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      How Erik ten Hag finally got something right at Man Utd but selfish runners may still get under-fire boss sacked

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      MANCHESTER UNITED played out a cagey goalless draw with Aston Villa – but Erik Ten Hag’s set up was miles ahead from the Spurs hammering.But avoiding defeat to Bayern conquerors Villa has not necessarily saved Ten Hag’s job with United’s forward play still dire.Erik ten Hag is still in danger of losing his jobCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford was among the forward players who failed to penetrate VillaCredit: GettySunSport’s Dean Scoggins breaks down where it improved for UnitedIn a way, Ten Hag deserves his short holiday over the international break after avoiding the Unai Emery-inspired pasting that many thought was coming his way.But Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer are still set for showdown talks with club chiefs over Ten Hag’s future in London on Tuesday.The Dutchman’s set-up may have left United’s top brass and pundits applauding the defensive improvement, but the Red Devils still lacked a cutting edge going forward.Hojlund solves pressing issueMan Utd have somehow, for now, worked out their pressing conundrum – but Rasmus Hojlund must play.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHojlund’s first Prem start this term saw the striker lead a one man press – and he has a better understanding of when to chase than Joshua Zirkzee.The Red Devils were slaughtered for their poor 2 v 2 pressing up top against Spurs, where Rodrigo Bentancur had a field day.But this time Bruno Fernandes dropped back into his normal No10 role, having previously been asked to press alongside the striker.After playing a flat 4-4-2 press this season, Ten Hag switched things up with a 4-4-1-1 and it worked well as Fernandes was more disciplined.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKobbie Mainoo and surprise choice Christian Eriksen had a strong positional sense, and a tireless Alejandro Garnacho was more aware of his defensive role.The new pressing set-up did well to shut down the Villa midfield and was unrecognisable from the system that allowed Spurs the freedom of Old Trafford the week before.Rasmus Hojlund made a huge difference to United’s pressThe one-man press allowed Bruno Fernandes to drop into midfield with more disciplineMore worries for Erik ten Hag as Harry Maguire leaves Villa Park limping after Aston Villa vs Man Utd clash Selfish runners in attackWhile there were defensive improvements, Man Utd’s forward stars continued to perform as individuals against Villa.Hojlund, Fernandes, Garnacho and Marcus Rashford charged forward selfishly and failed to make runs that created space for their team-mates.Despite working hard, Garnacho’s efforts to get forward were often misguided runs at the penalty spot, which narrowed the space at the front post.The Argentine must make more back post runs, to force the opposing full-back to track him and get drawn away from the goal, thus opening space in the box for other players to attack.On one occasion, Rashford had the ball down the left wing, with five Villa defenders in front of him because his team-mates made selfish runs into a narrow space in the box.United need more sacrificial off-the-ball movement. It seems maybe they just don’t trust each other and would prefer to try to get on the end of every chance themselves.Selfish runs by United’s forward players hindered their attackBoth United wingers regularly made narrow runsOnana steps upAdopting more of a Pep Guardiola approach to playing out from the back, Andre Onana often stepped up into the back four.When the ball was on the left hand side, Diogo Dalot moved into midfield, a centre-half pulled wide and Onana went in as an extra centre-back.It gave United an extra man higher up the pitch in an almost 11 vs 10 scenario, with Emiliano Martinez stuck between the Villa sticks.This allowed United to play with more structure and confidence from the back, with Evans – who defended stoutly throughout – going on to win man of the match.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut fans need to see this on a more regular basis.Brighton have managed to adopt two distinct styles under two new managers since Ten Hag’s 2022 appointment – while the Dutchman’s identity is preferred way of playing is still impossible to fathom.Andre Onana was told to step up into the back lineOnana’s footwork was one of the main reasons he was brought to Old TraffordCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund’s return marks positive news for Ten Hag More

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      Under-fire Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag believes he’s SAFE from sack and jets off on holiday amid Ratcliffe’s crunch talks

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      ERIK TEN HAG has jetted off on holiday — as he is confident Manchester United will not sack him during the international break.United are off to their worst start in 35 YEARS under the Dutchman, with just eight points from seven games to leave them 14th in the table. Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has gone on holiday despite coming under fireCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of Man Utd’s executives are about to decide the manager’s fateCredit: PAHis future is certain to be discussed at the next meeting of United executives — including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe — in London.But it is understood Ten Hag spoke to Old Trafford’s top brass following Sunday’s goalless draw at Aston Villa and did not get the impression he was facing the chop.Sources stress the upcoming meeting is a regular monthly get-together and has not been arranged because of their recent poor form.Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer were both at the Theatre of Dreams and Carrington for meetings, along with club legend Gary Neville and also Sir Alex Ferguson.Read More on Man UtdFormer Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel — who was approached by United in the summer — is still available.And Ten Hag’s new sidekick Ruud van Nistelrooy is a hero to fans and could be asked to hold the fort if United do decide to make a change.The 54-year-old tactician is due back from his jollies at the weekend and the Red Devils do not have a game until they host Brentford a week on Saturday.United’s 250-goal record scorer Wayne Rooney wants the club to stick with Ten Hag for the Bees’ visit — and beyond.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPlymouth boss Rooney told talkSPORT: “I hope he’ll stay in charge. It’s been frustrating to see them 14th — that’s not where they want to be.”Ten Hag has defended his record by pointing to United lifting the Carabao Cup and FA Cup under him.Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy caught in heated conversation during Man Utd’s draw at Villa But Roo, 38, added: “Your season is the Prem, there’s no better feeling than winning it.“They have gone quite a few years without challenging. It’s important you don’t let that slide.” More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea to be dragged into Man City vs Premier League legal battle as landmark case leads to bitter war

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S legal brawl with the Prem is set to drag rivals, including Arsenal and Chelsea, into the fight.In what was hailed a landmark ruling, the Prem champs claimed victory as an element of the rules on commercial deals involving companies linked to clubs’ owners was judged “unlawful”.Manchester City claimed victory in a dispute with the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyMan City’s legal battle with the Prem is set to drag Arsenal and Chelsea inCredit: GettyArsenal and Chelsea are believed to have ploughed hundreds of millions into the club in loansCredit: AlamyIt related to shareholder loans not being included in the “Associated Party Transaction” calculation.Arsenal owners the Kroenkes are believed to have ploughed nearly £260million into the club in loans. Chelsea received £146m in the first year of their new ownership model.Brighton’s Tony Bloom has put £373m into the Seagulls, while Everton, who are subject to a takeover from The Friedkin Group, have the highest shareholder loans at £451m.That has been loaned at low or even zero interest and will almost certainly now need recalculating.Read More on FootballFormer Master of the Rolls — the country’s second most senior lawyer — Lord Dyson and two fellow judges agreed the rule preventing City from responding to the Prem over “Fair Market Value” of two proposed deals was “procedurally unfair”.But a number of City’s other claims against Prem rules “failed”, including that the League wrongly applied its regulations.Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Brentford, West Ham, Fulham, Wolves and Bournemouth gave evidence on behalf of the Prem.It has all left battle lines drawn even deeper — with the case into City’s alleged 115 financial breaches still being heard.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCity launched the case after tighter rules were voted in by Prem clubs at a meeting in February.The club said yesterday: “The Tribunal found both the original APT rules and the current (amended) APT Rules violate UK competition law and procedural fairness . . . ”Man City vs Fulham: Player Ratings Breakdown“The Premier League was specifically unfair in how it applied those rules to the Club in practice.“They deliberately excluded shareholder loans while the Premier League reached decisions in a procedurally unfair manner.”City’s case centred on two sponsorship proposals, with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Etihad Aviation Group.But while the Arbitration Tribunal — which heard evidence in June — did side with City on some matters, League bosses claimed THEY had won.A Prem spokesman said: “Manchester City brought a wholesale challenge to the APT Rules.“The club was unsuccessful in the majority of its challenge.“Significantly, the Tribunal determined the APT Rules are necessary.“It rejected Manchester City’s argument that APT Rules were to discriminate against clubs with ownership from the ‘Gulf region’.“Except in two respects, it found that Manchester City’s arguments were unfounded.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut League chiefs believe they need only make minor changes — and new rules will be tabled for club chiefs to vote on as soon as next week.The spokesman added: “In the meantime, the Premier League will operate the existing APT system, taking into account the findings made by the Tribunal.”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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      Arsenal confident Kai Havertz will be ready after international break despite knee issue keeping him from Germany duty

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      ARSENAL expect Kai Havertz to be fully fit and firing after the international break.The Gunners striker pulled out of Germany duty at the weekend with “knee problems” – missing Nations League clashes against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands.Kai Havertz finished the game against Southampton without any knee strappingCredit: ReutersHavertz netted Arsenal’s equaliser on the way to a 3-1 victory over SouthamptonCredit: GettyHavertz, 25, played the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 Prem win over Southampton on Saturday, scoring at the Emirates for the seventh game in a row in all competitions.But SunSport understands the German star has been managing a minor knee issue since the end of last season – something that he carried over into the Euros.Havertz has not been immune to knee knocks in his career, but they have seen him miss just two club games – one apiece at Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea – since August 2017.In order to avoid any further damage or stress on the area, Havertz will remain at London Colney during this break for some much-needed rest and recovery before facing Bournemouth on October 19.read more arsenalYet the Arsenal are not losing sleep over the player’s fitness, in the knowledge it is simply the wear and tear of an intense few months of football.Havertz played the full 90 minutes in 11 of Arsenal’s remaining 16 Prem games last season before doing the same in three of Germany’s five Euros outings in the summer.This term, he has started and finished all but one of the club’s 12 games in all competitions, such has been his influence with six goals already – including four in his last four.As such, this 12-day break before travelling to the Cherries has come at the perfect time with Mikel Arteta’s first-choice striker playing with a slight discomfort.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal’s wage bill has risen over the past few seasonsNot that it is showing on the pitch, currently in the form of his life and one of Arteta’s most important figures in Arsenal’s title push having also netted 14 in 51 games last term.And Arteta needs Havertz at his best for a gruelling upcoming fixture slog that includes taking on title rivals Liverpool at home on October 27.After that, three tough trips on the bounce to Newcastle, Inter Milan and then Chelsea.Arsenal will be hoping to have several other big names back for that run, including skipper Martin Odegaard and defensive trio Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber and Ben White. More

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      ‘I’d hate to be Liverpool right now’, say fans after seeing what Bellingham did for Alexander-Arnold on England duty

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      ENGLAND superstar Jude Bellingham organised a surprise birthday present for team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold.And Liverpool fans are worried Bellingham, 21, is trying to lure Alexander-Arnold – now 26 – to join him at Real.England superstar Jude Bellingham got a special gift for Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: X @EnglandLiverpool fans worry this is Bellingham’s attempt to get Alexander-Arnold to join him at Real MadridCredit: X @EnglandTAA has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu the last few months, with his Anfield contract running out in June.The two stars – who are close pals and holidayed together in the summer – are now on international duty with England ahead of the Nations League clashes with Greece and Finland and reunited at St George’s Park.And Bellingham decided to commemorate Alexander-Arnold’s 26th birthday with a giant card that showed his team-mate with a caption that simply read: “Happy birthday, Trent.”But there was a catch as the star midfielder hid behind the present and waited for the full-back to finish with media duties.Read More on FootballAfter about 20 minutes of the ex-Borussia Dortmund star standing behind the board, Alexander-Anrold finally showed up.The versatile midfielder went to have a look and that was when Bellingham emerged from his hiding spot to scare the Liverpool star.The two team-mates went on to high-five each other, but many believe there is more than meets the eye.One fan tweeted: “I’d hate to be Liverpool right now.”Most read in FootballAnother commented: “It’s so over for Liverpool.”A third wrote: “Real Madrid connection.”‘It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeAnd a fourth stated: “Agent Jude.”Liverpool fans even went as far as to order Bellingham to “stay away” from Alexander-Arnold for the rest of the international break.One tweeted: “Separate these two immediately, none of that luring to Madrid act.”Another wrote: “STAY AWAY!”A third commented: “Cute idea.. but don’t you dare Jude.”Transfer rumours suggest Real see Alexander-Arnold as a replacement for Dani Carvajal at right-back.However, Los Blancos just extended Carvajal’s deal until 2026 despite him suffering a devastating injury last week that will sideline him for the rest of the season.Bellingham shared pictures of his US trip with TrentCredit: instagram More

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      Andy Carroll seen with Lou Teasdale in first snaps since it was revealed pair had started dating

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      EX-ENGLAND striker Andy Carroll steps out with celeb hairdresser Lou Teasdale — after it emerged they had started dating following his marriage break-up.The pair grabbed a coffee and a bite to eat from a Costa in London.Andy Carroll steps out with celeb hairdresser Lou TeasdaleCredit: SplashThe pair have started dating following his marriage break-upCredit: SplashIt is the first time they have been seen together in public since it was revealed they have struck up a romanceCredit: SplashIt is the first time they have been seen together in public since it was revealed they have struck up a romance.Ex-Liverpool and Newcastle United ace Andy, 35, confirmed in a statement to last week’s Sun on Sunday that he had split from wife Billi Mucklow, 36, earlier this year.It later emerged he has been on a string of dates with Lou, 40, formerly a stylist for pop star Harry Styles and the rest of One Direction.She is said to have visited Andy in France, where he is currently playing for fourth division side Bordeaux.Read More on SportHe bagged both goals in his side’s 2-1 win away at Olympique Saumur on Saturday.And he was then pictured 650 miles away from Bordeaux with Lou in London yesterday.An onlooker said: “They seemed happy together and Andy had a smile on his face.”Geordie Andy and Towie star Billi — who have three kids — secretly split in July after a turbulent two-year marriage.Most read in FootballShe is reported to have felt “blindsided” by him dating Lou so soon after their separation.Andy, who has two more kids from a previous relationship, was with Billi for 11 years.Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow split two years after glam wedding where superstar singer Teddy Swims performedHowever, their wedding in 2022 was nearly called off after a picture emerged of him drunkenly passed out in bed with two women in Dubai on his stag do. Billi forgave him after one of the women insisted nothing sexual happened.The veteran striker, who once earned a rumoured £80,000-a-week, is on less than £3,000 at Bordeaux and says it costs him money to play there.Andy confirmed that he had split from wife Billi Mucklow earlier this yearCredit: Instagram/billimucklowLou was a stylist for Harry Styles and the rest of One DirectionCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea boss ‘disappointed’ by postponement of Blues’ Women Super League duel with Manchester United

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR says Chelsea were “disappointed” to have their top-flight clash with Manchester United postponed.The Blues boss also reckons the move to put their Women’s Super League duel on hold, was not good.Sonia Bompastor hopes authorities in charge of the WSL will help English clubs competing in the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyChelsea will face Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in their opening group stage game in this term’s tournamentCredit: AlamyBompastor, whose team hosts Real Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow, was reflecting on the decision that resulted in Chelsea missing out on WSL action at the weekend.Their duel with the Red Devils was scheduled to take place on Sunday – just two days before their group stage opener against Madrid at Stamford Bridge.  The Chelsea chief, 44, said: “Of course, we were disappointed, players and staff. “I think everyone has to understand we were supposed to play.Read More Football Stories “We were in a very, very good team dynamic, and not having the opportunity to play this weekend changed everything in preparation for the game against Real Madrid.”When you have the opportunity to play one game a week, and with this decision being made and postponing the game, now we have been out of competition for 10 days, which is completely different.”If you look at the situation, the decision is not good. “It’s not good for all the English clubs who are in the Champions League competition.”Most read in FootballChelsea’s title win last term saw them automatically reach the tournament’s group stages this season. And last month Arsenal and Manchester City joined them after battling through competition’s qualifiers.On September 29 the Women’s Professional League Limited, who this term took over the running of the WSL, announced the postponement of the Blues’ clash with United.They cited player welfare as the reason given the tight turnaround between domestic and European games for the WSL title-holders.The organisation has come in for criticism concerning its decision, with Uefa having published its Champions League match calendar more than a year ago.And Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall described the handling of the situation as “amateurish”.On if better communication is needed between Uefa and federations and authorities like the WPLL, Bompastor added: “The league is a professional league. “They need to know about the rules. I just said to the league my thoughts on the situation, I think that’s good enough for me. “I don’t want to share more here in a press conference.”For them, it’s good to have our feedback and as I always said to the league, we should be proud to have three English clubs in the Champions League this year.”All the decisions in this league through the season have to be made in order to help the English clubs to compete in the Champions League.”Tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge Chelsea will begin their quest to win a Women’s Champions League for the first time in their history.Their game against Madrid, who are second in Spain’s top-flight and currently level on points with leaders Barcelona, will be Bompastor’s first in Europe as the Blues’ gaffer.The last time Bompastor oversaw side competing in contest at the stadium was when her old club Lyon faced Chelsea in a second-leg semi-final game In March last year they were beaten by the Blues, then managed Emma Hayes, via a dramatic penalty shootout. Bompastor, who has won the tournament as a player and coach, also played for a Lyon team that reached the contest final at Stamford Bridge in 2013. Back then they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to German giants Wolfsburg.The last time Bompastor managed a team in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge was when Lyon played Chelsea in the 2023 semisCredit: GettyThe Blues manager adds: “I played in a Champions League final at Stamford Bridge in 2013 and I’ve been here as a manager of Lyon.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now I’m really excited because now I’m in the dugout for Chelsea and I’m the Chelsea manager.”I can’t wait to be in that position, enjoy the game and enjoy to be out there with the players and the fans.” More

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      Wayne Rooney poses with glam wife Coleen & Man Utd star son Kai, 14, as he wins award at ‘best night of social calendar’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney has added yet another award to his illustrious legacy.Wayne, 38, is United’s all-time record goalscorer and also held the same status for England when he broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s record in 2015 before Harry Kane overtook him last year.Wayne Rooney attended an awards ceremony with his wife Coleen and son KaiCredit: GettyManchester United legend Rooney joins fellow winner Fara WilliamsCredit: GettyKai poses with his dad after he collected the prizeColeen looked like she was having a great night with her hubbyAnd now the legendary striker has been honoured by Legends of Football, an annual awards ceremony in conjunction with the Nordoff and Robbins music therapy charity that sees the worlds of football and music come together to honour the greatest names in the game.The event has been described as the “best night in the football social calendar” by Sir Alex Ferguson and this year’s ceremony honours the ex-Everton star and England’s most capped women’s player Fara Williams.The Plymouth manager attended the gala at Grosvenor House in London alongside his wife Coleen and their son Kai, who is following in his dad’s footsteps at United’s academy.Wayne said before he was presented with the gong: “I am delighted to receive the 2024 Legends of Football award.Read More on Man Utd”The award has been previously awarded to some of the biggest names in the game, to be recognised alongside all of them including some of my team-mates, opponents and footballing icons means a lot.”Throughout my life and career, music has always been a massive influence and inspiration for me, and to see how Nordoff and Robbins use music to help people connect and communicate is truly special.”I’m really looking forward to celebrating with Fara for a great night of football, music and fundraising.”Other stars at the event, whch was hosted by Kelly Cates and Geoff Shreeves, included former England boss Roy Hodgson, Everton manager Sean Dyche and Lionesses star turned I’m A Celeb winner Jill Scott.Most read in FootballRooney amassed a total of 253 goals and 139 assists in 559 appearances during his 13-year stint at United before his departure in 2017.Kelly Cates and Geoff Shreeves are joined by Williams and RooneyCredit: GettyEverton legend Rooney is joined by current boss Sean DycheCredit: GettyRoy Hodgson and wife Sheila were among the guestsCredit: GettyEngland icon Jill Scott glammed it up on the red carpetCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe legendary forward also registered 53 goals in 120 England caps.And now Kai, 14, is winning over his dad’s fans after a series of impressive performances with the Red Devils’ youth sides.Watch Wayne Rooney’s son Kai score wondergoal as he nets eight in six games to win cup for Man Utd youth teamThe young forward is the eldest of Wayne’s four sons, with Klay, Kit and Cass his younger brothers. More