial fair play mountain.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everything we do is designed to make this Club one of the best in the world, on and off the pitch.”The Warehouse will also host player receptions.The plaza will connect Villa Park stadium with The WarehouseCredit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla hope boxing events could even be held outside the stadiumCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe new club shop was opened earlier this seasonCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe Midlands club last season shelved plans to redevelop the North Stand and take the stadium’s capacity beyond 50,000 More

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      Football club chairman sacks ENTIRE team and manager in bonkers bid to avoid relegation

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      A top-flight club’s chairman has reacted to his team’s dismal start to the season – by sacking EVERY PLAYER as well as their coach.Sloboda Tuzla are bottom of the Bosnia & Herzegovina Premier League after taking just two points from 17 games.President of Sloboda Tuzla, Azmir Husic, sacked his entire squad and head coach after picking up just two points so far this seasonCredit: XIn a record worse than Southampton’s, the newly-promoted side have scored just five goals and lie 12 points adrift of safety.So club president Azmir Husic decided to dispense with the entire squad alongside coach Zlatan Nalic.But he insisted Sloboda can sign the players needed to stay up with 16 games left to play – despite financial problems that have seen the club’s bank accounts blocked.Husic said: “It was one of the hardest days of my life, as I had to tell the players they are no longer part of the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We have released the entire squad, and I have already met with coach Nalic to end our collaboration.”So far seven players have signed termination agreements, and I expect the others to do so in the coming days.”I am convinced that we can assemble a better team than the one that has just picked up two points so far.”That is even if we just recruit players from the Tuzla area or the Bosnian league.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I think we need a new face, who will try to deal with everything. “It will be difficult to make a new team, but it is doable.”Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan More

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      Spanish press convinced Marcus Rashford has dropped major hint over next club after social media post

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      FANS are convinced that wantaway Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has dropped a major social media hint about his preferred next destination.The Spanish press were quick to jump on Rashford’s online activity after the England winger commented on Lamine Yamal’s Instagram post.Marcus Rashford has dropped a major hint about his next destinationCredit: GettyThe Man Utd star commented on Lamine Yamal’s latest Instagram postYamal posted a picture of him presenting the Golden Boy trophy to fans ahead of Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to CD Leganes on SundayRashford dropped a bombshell on Tuesday when he admitted that he is “ready for a new challenge” after being left out of the 20-man squad for the Manchester derby win at the Etihad on Sunday.The shock omission came amid speculation that he could be sold by the Red Devils.Ruben Amorim seemed to play down Rashford’s comments at his press conference on Wednesday and insisted Man Utd are “better with” the England international.Barcelona are one of five clubs closely linked with a move for Rashford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd the 27-year-old’s latest social media activity has added fuel to the fire of a possible move to the Nou Camp.Rashford left a fire emoji “🔥” on Yamal’s post – which celebrated the Spanish star’s unveiling of the Golden Boy trophy to Barca fans on Sunday.One excited fan wrote: “I am beginning to have this feeling that Rashford might end up becoming a Barcelona player.”A second said: “Rashford to Barcelona pending…🥶.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another added: “Crazy if we see Rashford wearing Blaugrana.”A fourth replied: “I’ll take him at Barca if he wants to come.”Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho Barca and United could negotiate a swap deal involving Rashford and Frenkie de Jong, according to Spanish outlet Madrid-Barcelona.Former United target De Jong has started only TWO matches in all competitions this term under Hansi Flick.Ex-boss Erik ten Hag was keen on bringing the Dutchman to Old Trafford during his tenure and now Amorim believes that he could be an interesting addition to the midfield.But Barca would not be able to afford Rashford’s staggering £350,000-a-week wage.Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho was also left out of the squad for United’s victory over Manchester City.Rashford hailed his team-mates’ late comeback victory at neighbours City just minutes after Amad Diallo’s 90th minute strike clinched a 2-1 win.The striker posted “Yesssssssss! Love it lads” over a snap of Diallo and Lisandro Martinez celebrating. Old Trafford legend Roy Keane reckoned the one-club man might now be better moving on amid question marks over his future.If Rashford was to move on, the only serious chance of matching his salary would be at Paris St Germain.READ MORE SUN STORIESOtherwise it would mean a hefty drop to his basic salary or heading for the footballing wilderness of Saudi Arabia.Meanwhile, Rashford is set to find out if he’s been selected for United’s quarter-final Carabao Cup trip to Tottenham on Thursday with Amorim revealing how he announces his team news to players.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

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      Dream Team’s Second Shot League starts January 4th – start fresh and compete for £5,000 prize pot

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      HAS the first half of your Dream Team season not gone to plan?Maybe you’ve suffered rotten luck with injuries or made one too many ill-judged transfers.Or perhaps you’re interested in playing Dream Team for the first time and don’t want to wait until the 2025/26 campaign.Whatever your situation, our Second Shot League offers you a chance to start fresh in the new year and compete for a prize pot of £5,000!Struggling Dream Team bosses have the chance to start fresh in Gameweek 18Credit: Dream TeamOur Second Shot League allows new gaffers to compete against existing ones on a level playing field throughout the second half of the season.Think of it as a clean slate, although of course the overall leaderboard from Gameweek 1 will continue as normal.Scoring starts on January 4th with Tottenham v Newcastle due to get Gameweek 18 underway at 12:30pm – the deadline for submitting a new team or tweaking an existing one will be 11am the same day.To clarify, the Second Shot League will only take into account points scored between Saturday January 4th and the end of the season.SECOND SHOT PRIZE MONEY1st: £3,5002nd: £1,5003rd: £500Need a reset in 2025? You’re not the only one…Credit: APPerhaps you’ve heard about Dream Team’s market-leading scoring system, flexible transfer process, and our game-changing Boosters?If so, now is the perfect time to get involved as the Second Shot League will give you a fair, competitive framework to measure yourself against rivals old and new.Managers new and old will automatically be entered into the Second Shot League come January 4th so if you’re happy with your progress so far, keep going, this is another route to cash winnings if you excel throughout the second half of the season.New to Dream Team? Check out the Game Rules here.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**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.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More