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      Newcastle 0 Brighton 1: Danny Welbeck scores winner before he is stretchered off needing oxygen in worrying scenes

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      ANTHONY GORDON got the drinks in but it was the vintage Danny Welbeck celebrating victory from the medical room. The ex-Arsenal star was carried off receiving oxygen for the pain with a bad back after securing the points for Brighton against a toothless Newcastle.Danny Welbeck fired the Seagulls ahead against the run of playCredit: GettyThe former Man Utd striker has already levelled his goal tally for last seasonCredit: GettyA frustrated Eddie Howe saw his side fail to take their chancesCredit: GettyWelbeck needed oxygen after being stretchered off late in the contestCredit: ReutersSeagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler, two years the striker’s junior, will be praying the blow inflicted by Fabian Schar’s knee is not as serious as first feared.Welbeck put the dampeners on Gordon’s Toon party to inflict a first home defeat of the season on the Magpies.He only managed five goals in the entirety of last season – but this was his fifth already this term as he continued the form of his life.And it was enough to call last orders on Newcastle’s incredible 280-day unbeaten St James’ run.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe day started with pints flowing in the nearby Strawberry pub after Gordon put money behind the bar as a thank you to fans for their support after his penalty miss at Everton.And it looked like they would be getting sunk well into the night as he and Newcastle started strong.Lewis Hall wanted a penalty in the opening stages after he ran at Jack Hinshelwood, who then slipped inside his box and ended up touching the ball with his hand while grounded.The ref deemed it an accident, and the VAR team soon confirmed that they felt the same way, much to the relief of the visitors.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrighton’s one attempt at a breakaway was stopped in its tracks before they had even gone over half way, Dan Burn going into the book for yanking back his ex-Seagulls team-mate Welbeck.Gordon then got his first gallop, beating two men and pulling back for Alexander Isak, only the Swede’s strike smashed into his own player Jacob Murphy and wide. Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew reveals why he axed Hatem Ben Arfa despite him being an ‘unbelievable talent’ Brighton could not get out from their 18-yard line, and nerves looked to be jangling as Burn headed into the side-netting before the game changed dramatically within two minutes.Isak beat the offside trap to meet Bruno Guimaraes’ beautifully defence-splitting pass.He only had Verbruggen to beat, but the Dutch stopper stood tall to deny the usually lethal forward with his feet.It was a big miss – and within seconds Newcastle were punished as Brighton scored with their first shot.Welbeck went down after clashing with Fabian ScharCredit: PAThe golden oldie made it look so simple, chesting down Lewis Dunk’s long free-kick forward, playing a one-two with Georginio Rutter before holding off Tino Livramento and Hall to poke home.Gordon tried to fizz as Verbruggen palmed away a curling effort before he headed one over after the break.The goalie denied Isak twice, one right-handed after a slight deflection, inbetween saving a Joelinton strike as frustration began to mount around St. James’.Jeers met the decision to bring off Tonali, who was replaced by Joe Willock, but things could have turned toxic if Burn had not bravely blocked Ferdi Kadioglu’s volley.Gordon then ensured it was a flat-ending as he was sent clean through by Schar’s long-ball, but instead of taking it on, he opted to shoot early and it was straight at Verbruggen.Then the sad moment with Welbeck came, the former England international falling to the turf clutching lower back after going up for a header with Schar.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe received a standing ovation from both fans as he was carried off on a stretcher.But there were no cheers at the full-time whistle, which arrived with Verbruggen coming through a sea of bodies to collect a corner. More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Garnacho inspires comeback against Brentford but Casemiro struggles

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      MANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.Man Utd produced a crucial Old Trafford comebackCredit: AFPThe Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound and from a corner Brentford scored. He was already looking suspect as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.Matthijs de Ligt suffered a nasty cut during the first halfCredit: GettyJONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChristian Eriksen missed a golden chance in the first halfCredit: PACASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.Casemiro had a difficult afternoon before being replaced late onCredit: EPAMARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd Marcus Rashford unleashes a shot at goalCredit: ReutersBRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a man of the match performance.Alejandro Garnacho celebrates firing Man Utd levelCredit: AFPRASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.Rasmus Hojlund scored on his first Old Trafford start of the seasonCredit: GettySUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier.READ MORE SUN STORIESNoussair Mazraoui (for Garnacho, 90+1) – 6Back after a heart procedure for a few late minutes.Man Utd grabbed a crucial win for boss Erik ten HagCredit: AP More

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      Man Utd 2 Brentford 1: Hojlund and Garnacho stage comeback to ease Ten Hag pressure after controversial Pinnock goal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED turned fury over Brentford’s opener into a storming comeback win.Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund fired excellent goals after Ethan Pinnock headed the Bees in front amid first-half stoppage time.Rasmus Hojlund leads celebrations after his Man Utd comeback winnerCredit: ReutersHojlund lifted United’s second classy goal of the second periodCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho angled the Red Devils levelCredit: AFPPinnock struck after ref Samuel Barrott forced United defender Matthijs de Ligt off the pitch when defending a corner due to a bleeding head injury.But the Red Devils used their rage to good effect after the break.Garnacho soon slotted a brilliant equaliser.And Hojlund deftly clipped the home side in front midway through the second period.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat underlined the way United had transformed the contest after the break, with Garnacho influential.Ethan Pinnock nodded a controversial opener for BrentfordCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSErik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ More

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      Man Utd touchline MELTDOWN as De Ligt boots ball and Van Nistelrooy screams at official after Brentford controversy

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s bench went into total meltdown after Brentford’s controversial first-half opener.The Bees opened the scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time through Ethan Pinnock after a corner-kick that saw United defending while a man down at Old Trafford.Man Utd’s bench exploded after Brentford’s controversial openerCredit: XMatthijs de Ligt kicked a ball away in anger at Old TraffordMan Utd assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy lashed out at the fourth officialCredit: XThat is because a bloodied Matthijs de Ligt was ordered to leave the pitch by referee Samuel Barrott as his head was busted open after a collision earlier in the match.De Ligt, 25, had first gone off for medical attention due to a gash to his head on the brink of first-half stoppage time.It appeared the Red Devils tried to patch the centre-back up three times.But the Netherlands international still appeared to be bleeding when he returned four minutes later.Read More on Man UtdAnd the ex-Bayern Munich star was promptly told to leave the pitch for more treatment.That was when Brentford scored, leading to an explosive reaction on the United bench.An enraged De Ligt kicked a ball away as he vented his frustrations at the late goal.And United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy lashed out at the fourth official presumably for allowing the set-piece to go ahead while one of his defenders was receiving treatment for a head injury.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited manager Erik ten Hag was also shown a yellow card for his protests.However, the hosts fought back just two minutes into the second half as they equalised with Alejandro Garnacho.Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ And Rasmus Hojlund turned the game on it head on 62 minutes to restore confidence at the Theatre of Dreams.Man Utd ace De Ligt was ordered to leave the pitch after he was busted openCredit: EPAMan Utd conceded a late goal by Brentford while defending with 10 menMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag was booked for protestingCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund slammed as ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ by Ben Foster for injuring team-mate in training

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Rasmus Hojlund was dubbed “rubbish” and “poor” by ex-England goalkeeper Ben Foster after breaking a team-mate’s tooth during training.The incident took place last summer before Euro 2024 when Hojlund, 21, linked up with Denmark to prepare for the tournament in Germany.Man Utd ace Rasmus Hojlund knocked a team-mate’s tooth out during trainingCredit: GettyLeicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was injured by Hojlund during training with DenmarkCredit: RexEx-Man Utd keeper Ben Foster branded Hojlund ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ after the incidentCredit: AlamyThe Danish national team organised an “optional” set-piece training that would see them working on corner-kicks with Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, 24, between the sticks.A cross was whipped in from the corner and Hermansen was set to pick the ball up in the air.However, Hojlund got a little overzealous as he went for the ball with full force and accidentally elbowed the keeper in the mouth.That led to the Leicester ace losing a tooth just before the European Championship.Read More on Man UtdHermansen discussed the incident in Foster’s Fozcast podcast: “You know as a goalkeeper sometimes when you have set-piece practice. It’s like, ‘Are we going 100 per cent? Are we just a bit easy?'”So we were with the national team just before the Euros, it was optional training, you could come in and train if you want. “So let’s do some corners. I go: ‘Keepers!’ And he just comes in with everything, elbow straight to my tooth.”Foster, 41, was not at all impressed with Hojlund after hearing the story and didn’t hold back on his assessment as he insisted the striker should have “taken it easy” considering it was just a training session.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-United goalkeeper responded: “Cheers Rasmus, appreciate that. That’s rubbish that. I’m not having that, it’s poor.”When you’re doing it in a bit of practice set-piece thing, you’ve got to take it easy. You can’t go full blooded like that.”Rasmus Hojlund hailed for opening up on acne issue as Man Utd striker shows before and after pics after laser treatmentHowever, Hermansen defended Hojlund and insisted he is a real “professional”.The Danish shot stopper replied: “He is that kind of guy and I love that about him.”He’s giving everything, always. He’s just got an exceptional way of being a professional.” More

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      Major controversy as Man Utd concede after bloodied Matthijs de Ligt is told to LEAVE pitch for treatment vs Brentford

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      HUGE controversy erupted over Brentford’s opener at Manchester United.Referee Samuel Barrott made the Red Devils’ bloodied defender Matthijs de Ligt leave the pitch as he prepared to defend a corner – from which Ethan Pinnock headed the Bees in front.Matthijs de Ligt needed extensive treatment for this injuryCredit: GettyEthan Pinnock soared high to nod Brentford in frontCredit: GettyDe Ligt needed was forced off the pitch at a crucial momentCredit: APUnited were furious, with boss Erik ten Hag shown the yellow card for his protests – but used their anger to spark a 2-1 comeback victory.De Ligt first went off for due to a head cut on the brink of first-half stoppage time.United tried to patch the centre-back up THREE TIMES.But the Dutchman still appeared to be bleeding when he returned four minutes later.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDe Ligt was promptly told to leave the pitch for more treatment.And a major row blew up when Brentford scored while the Dutchman was on the sidelines. Many United fans blasted the “joke referee” and claimed it was “yet another big decision” against their team.But plenty of supporters reckoned Barrott got it spot on – with some fans even pointing the finger at the Red Devils’ medical team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “Bandage that wound from the beginning or sub him off… Pathetic.” Another posted: “Can’t blame them, the ref can’t just send a CB out at a corner kick, unacceptable.”Erik ten Hag slams reports he’s set to be sacked as ‘fairytales’ but admits Man Utd ‘have a mountain to climb’ However, one fan had a more balanced opinion.He wrote: “It’s understandable why you can’t be on the pitch with a bleeding head, but it seems unfair to have to defend the corner with 10 men against one of the best set- piece teams in the league.”Just shows the concussion rules still need taken care of properly.”United appeared to use their frustration for good after the break, surging forward in raid after raid, with Alejandro Garnacho steering a brilliant equaliser. Rasmus Hojlund then clipped the Red Devils’ winner midway through the second period.Alejandro Garnacho brilliantly levelled for UnitedCredit: Reuters More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson looks in good spirits as he snubs Man Utd for another match after being axed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was all smiles as he snubbed Manchester United’s clash with Brentford in favour of a trip down memory lane.The legendary Red Devils boss was removed from his post as a club ambassador earlier this week. Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted in the stands watching Celtic vs Aberdeen on SaturdayCredit: PAHe was removed from his multi-million-pound ambassador role at Man Utd this weekCredit: PAFergie loses out on his £2.16m-per-year pay-cheque following his surprise axe.The 82-year-old was spotted taking in Celtic’s Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen at Celtic Park on Saturday.Ferguson grew up in Glasgow and famously managed Aberdeen between 1978 and 1986.The ex-United boss was spotted beaming in the stands in the build-up to the game.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis axing from his ambassadorial role is said to have been accepted amicably during a meeting with fellow execs.Ferguson is understood to be maintaining his position as a non-executive member of the board. He is also said to be welcome at any United games going forward, as has been the case since his departure as manager in 2013.Current United boss Erik ten Hag is fighting for his job following a dismal start to the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSir Alex has been seen regularly in the stands at the Theatre of Dreams this campaign. Asked about Ferguson leaving his ambassadorial role, Ten Hag said: “Of course, it has an impact on us.Ally McCoist meets Sir Alex Ferguson in new TNT Sports show Ally’s Social Club “Sir Alex is Manchester United, he built Manchester United to where the club is now, it impacts us.”[He] wants to see a winning Manchester United.”I’m sure he’s always available for every advice, we will need him as we did in the last two and a half years.”Going into Saturday’s showdown with Brentford, Man Utd have won just two of seven league games this season. The Dutchman continued: “We have a mountain to climb. “But that is top football and sometimes you have to face challenges — sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I am sure we will make it a success as we did the last two seasons.”We are in a direction, underneath I see good things.” More

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      Richarlison gets instantly KO’d as unlucky Tottenham star rushes to get involved in brawl with West Ham ace Kudus

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      RICHARLISON instantly found himself in the thick of the action as he returned from injury on Saturday afternoon.The Brazilian, 27, rose from the bench to replace Dominic Solanke in the 81st minute of Tottenham’s clash with West Ham.Richarlison took a sore one from Mohammed KudusCredit: RexThe Brazilian was sent flying by the GhanaianCredit: ReutersRicharlison, 27, ended up down in a heap alongside Micky van de VenCredit: ReutersHis last appearance had come in his side’s 4-0 win over Everton on August 24, having subsequently suffered with a calf issue.Moments after the forward’s introduction, his team-mate Micky van de Ven found himself in an altercation with Mohammed Kudus.Having taken exception to the Ghanaian’s challenge, Van de Ven confronted the West Ham star.Kudus quickly lost his cool, striking the Dutchman in the face.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeeing his team-mate go down, Richarlison instantly rushed over to get involved.As he reached Kudus, however, the Hammers winger turned round, inadvertently – and brutally – catching his opponent in the face.Richarlison was knocked to the ground, lying in a heap next to Van de Ven.Kudus’ meltdown wasn’t over, as he went on to strike Pape Matar Sarr in the face too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRicharlison was making his return from injuryCredit: RexKudus, 24, was sent off following a VAR checkCredit: GettyIncredibly, referee Andy Madley initially only showed Kudus a yellow card, while also booking Van de Ven.But following a VAR check, the 24-year-old Hammers winger was given his marching orders.TNT Sports host Becky Ives leaps off Tottenham Hotspur Stadium roof on live TV as she screams ‘to dare is to do’In the first-half, Kudus had given West Ham the lead in the London derby.The Hammers star swept Jarrod Bowen’s 18th-minute centre beyond Guglielmo Vicario to spark pandemonium among the visiting fans.In-form Dejan Kulusevski levelled for Spurs on 36 minutes, before a seven-minute blitz prior to the hour mark saw Ange Postecoglou’s side take a commanding lead.Yves Bissouma gave Tottenham the lead on 52 minutes, before Alphonse Areola inadvertently turned in Son Heung-min’s shot for a third.The South Korean then marked his return from injury with a goal of his own, beating Jean-Clair Todibo before rifling past Areola.Tottenham nearly made it five following Kudus’ red card, but in the end settled for a dominant 4-1 victory over their London rivals.Son Heung-min marked his return from injury with a goalCredit: Alamy More