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      Fire breaks out outside Etihad as fans evacuated and emergency services called before Man City’s Champions League clash

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      A FIRE broke out just outside the Etihad as thousands of fans were evacuated under two hours before Manchester City’s Champions League clash.The Premier League champions host Club Brugge needing a win to guarantee qualification into the knockout stages after a nightmare season so far.A fire broke out outside the Etihad stadiumCredit: RexA merchandise van caught fireCredit: PAAn ambulance rushes to the sceneCredit: RexEmergency services put out the fireCredit: RexEmergency services were quick on the sceneCredit: RexAnd things got off the a dramatic start when a large fire broke out just outside the stadium as supporters gathered before the game.Footage emerged showing a City club merchandise van up in flames.Fire trucks and ambulances were seen also rushing to the scene as thousands of fans looked on in shock.Smoke billowed from the blaze towards the stadium with reports some had entered the fan concourses.The surrounding area was evacuated as emergency services put out the fire – as the club released a statement. It read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand.”Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished. “The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events planned for West Stand reception have been cancelled, including the welcome event for new players, and the first team arrival.”Most read in FootballA spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29th January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving an outbuilding on the car park of the football ground on Rowsley Street, Manchester.“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire, they are currently dampening down any hotspots and making the area safe. Kyle Walker opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ conversation with Guardiola as he admits ‘things weren’t going well’ at Man City“Firefighters have been in attendance for around thirty minutes and are still at the scene.”New signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis were all due to be unveiled in the area before kick-off.That event was ultimately cancelled.City’s team bus usually arrives in between a huge crowd of fans – but this was also scrapped.Supporters had been preparing to get themselves inside the stadium in a bid to cheer on hosts. City sit 25th in the new-look League Phase table – just outside the top 16 play-off spots. To progress, Pep Guardiola’s side must win due to goal difference of the teams around them.The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and are joined by the winners of a play-off round between those that finished ninth to 24th.Those that finish 25th to 36th are eliminated from all European competition – teams no longer drop into the Europa League.Guardiola said: “The situation that we have is that we have to win the game and if not we will not continue in this competition.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We want to have another chance to play another two games, to have the chance of the next stages. “It’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity.” More

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      Man Utd flop Antony could be joined at Real Betis by fellow Red Devils outcast as they target loan transfer

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      REAL BETIS are reportedly ready to offer Tyrell Malacia an Old Trafford escape. The Red Devils have already sent Antony on loan to the LaLiga club for the remainder of the season.Tyrell Malacia has been linked with a loan move away from Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe Dutchman could be teaming up with Antony at Real BetisCredit: GettyAntony has endured a miserable time in the North West since signing for £85.5million in September 2022. He joined Betis – currently 10th in Spain’s top tier – last Friday, but didn’t play in a 1-0 win over Mallorca at the weekend.Malacia has also struggled at Old Trafford after becoming Erik ten Hag’s first signing in June of the same year. He has appeared in just 25 games across the last three seasons, failing to notch either a goal or assist. READ MORE ON MAN UTDMalacia only returned to first-team football last November after serious knee surgery. The 25-year-old was sidelined for 15 months but has since been unable to nail down a place under Ruben Amorim.According to The Mail, Betis are preparing a late loan bid for Malacia before Monday’s deadline. The full-back is desperate for regular minutes, with United hoping to bring in Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShould Dorgu join United before the deadline, Malacia would be pushed further down the pecking order.He has appeared only seven times this season after making his triumphant return from injury.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?All of those appearances have been off the bench, including in United’s dramatic 2-1 Europa League win over Rangers last week.Malacia told United’s official website prior to his return: “I always want to play good games, so it doesn’t matter against who. “I feel sharp and I feel ready. All I want to do is to play football. “It’s been a long time so I’m happy to be back.”MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet.United are hoping Antony can rediscover the form which made him one of Europe’s most exciting wingers at Ajax.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince joining almost three years ago, the Brazilian has made 96 appearances but only contributed 12 goals and five assists.Antony has picked up 14 yellow cards during this time – more than the amount of goals he scored. 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      Georgina Rodriguez looks flawless as she shows off her curves in leggings sending fans wild

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      GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ has sent fans wild after showing off her curves in tight leggings.The stunning model and girlfriend of Cristiano Ronaldo shared snaps of herself wearing a white outfit while lying on a sofa.Georgina Rodriguez wowed fans with her latest picturesCredit: Instagram @georginagioShe wore a flawless white outfitCredit: Instagram @georginagioShe shared the snaps with her 65.1million followersCredit: Instagram @georginagioShe uploaded the pictures to Instagram for her 65.1million followers.Georgina, 31, captioned the post: “Dance class”.Her followers immediately flocked to the comment section to hail the flawless snaps.One posted: “Wowww.”READ MORE ON GEORGINAA second commented: “Wonderful.”A third wrote: “The makeup is a masterpiece!”A fourth pined: “So gorgeous.”A fifth said: “Ready for a movie.”Most read in FootballAnother added: “It’s perfect for the time of black and white.”Georgina celebrated her birthday on Monday, which prompted her partner Cristiano Ronaldo to spark marriage rumours.Ten times Georgina Rodriguez drove fans wild with bikini snapsHe posted on his own social media a snap of the two of them with the capiton: “For the mother, partner, friend, my wife.”Happy birthday, love. Your light illuminates us and your love infects us.”Earlier this month, she left her fans saying, “Imagine being Cristiano,” as she flaunted her curves in a bikini.Over the Christmas period, the couple jetted off to Lapland in a snowy festive trip.Inside the glamorous world of Georgina Rodriguez…Georgina lives a life to be enviedCredit: InstagramThe stunning partner of Cristiano Ronaldo offers insights into her world using her social channelsCredit: instagram @georginagioShe has over 50 million followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe met Ronaldo whilst working as a shop girl at DiorCredit: The Mega AgencyShe is now the mother to his five children, two of which Georgina is the maternal motherCredit: EPAGeorgina now resides in Saudi Arabia follower her partner’s move to the countryCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagramGeorgina loves luxury holidays and can often be seen on mega yachtsCredit: Instagram @georginagioBoats are a big love of hersCredit: Refer to CaptionShe travels almost exclusively by private jetCredit: Georgina RodríguezThe Argentine beauty is a regularly at the Venice film festival where she can be seen turning headsCredit: GettyGeorgina is loved by fashion magazines for her sense of styleCredit: AlamyShe models for a range of companiesCredit: georginagio/InstagramRodríguez has modelled for PrettyLittleThing lingerieCredit: InstagramGeorgina’s love of travel is something she regularly shares on her social channels, including this trip to IbizaCredit: Instagram, @georginagio More

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      Steven Gerrard ‘set to leave Al Ettifaq’ with Liverpool legend’s exit package on brink of completion

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      STEVEN GERRARD is set to leave Al Ettifaq, according to reports.The former Liverpool captain’s side sit just five points above the relegation zone in the Saudi Pro League.Steven Gerrard is set to be sacked by Al EttifaqCredit: GettyGerrard has asked to leave Al Ettifaq amid a disastrous season, according to reports from Spanish outlet Marca.Al Ettifaq have slumped to 12th in the table after winning just five of their 17 league games this term.Gerrard picks up a reported £15.2m a year in the Gulf state, but his star-studded side are in the midst of a poor run of form. Al Ettifaq have won just one game since the turn of the year and most recently drew 2-2 with second-bottom side Al Wehda FC.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Liverpool legend’s resignation request has been submitted to the Financial Sustainability Committee for the Saudi Arabian top-flight.A compensation package for the 44-year-old is yet to be rubber-stamped, according Saudi newspaper Al-Youm.Gerrard outlined how unhappy he was at the way things are going on Saturday, which could’ve been his final press conference as boss.He told RecordSport: “I am not satisfied with the players’ performance and levels.I see the draw as losing two important points.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I take responsibility for the result of the match, including missed opportunities and the drop in performance.”The management of Al Ettifaq has provided everything the team needs in terms of support and transfers. Injuries and the absence of key players have negatively affected performance.”Steven Gerrard is going to be a grandad at 44Club chiefs took action to assist Gerrard in November with Michael Beale jetting out to the Middle East to work as Gerrard’s assistant once again.Former Ibrox sporting director Mark Allen was shown the door at the time.Gerrard joined Al Ettifaq in 2023, after being sacked by Aston Villa in October 2022.He spent less than 12 months in charge at Villa Park, and now, after a year and a half in the Middle East, looks to be out of work again.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      How European play-offs could dramatically change Dream Team landscape in February

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      THE league phases of the Champions League and Europa League will reach a dramatic conclusion this week.Amid all the excitement, Dream Team managers should pay careful attention to how it all plays out as the results could have a dramatic impact on the game’s landscape.Keep a keen eye on tonight’s actionCredit: Dream TeamLiverpool are one of only two teams (alongside Barcelona) to have already secured automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16.Only a disaster for Arsenal away to Girona (combined with unfortunate results elsewhere) will prevent the Gunners from joining Arne Slot’s side in the last 16.However, Aston Villa’s fate is less certain ahead of their clash with Celtic at Villa Park.A win over the Scottish giants will give them every chance of an automatic spot but they’ll also need at least one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta, Milan, Atletico Madrid or Inter to falter to a certain degree.Emery has overseen four wins from seven in the Champions League this seasonCredit: ReutersAs for Manchester City, the 2023 winners of the competition are at risk of elimination following defeat to PSG last week.Pep Guardiola’s troops are currently 25th in the table but will earn a play-off spot with a win over Club Brugge at the Etihad this evening.Hypothetically, let’s say both Villa and Man City end up finishing between 9th-24th in the table and progress to the play-off round.The first legs of the Champions League play-offs are schedule for February 11th/12th and the second legs for February 18th/19th.Most read in FootballThis would mean double headers for Villa and Man City in Gameweeks 23 and 24.Man City’s stuttering campaign may create an opportunity for Dream Team bossesCredit: GettyAt present, Liverpool and Everton are the only teams set to pull double duty in Gameweek 23 (due to the rescheduled Merseyside derby) but additional fixtures for the likes of Erling Haaland (£7.9m), Phil Foden (£6.6m), Morgan Rogers (£3.5m), Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) and others would change the outlook considerably.It’s a similar situation in the Europa League with the play-off legs for the continent’s secondary competition also scheduled for Gameweeks 23 and 24.However, both Manchester United and Tottenham are in strong positions to qualify for the last 16 automatically after wins over Rangers and Hoffenheim respectively in Gameweek 20.The Red Devils are fourth ahead of their trip to FCSB, who are also pushing for a top-eight finish, while sixth-placed Spurs host Swedish outfit Elfsborg knowing a positive result will ensure they avoid the stress of the play-offs.Man United’s late winner against Rangers delivered a huge boostCredit: GettyMore than a few Dream Team bosses will be hoping things go awry for Man United and Spurs on Thursday night as that will mean more point-scoring opportunities for Bruno Fernandes (£6.3m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) and company next month.Make no mistake, the addition of extra fixtures for any of the aforementioned teams in February will affect transfer and captaincy strategy.Dream Team’s Match Centre will update as required once the European play-offs are confirmed but it’s never too early to start formulating potential plans.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor example, Haaland is currently second among the most transferred-out players prior to Gameweek 22 but those managers will probably be scrambling to bring him back in if City end up in the Champions League play-offs.All eyes on the Etihad this evening…Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Man Utd stars hit Ruben Amorim as he runs birthday gauntlet in training… and is left holding his back

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars jokingly hit Ruben Amorim as he ran through a birthday gauntlet before training started today.The Portuguese manager held his back at the end of the player-made tunnel as the squad honoured his 40th birthday.Ruben Amorim ran through a birthday gauntlet before Man Utd training todayCredit: ReutersAmorim emerged holding his back as Darren Fletcher joined himCredit: ReutersThe 40-year-old gestured as if he was holding his back from pain.Credit: X @ManUtdAmorim was spotted with wife Maria in Wilmslow on MondayAmorim’s celebrated his milestone age with wife Maria Joao Diogo in Manchester on Monday after United’s 1-0 win over Fulham.And the celebrations continued at Carrington in front of cameras on Wednesday morning.Amorim could be seen jokingly pulling and shoving fellow birthday boy Darren Fletcher before sprinting through a corridor of players.The pair decided to run through the gauntlet together as the squad stood eagerly waiting to give them a wallop as they passed.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFletcher, who turns 41 on Saturday, emerged first, before Amorim gestured as if he was holding his back from pain.Club-captain Bruno Fernandes and Chelsea-linked Alejandro Garnacho stood at the start of the tunnel and could be slapping their hands in.And fans joked that outcasts Marcus Rashford and Casemiro might have been tempted to give Amorim a firmer whack.Rashford, whose training application has been questioned by Amorim, could be seen getting involved at the end of gauntlet.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAmorim joked that he already feels 10 years older after Lisandro Martinez’ deflected strike earned his side a late win at Craven Cottage on Sunday.He said: “It’s not 40…I’m 50! After two months at Manchester United, it’s 50. It’s a privilege to spend my 40th birthday here.Marcus Rashford trains with Man Utd ahead of transfer deadline day “It will be fantastic because we won. Then I will have dinner with my kids.”Rashford was pictured laughing with his team-mates during the rest of the session after Amorim’s latest brutal post-match comments.The former Sporting gaffer took a swipe at the home-grown England international by declaring that he’d rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital over a player who underperforms in training.Meanwhile, the gauntlet has become something of a tradition this season.Amorim brought it in to celebrate players returning to training from injury, including the likes of Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro.Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell said it is a positive sign for the squad. He told MUTV: “It’s what you want from a group like this. A football season is very long and you spend a lot of time together. “At some moments of the season, you see them more than your own family and that is certainly the case when you are working long hours at Carrington.“If you can establish those relationships and those links, in the hard moments during the season, you can push each other.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can demand more, so I think he is looking forward to getting to know his players more.”The Red Devils travel to face Romanian outfit FCSB for their final league phase match in the Europa League on Thursday.MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. 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      Forgotten Man Utd star returns to training in major boost for Ruben Amorim having played just 98 MINUTES this season

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      FORGOTTEN Manchester United star Luke Shaw has returned to training after playing just 98 minutes this season.The England left-back has been plagued by injuries once again and has barely featured under new boss Ruben Amorim.Luke Shaw is back in training with Man UtdCredit: PAThe left-back has played just 98 minutes of football this seasonCredit: PAShaw was joined by fellow forgotten man Marcus RashfordCredit: PAIndeed, Shaw has just about clocked up the equivalent of one entire football match since playing for his country in their Euros final defeat to Spain.His absence has left United light in two positions in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.As well as the left wing-back role, Shaw can also play the left centre-back position.But he could now be available for tomorrow’s Europa League game against FCSB.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShaw was seen on the training field with teammates including Marcus Rashford on Wednesday.And he could now be thrust into the starting XI on the left, which has been occupied by right-footer Diogo Dalot during Amorim’s reign.But Shaw may find he has a battle on his hands once he’s match fit.That’s because United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 20-year-old is rated as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe.He is expected to fly from Italy to England today.Marcus Rashford trains with Man Utd ahead of transfer deadline day Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu is expected to join Man Utd tomorrowCredit: GettyTyrell Malacia could be on his way to Real BetisCredit: AlamyAnd Dorgu could complete a £30million transfer on Thursday, with a potential debut on Sunday against Crystal Palace to come.The youngster’s arrival could spell the end of Tyrell Malacia’s miserable Old Trafford career.The Dutchman has emerged as a loan target for Spanish side Real Betis.And he could jump at the chance for a fresh start, with United misfit Antony having already signed for the LaLiga club this month.Meanwhile, fans had their ironic say on Shaw’s return to action.One fan said: “Luke Shaw every time we sign a new LB,” shared alongside a photo of Shaw in a Brazil shirt as a mock-up of Roberto Carlos.A second said: “Luke Shaw whenever there is competition for his position,” shared with a WWE getting up from a wheelchair.A third said: “Luke Shaw after seeing we’re signing Patrick Dorgu,” shared with a video of the Undertaker emerging from a coffin in a WWE match.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother said: “Buy a LB and Luke Shaw instantly back in first-team training. Couldn’t write it”A fifth added: “Every time we sign a new left-back Luke Shaw rises like a phoenix.” More

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      Liverpool star Cody Gakpo incredibly reveals how close he came to joining Prem strugglers but left transfer up to fate

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      LIVERPOOL star Cody Gakpo was one goal away from joining one of two sides who were struggling in the Premier League.Gakpo, who linked with Leeds and Southampton before his Anfield move, said he let fate decide his future and “asked God for a sign.”Cody Gakpo was one goal away from joining Leeds or Southampton in April 2022Credit: ESPNThe forward revealed he left his PSV future up to fateCredit: GettySeveral pieces had to fall into place for Gakpo to sign for Liverpool – including a hat-trick scored by chance.Manchester United explored the possibility of signing him when a deal for Ajax attacker Antony proved difficult.But when United appeared to pull out of the race for Gakpo, the forward had three options left in 2022: join Leeds, the Saints or stay at PSV.Gakpo told ESPN that he used a league game against Volendam to make his mind up in an extraordinary way.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 25-year-old said: “I prayed, and I asked God for guidance. But you see, I had to make sure I got his message. “So I said, ‘If I score only once I’ll go to Southampton…. If I score twice, I’ll go to Leeds…. If I score three times, I’ll stay.”The striker added: “The next day we played, and I scored twice. I was also involved in a third goal — and at first, it was called as an own goal.”Then I was subbed out. So, two goals, right? I thought, Ah, OK, it’s Leeds then. I was at peace with my decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”As I was sitting on the bench, I told my friend, Jordan Teze, who now plays for Monaco, the whole story. “He was like, ‘If God wants you to stay, that own goal will be awarded to you.’ Cody Gakpo looks back on his debut for PSV Eindhoven “It was like a coin toss, waiting to see what they decided. It could have gone either way! “But after the game, they gave me the goal. I scored three, so my fate changed. I stayed at PSV.”Gakpo reportedly refused to get on a plane to Leeds Bradford Airport in 2022, according to Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink.The decision to bide his time appears to have benefitted Gakpo.The Dutchman joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in the 2023 January transfer window.After a rocky start, he has since made more than 100 appearances for the Reds, scoring 27 goals.Gakpo already has 14 goals this season after scoring 16 last term.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis brace against Ipswich on Saturday made it five goals in his last six Premier League matches.Liverpool travel to Gakpo’s former side PSV in their final Champions League group fixture of the season. Gakpo scored two against Ipswich on SaturdayCredit: AFP More