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      Marcus Rashford needs just 81 SECONDS to get Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd reign off to perfect start

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      MARCUS RASHFORD got the Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United off to the perfect start by scoring after just 81 SECONDS.Amorim’s side went down to Ipswich for the first game in charge since the former Sporting Lisbon boss took over.Marcus Rashford scored just 81 seconds into Ruben Amorim’s reign at Man UtdCredit: PAMuch had been made about Amorim’s proposed switch to a back three with wing-backs.But with only two natural centre-backs named in the starting XI for the Ipswich clash there was concern over how it might work.However, those questions were dismissed as right wing-back Amad Diallo burst through the Tractor Boys defence and towards the penalty area.He then whipped a cross into the penalty area which found Rashford who was playing at centre-forward.read more in footballThe 27-year-old was then able to sidefoot the ball into the back of the net with a deft touch past goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.SunSport had taken a look at how Rashford might rediscover his goalscoring touch under Amorim as a central striker or on the left-side of the front three.And the decision to play him ahead of Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee provided early vindication for Amorim and his coaches.Before the game against Ipswich, Rashford had scored just one in the Premier League – coming against Southampton in September.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe had bagged three more in the Europa League and League Cup, but had generally been asked to play in a more creative role that had yielded three assists in all competitions.The move to centre-forward puts Rashford into more dangerous areas where he will be able to impact the game in the most decisive way.Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich (1)Elsewhere in the team, Diogo Dalot lined up at left wing-back, with Jonny Evans, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui named as the three centre-backs.Christian Eriksen and Casemiro played as the two central midfielders in the system, while Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho starred as the two 10s behind Rashford.However, after the goal United struggled to match Ipswich throughout the game.Andre Onana was in top form to keep Liam Delap at bay from close range either side of half-time.But he could nothing when Omari Hutchinson’s long-range strike took a deflection off of Mazraoui and spun into the top corner.The Red Devils hardly had a sniff even at the Ipswich goal even with second half changes seeing Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount introduced.Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5 More

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      Roy Keane furious as Adam Lallana escapes red card for challenge Man Utd legend ‘would’ve been sent off’ for

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      ROY KEANE was left fuming after Adam Lallana escaped a red card against Liverpool.The Southampton midfielder caught Reds star Ryan Gravenberch high on his shin with his studs at St Mary’s.Adam Lallana escaped a red card against LiverpoolCredit: Sky SportsRoy Keane claimed he would have been sent off for the challengeCredit: Sky SportsLallana, 36, was not sent off for the challenge by referee Sam Barrott nor did VAR intervene with the onfield decision.He was only shown a yellow card as a result of the tackle.The decision to leave the former Liverpool star on the pitch left Keane fuming in the Sky Sports studio.He said: “I think so, he is not in control, he is not even looking at the ball.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I would have been sent off here. I would have been 100 per cent. I would have had no complaints.”They have looked at the player there and thought he is not really a nasty type, none of the Liverpool players are after him.”He is an ex-team-mate. I think he has got away with one. I think it is a red.”Keane recieved 13 red cards during his career which is the joint record in English football.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe decision did not majorly impact the match as Liverpool still finished as winners on the South Coast.Liverpool took the lead in the match after Dominik Szoboszlai made the hosts pay for some sloppy play in the defence.Man Utd hardman Roy Keane and Sky Sports presenter blind rank BISCUITS before Ruben Amorim’s first match_1Southampton then set themselves up for a shock win as Adam Armstrong and Mateus Fernandes fired them ahead.However, it was not enough to stop Arne Slot’s Liverpool as Mohamed Salah netted a brace to restore their lead.The 3-2 victory now puts Liverpool eight points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League table.Tyler Dibling was a bright spark for Southampton as he impressed so much so Arsenal fans called for the club to sign him up.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Southampton 2 Liverpool 3: Reds go EIGHT points clear at top of Premier League after Salah penalty and McCarthy howler

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      ANYONE who suggested last summer might have been the time for Mohammed Salah to move on must be hoping they never actually said as much.Liverpool’s Egyptian King delivered a brace to send the Reds eight points clear and keep their foot firmly on the throat of a struggling Manchester City.Mohamed Salah scored twice to guide Liverpool to a narrow win over SouthamptonCredit: ReutersDominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a stunning curlerCredit: GettySaints fought back with Adam Armstong scoring and assistingCredit: GettyBut Salah was on hand to score past blundering Alex McCarthyCredit: PAHe was needed too.Rock bottom Southampton were not supposed to be a problem – but they caused no end of issues against a somewhat out of sorts Liverpool.You would have been forgiven for thinking Storm Bert and getting to the south coast would be Slot’s biggest concern this weekend.But goals from Adam Armstrong and Mateus Fernandes, after Dominik Szoboszlai’s opener, had Saints ahead and Liverpool worried they had blown a brilliant chance.Until Salah turned up. One delicate and delightful finish before a clinical penalty. He should have grabbed a third, too, but that does not matter right now.If there were still doubts about securing his new deal within the club, anyone harbouring them should be removed from their post.Russell Martin, spared the sack during the international break, named a team which appeared to have been selected with the help of a blindfold and a darts board.Towering Paul Onuachu returned from the cold up front for his first Premier League start since May 2023, the day Southampton were relegated.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWith defender Jan Bednarek injured midfielder Flynn Downes dropped into a defence which included winger Ryan Fraser at left-back against Salah.Both experiments largely failed, though Southampton were improved from recent performances.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsMartin’s concern will be that they only seem to turn up against teams they have little chance of beating.Liverpool had their own injury issues, with Trent Alexander-Arnold injured, but they were solved in a much more straightforward manner as Conor Bradley stepped in.Despite being the lowest scorers in the league the Saints had Liverpool concerned early on, Fernandes and Adam Armstrong causing trouble.Off the ball, they were very content to sit deep, Onuachu back defending 25 yards from goal with a bank of four and then five behind him.While Alex McCarthy, in for the injured Aaron Ramsdale, had to stop Salah twice at his near post, Liverpool were largely restricted to shots from range – Szboszlai and Cody Gakpo both trying their luck and seeing efforts saved.The league leaders were pinning Southampton back but they were holding firm. What a moment, then, for Downes to inflict the weekly act of self-harm.After McCarthy saved a soft effort from Bradley, he rolled the ball to Fernandes on the edge of the box.Under pressure from Curtis Jones the young midfielder played back to Downes who, without as much as a glance up, hacked the ball to the feet of Szoboszlai and watched him curl a left-foot finish off the inside of the post.Downes came close to making up for his error but was denied by Kelleher.The goal had caused a shift, though. Liverpool looked unsure of themselves.Teen Tyler Dibling was causing issues down the right, snatching possession and driving forwards.There must be something about St. Mary’s which renders defenders incompetent. It has troubled Southampton all season and Liverpool now seemed to have been infected.They were inviting the Saints onto them before a sloppy challenge from Andy Robertson, bringing down Dibling on the 12-yard line after Virgil van Dijk had conceded possession, gave the hosts a penalty and their way back in.After a shocking spot kick, Armstrong was sharp enough to beat everyone to the rebound and tap in just an eighth goal of the Premier League season for Southampton.Given mistakes at the back have gifted so many goals to opponents this season, it was about time one went Southampton’s way.McCarthy spilled the ball from a corner, but luckily it was prodded away to Fraser. The Scot moved forwards and clipped the ball ahead for Dibling who took one touch before lifting it over the Liverpool defence and into Armstrong.After turning and sorting his feet out, Armstrong squared for Fernandes who grabbed his first Premier League goal with a cool first time finish.Fans were delirious in the wind and rain and those on the pitch looked to be keeping their cool and, more importantly, the ball.But if there is any team you would be confident of coming from behind to beat it is Martin’s Southampton.Their under-pressure manager cannot be too downbeat about conceding against Liverpool, but he must just wish they did not make it so easy.Ryan Gravenberch, reinvented under Slot, lifted a ball from deep to set Salah racing away one-on-one.McCarthy got his angles all wrong, meaning a delightful cushioned touch was all it took to send the ball slowly rolling over the line. He had done well in Ramsdale’s place to that point, but the ex-Arsenal man would have been sharper here.READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthampton were hanging on well, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens with brave challenges, but another sloppy mistake cost them.Sub Yuki Suguwara, defending a Salah cross at the far post all but caught the ball with his right hand. There was no hesitation from ref Sam Barrott and no VAR to rescue the Saints, while the outcome was inevitable with Salah standing over it. More

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      Steve Cooper SACKED by Leicester after just 12 games despite keeping Foxes out of relegation zone

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      LEICESTER have sacked manager Steve Cooper following yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.The Foxes were treated to regular boos from their own fans after being outplayed at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.Steve Cooper has been sacked by Leicester after just 12 matchesCredit: GettyCooper cut an irate figure throughout after claiming his Foxes side should have been awarded a second penalty.But the loss, his sixth in 12 games, saw Leicester drop to 16th in the table.And Cooper has now parted ways with the club just five months after replacing now-Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca.He picked up only two wins after a topsy-turvy summer transfer window.Former Nottingham Forest boss Cooper saw star man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall follow Maresca to Stamford Bridge.But the Foxes were reduced to bargain shopping in the summer.And the lack of quality reinforcements quickly showed as Leicester struggled to pick up points.Cooper’s assistants Alan Tate and Steve Rand have also left the King Power.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCoach Ben Dawson will now oversee training ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford.And Foxes chiefs will now conduct a search for Cooper’s eventual permanent replacement.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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      Sasha Attwood and newborn daughter support Jack Grealish at Man City vs Tottenham clash in adorable photo

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      JACK GREALISH’S partner and newborn daughter were in attendance at the Etihad to watch Manchester City take on Tottenham.Childhood sweethearts Grealish and Attwood celebrated becoming parents for the first time in with September with their baby girl Mila.Sasha Attwood and baby support Jack Grealish at match,Credit: InstagramAnd Sasha and Mila were seen at the Etihad on Saturday.Taking to Instagram, Sasha posted a photo of herself sitting down with a blue and white stripe coat while holding Mila.Grealish, 29, was named on the bench for the clash.That meant he was powerless to prevent Man City from going 3-0 down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then came on in the 74th minute to replace Rico Lewis.However, he was unable to turn the game around before Brennan Johnson scored a fourth goal for Spurs.That final goal compounded City to their fifth defeat in a row, something they have not seen since Stuart Pearce was in charge in 2006.It also saw Pep Guardiola suffer his worst ever home defeat.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGrealish has played 11 games this season.He is yet to score but has contributed three assists in all competitions.Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood announce pregnancySasha works as a model and influencer.She has been backed to make millions as the “ultimate muminfluencer”.Inside Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish’s relationshipSasha Attwood and Jack Grealish have become parents for the first time, but their relationship started well over a decade ago…The pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school, with Sasha previously saying they have been together since she was 15. Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.Despite the long-term nature of their relationship, she remained on the sidelines when his career took off.However, intense interest in Jack’s private life came to a head in 2021 when England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of their romance, Sasha was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram, receiving 200 death threats a day from “young girls”. The pair were spotted on holiday together following the tournament and slowly began showing more of their relationship on social media when the vile trolling died down. In 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary and purchased a seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres worth £5.6 million.They moved in to the home in late 2023, but Sasha and members of Jack’s family were subject to a terrifying robbery while cheering on the Manchester City star during a televised match just after Christmas. Their latest milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7, and the birth of daughter Mila Rose on September 27. More

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      Why does Tyler Dibling wear his socks so low? Southampton wonderkid reveals Chelsea ace inspired decision

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      TYLER DIBLING has revealed how a Chelsea ace is behind his choice to wear his socks ultra-low.The Southampton star has impressed this season, having become one of the most promising youngsters in the Premier League.Tyler Dibling wears his socks very low when playing for SouthamptonCredit: APJimmy Jay Morgan told Dibling to go for the lookCredit: AlamyDibling, 18, has been likened to Manchester City winger Jack Grealish for his playing style.He also wears part of his kit in a similar manner, with his socks very low down when on the pitch.However, it was not the former Aston Villa star who inspired him to go for the bold look.Instead, Dibling was told by a fellow teen star to wear his socks low down.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe told Southampton World: “One day Jimmy Jay Morgan just told me to do it in a game, and I’ve stuck with it ever since.”The pair were team-mates in the youth ranks at Southampton before Morgan left for Chelsea in 2023.Dibling’s impact at the Saints this season has not gone unnoticed despite the club’s struggles.During his performance against Liverpool, Arsenal fans begged the club to sign him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has taken on board the advice that has been offered to him by veteran midfielder Adam Lallana.He said: “Adam Lallana has been most helpful.Football teams that controversially changed their badge”He’s done it at the top level already and is always asking me questions and giving advice.”Dibling has also revealed that his idols growing up were Eden Hazard and Lionel Messi.So far this season he has made 12 appearances in the Premier League under Russell Martin.He scored his first senior goal in the 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town back in September.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Ruben Amorim names first Man Utd XI as new boss springs selection surprise and Luke Shaw back on bench

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      RUBEN AMORIM’S first Manchester United XI has seen him appear to STICK with Erik ten Hag’s four-defender system.The Portuguese boss named his first-ever Red Devils side for this afternoon’s Premier League clash at Ipswich.Ruben Amorim has picked his first-ever starting XI for Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd United fans were eager to see if Amorim would adopt his famed 3-4-3 formation from Sporting Lisbon.He led the club to two league titles with the versatile shape.But on his United bow, Amorim appears to be continuing with Ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 system.The gaffer named just two centre-backs in his side, with Matthijs de Ligt partnering Jonny Evans plus Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot either side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn midfield, it appeared to be a three of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen with Bruno Fernandes pushed further forward.While in attack, Marcus Rashford was selected as striker with Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho out wide.Amorim also opted to select a strong bench, with left-backs Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw both deemed fit after their long-term injuries.Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte made for impressive midfield options.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile the forward line consisted of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.But there was no sign of 16-year-old defender Goodwill Kukonki, who travelled with the squad but did not make the bench.Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ Speaking earlier in the week, Amorim warned fans that he was unlikely to stray far from Ten Hag’s previous team.He said: “As a coach you have to choose one way or another, I choose always 100 percent our way. I choose to risk a bit. “I believe so much in our way of playing, they will believe too. There is no second way. We will adapt some players because we don’t have a different profile. “Maybe on Sunday you will see the starting 11 and not feel a lot of change but you will see it in the game and the positioning or where they receive the ball.”United XI to face Ipswich: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Evans, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; RashfordBench: Bayindir, Malacia, Shaw, Mainoo, Mount, Ugarte, Antony, Hojlund, Zirkzee More

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      Where it’s all going wrong for Man City amid horror run, from no Rodri to ageing squad and transfer misses since Treble

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      PEP GUARDIOLA warned during the pre-season tour of the US that the start of the season was going to be challenging.As usual, he was right – although he probably wasn’t expecting such a disastrous run of five successive defeats.Pep Guardiola has been given a massive headache with his stuttering Manchester City sideCredit: PAProfligate finishing and a leaky defence have cost them dearlyCredit: GettyThe absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has also hit them hardCredit: EPAGuardiola admits that a few issues at the start of the season have gradually got worse – leading to the worst result of his tenure at the weekend, a 4-0 home defeat by Spurs and sparking talk of a crisis at the Etihad.Here Sunsport takes a deep-dive into what exactly is going wrong for the four-in-a-row champs and what they must do to get back on track.RODRIIronically he was back at the Etihad on Saturday to show off his Ballon d’Or – but the Spaniard must have been shocked by what he saw.The 28-year-old is the linchpin of City’s recent success and as the newly-voted best player in the world – any team would miss him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was a reason why Guardiola picked him every week – just ask Kalvin Phillips – and without him they are not the same.Before he did his cruciate against Arsenal in September, City turned in an electric 20 minutes – and since then they haven’t come anywhere close.They need to find a way to live without him as he won’t be back this season.Rodri’s 45 minutes against Brentford in one of his few games before injury this season helped City control the gameThey have been unable to repeat the trick with the likes of Rico Lewis in midfieldOTHER INJURIESIt isn’t just Rodri they have missed. Oscar Bobb was the stand-out star of City’s pre season and was tipped for great things but then broke his leg in training.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn addition, more established stars like Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish have missed key games.Then there’s the absence of Kevin De Bruyne – for so long a talisman for City.Rodri officially out for season after undergoing surgery in devastating blow for Man City star Only five starts this season due to fitness concerns has sparked fears this could be the beginning of the end of the brilliant Belgian, 33.GROWING OLD TOGETHERGuardiola mentioned it himself in his press conference on Friday – he has 12 players in his squad who are 30+ before insisting that it’s not necessarily a problem.Several of them are assured of their place in City folklore for what they have achieved in recent years but has the club allowed the heart to rule the head with them?They have looked leggy and lacked energy this season while injuries are starting to creep in – as they often do in older players.If Pep is going to stay another two-and-a-half years then some big decisions will have to be made.He hasn’t shied away from them before and he needs to do it again as an overhaul is needed.HUNGERAfter winning four league titles in a row, do City still have the hunger to go and win a fifthCredit: ReutersCity released a documentary this week called “Together: Four in a Row” which showed some epic dressing room rants by Guardiola.In one he tells his players “There is a reason why nobody did four Premier Leagues in a row – it’s because it’s so difficult”.As usual, it worked as his players became the first to do it.But what now? Can this same group keep finding it within themselves to do it yet again?The signs so far are that the motivation and hunger may have dropped just a notch or two and in the Prem you can’t afford to do that.FATIGUEPhil Foden admitted he felt worn out after dazzling for his club last season and then helping England to the final of Euro 2024.And he probably wasn’t the only one – as no club had more players on international duty this summer than City.It was a scratch squad that went to America for pre-season and Pep must have known deep down that this was coming down the road.His players have gone the extra mile for him time and time again – but right now they look like they’ve run out of road.TRANSFERSTransfers they have made since the Treble have fallen flatCredit: RexJeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan.Those are the players City have signed since they won the treble – and how many have been a success?Gvardiol for sure – despite a couple of lapses on Saturday – and Kovacic has been a useful addition too.But with the rest we are still waiting – while Gundogan, 34, looks to be a shadow of the player he was before his year in Barcelona.Meanwhile in that time, they allowed Cole Palmer and Julian Alvarez to leave – not to mention Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte.All of them would have been handy to have around during these difficult few weeks.Guardiola still insists his squad is exceptional when everyone is available. But they aren’t and cracks are starting to show.GOALSErling Haaland will always score them – and has 15 already this season.But he’s also missing a lot of chances – and despite the scoreline he could easily have gone home with the match-ball on Saturday.To compound that – not many others are chipping in. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the Prem, Gvardiol and Kovacic have three apiece and John Stones has two.Then to compound it, they are conceding too easily at the other end.Erling Haaland proved to be wasteful against TottenhamRodri fears Man City burnoutBy Dave KiddIT’S little wonder that Rodri is knackered — because Manchester City’s bid for a double Treble is like competing in back-to-back Ironman triathlons.The Spain international spoke of his own need to take a rest, he revealed that John Stones played through injury in the Champions League quarter-final against Real and insisted that the LaLiga leaders were well-rested and fresher.And asked about Phil Foden — the only City player to have clocked up more minutes than him this season — Rodri offered up the observation: “We need a rest, to be honest.”Every question Rodri was asked, he turned the conversation back to the subject of individual and collective tiredness.When invited to praise Stones, so effective in a dual midfield and defensive role, Rodri said: “It’s risky, it’s brave but it’s the way we play. As a centre-back, John was brilliant.”But then he added: “He was feeling tight and he had some problems at the end but he showed his courage until the end because he knew that the team needed him.“He didn’t say, ‘I need to go off’, he stayed until the end. This is the kind of thing we’re going to need for the second leg.”And asked about Foden, who netted his 22nd goal of the season with a banger in the Bernabeu, Rodri said: “Every one of us can do better, even myself. But we need to rest, to be honest.” More