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      Txiki Begiristain to leave Man City as key Pep Guardiola ally makes decision with manager’s future up in the air

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      MANCHESTER City supremo Txiki Begiristain is leaving the Premier League champions.And the imminent departure of sporting director Begiristain will only increase speculation about the future of boss Pep Guardiola.Txiki Begiristain is set to depart the Etihad next summer after 13 yearsCredit: PAManager Pep Guardiola won’t have Begiristain’s assistance next seasonCredit: RexBegiristain, 60, joined City from Barcelona in 2012 and was instrumental in bringing Guardiola to the Etihad in 2015 to spark the most successful period in the club’s history.He has played a key role in identifying and appointing his replacement, who will start in the role in early 2025.The outgoing sporting director will spend six months helping the new man settle in before ending his association with City.The identity of the Etihad’s new football chief has not been revealed.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Newcastle flop Hugo Viana, who is currently the director of football at Sporting Lisbon, is believed to be in the frame to take over.The Potuguese, who had an underwhelming four years with the Toon after joining for £8million from Sporting in 2002, had been linked with a job working in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backroom team at Manchester United.Begiristain was intending to quit five years ago, but stayed on to be part of the push for City to win their first Champions League – which they finally did when completing the Treble in 2022-23.The news comes shortly after positive noises emerged from City about the possibility of Guardiola extending his current deal beyond the end of this season.Most read in FootballGuadiola’s future is not necessarily tied in with that of Begiristain and the club would be very reluctant to say goodbye to the two most important people in their football operation in quick succession.But the prospect of losing key ally Begiristain, especially after a current season which will be dominated by off-field events, will surely be a factor in Guardiola’s decision.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe pair have known each other for more than 30 years after being team-mates in the Barcelona team that won the club’s first European title in 1992.Begiristain became director of football at the Camp Nou in 2003. Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence Under him, Guardiola was given the job of head coach in 2008 and they enjoyed two successful seasons together before Begiristain left in the wake of the departure of president Joan Laporta.Begiristain arrived at City a month after former Barcelona chief executive Ferran Soriano, who has held the same role at the Etihad for 12 years.Their long-term plan to reunite with Guardiola and build a dynasty at the Etihad came to fruition nine years ago.City have won 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the crowns of European and world champions with the three men at the helm.But the club has also found itself at the centre of the biggest row in Premier League history.READ MORE SUN STORIESA hearing is underway into allegations that City broke PL rules more than 100 times in relation to sponsorship deals, player and manager contracts and failure to cooperate with the investigation.City deny all the charges. An initial verdict is expected in the spring, but the saga is unlikely to end there and Begiristain will be gone before everything is resolved.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More

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      Female ref, 24, denies starring in sex tape with referees’ observer, 61, as she’s hit with lifetime ban from football

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      A FEMALE ref has landed a lifetime ban – after allegedly featuring in a sex tape with an official almost three times her age.Elif Karaarslan, 24, has refereed matches in Turkey since injury forced her to quit playing football.Turkish referee Elif Karaarslan has been handed a lifetime ban from footballCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17The 24-year-old denies being in a sex tape with a ref observerCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Referees’ observer Orhan Erdemir has lost his licenceBut the TFF, Turkey’s FA, has now banned her for life after she was reportedly filmed having sex with referees’ observer Orhan Erdemir.Former Fifa official Erdemir, 61, has received a similar punishment from the TFF.Istanbul-born Elif, who has 363,000 followers on social media, denied being one of the people in the leaked footage.She intends to appeal, insisting: “I will have a long road ahead legally, but will overcome in the strongest and most robust way.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I look forward to your full support and love in this process.”Crying, screaming and being sad are not things I would do. That is not me.”I will stand by my cause until the end.  I am just one of many who are being harmed – I hope I am the last.”Elif played for Besiktas before becoming a referee.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, Erdemir claimed the video had been circulated without his permission, but admitted his career is now over.Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decisionHe said: “My honour in my family, my social circle and the refereeing community has been blown away. “In addition to my financial losses, the emotional damage I have suffered is indescribable.”Istanbul native Erdemir was a Fifa referee between 1999 and 2002.He also took charge of games in Turkey’s Super Lig before becoming an observer of his fellow officials.Elif is a former player for Besiktas but saw her career cut short by injuryCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17She indicated she will appeal against the ban and denies being the woman in the clipCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17 More

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      Cole Palmer labelled ‘aura personified’ as Chelsea ace stars in nine-minute Burberry ad without saying a word

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      COLE PALMER appears to be succeeding just as much off the pitch as he is on it.The Chelsea star hasn’t just been lighting up the Premier League, but has also landed himself a campaign with luxury fashion brand Burberry.Cole Palmer has starred in a Burberry ad campaignCredit: Youtube / burberryThe Chelsea midfielder sits in silence for nine minutes while fishing for the advertCredit: Youtube / burberryPalmer has been smashing it for Chelsea on the pitch this seasonCredit: ReutersPalmer, 22, stars in a new ad campaign for the British designer brand doing absolutely nothing.The England international spends NINE MINUTES sat in silence while fishing and wearing a £2,490 Burberry duffle coat.The incredibly simple campaign, named The Duffle with Cole Palmer, has certainly caught the attention of Chelsea fans who love that their midfield maestro is able to capture the their attention by doing so little.On social media, one wrote: “He’s actually aura personified”.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSWhile another added: “I love everything about this”.A third joked: “We are waiting for the 24-hour version”.And a fourth posted: “Worth every minute”.Palmer has gained a reputation for being calm on the pitch, earning the nickname “Cold Palmer” for his ice cool mindset and signature celebration.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile he’s also living up to his name in terms of stats this season, netting six goals and registering five assists in just seven Premier League games.He’s not the only Prem ace to feature in Burberry’s new campaign, however.Chelsea fans love Cole Palmer’s reaction to huge brawl – but work out clever reason why he didn’t get involvedCrystal Palace star, and Palmer’s England teammate, Eberechi Eze was also given the spotlight for an ad of his own with the brand.Eze is seen fishing in his advert too, but is only given a 35-second cameo in comparison to Palmer’s nine-minute masterpiece.However, in a more exciting turn of events, Eze bizarrely appears to catch a diver while reeling in his line.The Premier League pair joined a number of huge Hollywood names in the campaign including Barry Keoghan, Cara Delevingne and Olivia Colman.Eberechi Eze is also in Burberry’s new campaignCredit: Youtube / burberry More

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      Rio Ferdinand rang Wayne Rooney and asked ‘how are you allowing this?’ about two Man Utd stars’ behaviour

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      RIO FERDINAND once rang up Wayne Rooney to demand answers about the behaviour in the Manchester United dressing room.Ferdinand and Rooney won five Premier League titles together and a Champions League trophy under Sir Alex Ferguson. Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney in 2014Credit: GettyThe England defender left in 2014 but Rooney remained at Old Trafford as captain. Reminiscing on Ferdinand’s podcast, former team-mate Phil Jones said: “Back then, when you look at the dressing room we had…”We had so many incredible, powerful leaders that wouldn’t let anything get in the way of the team’s performance and the team winning.”That winning mentality was so strong and powerful that no one that came in could disrupt that.READ MORE IN football “I think now players maybe don’t have the ability to call people out anymore and the power to tell them, ‘That’s not what we do at this football club… don’t come in here and start acting like that, that doesn’t work here’.”I’m not saying that happens every single day at the club but if we lost a game, we’d have a meeting the next day, not even with the coaches. “The leaders would be saying, ‘this is not good enough’ after one loss.”Ferdinand pointed to a time he furiously phoned Rooney after seeing Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard dancing on social media as the club sat sixth. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I’ll tell you when it changed, from the outside at least.”I rang Wazza and said, ‘What’s going on here? How are you allowing this?’ And he said, ‘You can’t say nothing man, it’s not the same anymore’.Phil Jones reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson convinced him to sign for Man Utd “He said, ‘It’s not just those two, there would be a big group looking at me like I’m mad if I said anything’.”Lingard and Pogba are both no longer at United. Pogba has had an initial four-year doping ban changed to 18-months, allowing him to continue his football career in March. Meanwhile Lingard – who left United in 2022 – is now playing his football in South Korea with FC Seoul. Jones ended 12 years at Old Trafford in 2023 and announced his retirement a year later – with his eyes now set on coaching. Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba dancing in the Man Utd dressing roomPhil Jones on Rio Ferdinand’s podcastCredit: @philjones_4 More

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      How Man Utd used Sky Sports pundits to get their own way in Bruno Fernandes red card case

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      MANCHESTER UNITED presented clips from Sky Sports pundits in their successful appeal against a Bruno Fernandes sending-off.The commission ruled referee Chris Kavanagh made an “obvious” error in giving the United skipper a straight red card for a foul on Tottenham’s James Maddison.Bruno Fernandes was stunned by his red card at home to Spurs on September 29 and Man Utd won their appeal against itCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils put forward a clip from Sky Sports’ Ref Watch as evidenceCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskFernandes’ three-game ban was lifted , so he played in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.The Mail say the Red Devils put forward two videos to support their case against the midfielder’s dismissal at Old Trafford on September 29.One was from Sky’s “Ref Watch” show, where one-time Premier League whistler Dermot Gallagher discussed the incident with former Lionesses’ winger Sue Smith and ex-England striker Dean Ashton.Gallagher suggested Kavanagh saw an “optical illusion” of the exchange between Fernandes and Maddison because of his viewing angle.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe 67-year-old also described the Portuguese star’s contact on the England playmaker as a “glancing blow”.Gallagher concluded that a yellow card would have been fairer.United’s second video clip showed the two players tangling in real time, as well as via a slow-motion replay.However, the Mail say the independent commission chose NOT to consider opinions from “Ref Watch” when coming to a 2:1 split decision in favour of Fernandes.Most read in FootballFernandes said even Spurs’ James Maddison disagreed with the sending-offCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe majority verdict was he “didn’t lead or make contact with studs” and “there was obviously no malice, brutality or excessive force”.United had appealed immediately after Fernandes was dismissed 42 minutes into a calamitous 3-0 loss against Spurs, with the Red Devils trailing 1-0.Man Utd compared to ‘overcooked scrambled eggs’ in bizarre analogy by celeb chef Ainsley HarriottThe 30-year-old was furious with his first-ever straight red, claiming: “Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card.”If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.”I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.”Fernandes was promptly dismissed again in United’s next match, four days, picking up two bookings for a high boot in a 3-3 draw at Porto.The ex-Sporting Lisbon ace will be out suspended for the Red Devils’ next Europa League clash, at ex-manager Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on October 24. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaves showdown talks over Ten Hag’s future after 8 HOURS without giving update as he uses rear exit

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE gave no update on Erik ten Hag’s future following a meeting with Manchester United bosses in London on Tuesday.The Red Devils’ co-owner held over seven hours of talks with club chiefs in the capital following a dismal start to the season.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held crunch talks with Manchester United bossesCredit: AlamyHe was seen arriving at the London meeting on TuesdayCredit: X formerly Twitter / @itvnewsBut Ratcliffe gave no update on Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: X formerly Twitter / @itvnewsTen Hag has overseen Man Utd’s worst ever start to a Premier League seasonCredit: GettyHe was seen arriving for the meeting, while Sir Dave Brailsford and sporting director Dan Ashworth were also spotted heading into the building.Man Utd have their worst ever return from the opening seven Premier League games, picking up just eight points and languishing in 14th place.Without a win in five matches in all competitions, Ten Hag heads into the international break with his future uncertain.However, Ratcliffe offered no insight into the manager’s position after the meeting.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Ineos chief, 71, left the venue via a rear exit.He then whizzed off in a car with blacked out windows, refusing to stop and answer questions.This leaves fans no closer to learning whether Ten Hag will still be in charge come their next game against Brentford at Old Trafford on October 19.If he is dismissed, he is set for a huge pay-off having penned a one-year extension in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRatcliffe’s right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford, right, was also in attendance at the meetingCredit: X formerly Twitter / @itvnewsSporting director Dan Ashworth was also at the showdown talksCredit: X formerly Twitter / @itvnewsHe will be entitled to a £17.5million pay-off, one of the biggest in Man Utd’s history.Ten Hag’s assistant and club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is favourite to become the next Man Utd boss on an interim basis.‘I broke his glasses’, says Rooney as Man Utd icon lifts lid on tunnel celebrations after winner minutes after red card Former England boss Gareth Southgate, ex-Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel, former Chelsea head coach Graham Potter, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and former Liverpool target Ruben Amorim are among the other contenders.Man Utd considered replacing Ten Hag in the summer after the club finished eighth – their lowest-ever position in Premier League history.But a shock 2-1 FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City, adding to his 2023 Carabao Cup, temporarily saved Ten Hag from the axe.Club officials held talks with Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Frank over replacing the 54-year-old while he travelled to the FA Cup final.Club chiefs also looked for alternatives during an end-of-season review in the summer, with Tuchel allegedly interviewed.But ultimately, United performed a dramatic U-turn in June as Brailsford flew to Ibiza to hold a four-hour meeting at Ten Hag’s home.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow, though, after a nightmare start to the season, the Dutchman’s time could finally be up.And Tuchel has again been mooted as his replacement as the out of work coach seeks a route back into football.Man Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United. More

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      Man Utd compared to ‘overcooked scrambled eggs’ in bizarre analogy by celeb chef Ainsley Harriott

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      CELEBRITY chef Ainsley Harriott has bizarrely compared Manchester United to “overcooked scrambled eggs”.The Red Devils are enduring a nightmare start to the season and boss Erik ten Hag is in danger of losing his job.Ainsley Harriott hilariously said Man Utd are like ‘overcooked scrambled eggs’Credit: GettyErik ten Hag is on the brink of losing his jobCredit: GettyHis recipe for success has been slammed by pundits, with his tactics and new signings questioned. United’s recent 0-0 draw with Aston Villa saw them slip to 14th in the table after eight games, which is their worst-ever start.And in a bizarre clip posted by the BBC, legendary chef Harriott was asked what food the Red Devils are like.The Ready Steady Cook presenter hilariously stuck the knife in, saying: “I think it would be overcooked scrambled eggs.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”A bit too heavy, not moving, it needs to be sort of remade.”Arsenal supporter Harriott then burst into laughter.Fans also found it hilarious, with one saying: “Spot on Ainsley.”Another added: “Some comparison that.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA United fan joked: “Get him in we need change.”More reacted: “We have been cooked.”What Ten Hag brings to the table has been discussed in a meeting between club chiefs like Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer in London today.The manager is confident he will not be axed and will take charge of his team against Brentford on October 19 after the international break.How Erik Ten Hag finally got something right at Man Utd but selfish runners may still get him sacked More

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      Erik ten Hag in further blow as Man Utd’s ‘best player after Andre Onana’ is ruled out for weeks

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      ERIK TEN HAG has been handed a fresh blow to his squad as he scrambles to keep his job amid uncertainty over his future.The Dutchman is under pressure at Old Trafford after a poor start to the season and now it looks as though he’s going to be without one of his star men for a number of weeks.Erik ten Hag has been handed another injury blowCredit: GettyTen Hag, who narrowly avoided the sack this summer, has been under scrutiny after winning just two of his opening seven league games this season.And United almost fell to yet another defeat in the Europa League last Thursday if not for an injury time equaliser from Harry Maguire.However, Ten Hag will now be without the man who saved his side a point – and possibly his job – after Maguire announced he is expecting to be sidelined for “a few weeks”.The 64-time England international hobbled off the pitch during United’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, being replaced by Matthjis de Ligt at the break.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd now the towering defender has taken to Instagram to confirm he has picked up an injury.He wrote: “I’m frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend, will be a few weeks on the sideline but I’ll come back stronger”.Fans have got wind of the injury and are crestfallen at the idea of losing one of their best performers this season.One wrote: “My best player after Onana so far. Rest him for us.”Most read in FootballHarry Maguire has confirmed he will be out for ‘a few weeks’ after he came off injured against Aston VillaCredit: ReutersMaguire appeared to be in serious discomfort during the goalless drawCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another added: “This is so sad”.A third asked: “Who cursed us?”David Moyes hails Erik ten Hag and says he is doing ‘brilliant job’ at Man UtdAnd a fourth posted: “Dang. He is the best defender we have at the club”.Man Utd already lost new £52million centre-back Leny Yoro to injury before the season even began, while they have a number of other notable absentees heading into the international break.Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw have been out long-term, while Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoui have all withdrawn from international duty with knocks. More