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      Liverpool loanee has brutal start to life at new club as he’s fined and ‘team-mates are astonished he keeps starting’

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      LIVERPOOL loanee Stefan Bajcetic has allegedly caused quite a stir at new club RB Salzburg.The 19-year-old joined the Austrian side on loan in August and has made five appearances.Stefan Bajcetic has struggled since joining RB SalzburgCredit: APFormer Liverpool star Bobby Clark has also failed to impress in AustriaCredit: GettyBut his performances have been so poor that some of his team-mates have questioned why he regularly plays, according to Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung.To make matters worse for Bajcetic, he was given a 1/10 rating by Krone following Salzburg’s 5-0 defeat to Sturm Graz on Sunday.The newspaper described him as “looking like a foreign body” in midfield.His team-mates all received the same rating following the dismal loss.Read More in FootballLast week, it was revealed that Bajcetic received a fine for being late to training ahead of a 4-0 Champions League defeat to Brest.His team-mate, Bobby Clark, is also struggling to impress at the Red Bull Arena.The teenager joined RB Salzburg from Liverpool in a £10million transfer this summer.He followed former Reds assistant Pep Lijnders to Austria when he was appointed manager of the Red Bulls.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn six first team appearances, Clark has managed just one assist.Salzburg have been struggling in the Austrian Bundesliga following the arrival of Lijnders.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ They currently sit fifth with 13 points from seven games.In the Champions League they are down in 34th following two defeats.Meanwhile, Liverpool sit top of the Premier League table and fifth in the Champions League.Liverpool go DutchWHO’S who in the Liverpool dugout next season.Manager Arne Slot, 45Slot has led Feyenoord for three seasons, wining the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup in  2024.A former footballer in Holland, he is known to be a perfectionist and favours attacking football like Jurgen Klopp.Assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, 49Hulshoff currently serves as Ronald Koeman’s assistant manager with the Holland national team and also works alongside Slot at Feyenoord.He has had two spells as manager at little-known Dutch side Cambuur.Head of performance Ruben Peeters, 31A former fitness coach at Genk, Peeters has been working with Slot at Feyenoord since 2021. The Belgian has a Master’s Degree in Sports Sciences.Chief analyst Etienne Reijnen, 37Former centre back who retired from football in 2020 to move into coaching.In October 2023, Reijnen joined Feyenoord as assistant coach, to focus on analysing and providing technical advise to Arne Slot. More

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      Why Arsenal’s crucial goal to take lead vs Southampton should NOT have stood, according to ex-Premier League referee

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      FORMER Premier League ref Mark Halsey believes Arsenal’s crucial goal in the 3-1 win over Southampton should NOT have stood.The official, who spent 14 years in the top-flight, reckons VAR has done Mikel Arteta’s side a huge favour for the second week running.Merino (No23) is offside as he makes an attempt to play the ball before Gabriel Martinelli (No11) scoresCredit: Premier LeagueThe goal proved crucial as the Gunners picked up three pointsCredit: GettyMark Halsey was a Premier League ref for 14 yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettyHalsey felt the Gunners were lucky to still have 11 players on the pitch last Saturday when Riccardo Calafiori made a cynical foul while on a booking in the 4-2 win over Leicester.And this week they appeared to get fortunate again with the decisions again. Arsenal were being held 1-1 by Southampton when Gabriel Martinelli put the hosts in front with a finish from a cross at the back post.The ball fell to him after Mikel Merino tried to head it at goal – only to not make contact with the ball. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is in an offside position when he leaps for the cross and seemingly impacts the play.Yet VAR did not chalk it off – despite a similar incident seeing Bournemouth have a goal ruled out on the same day.Halsey told SunSport’s The Whistleblower show: “I thought it was offside because you are offside if you challenge an opponent for the ball or clearly attempt to play a ball which is close when the action impacts on an opponent.”This is making an obvious action which clearly impacts the ability of an opponent to play the ball. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So if you’re looking at offside, technically he was offside because he did challenge for the ball and then ducked his head. “It clearly impacted on Aaron Ramsdale because like you say, he thinks Merino is going to win the ball.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark Halsey”But he ducks at the last moment and then leaves it for Martinelli. “So for me, I think that should have been disallowed, that goal, because it was clearly offside. “He clearly made an attempt to play the ball.”It is inconsistencies again. It is a massive moment in the game. “For Southampton, they’re struggling at the moment coming up from the Championship and who knows?”It was not the only controversial decision of the week as Crystal Palace felt their should have had a penalty against Liverpool.Virgil van Dijk appeared to pull Marc Guehi to the deck from a corner, with Halsey convinced the ref should have pointed the spot.He explained: “I thought it was a clear penalty.”Simon Hooper, did he have a good viewing angle? Was he blocked by some of the players? But that is what VAR is there for. For me, I thought it was a clear holding offence.READ MORE SUN STORIES”VAR’s David Coote should have come in on that and recommended a review.”Watch the full episode of The Whistleblower at the top of this article – where Halsey fumes over the laws of the game.Palace felt they should have had a penalty for Virgil van Dijk’s tug on Marc GuehiCredit: TNT Sports More

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      Erik ten Hag brutally trolled by Domino’s as Man Utd manager faces sack with crunch talks tomorrow

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      DOMINO’S has taken a hilarious dig at Erik Ten Hag, as pressure continues to mount on the Manchester United boss.The restaurant chain poked fun at the Dutchman, putting a van outside Old Trafford with the message “We’re hiring (not you, Erik)”.Domino’s have brutally trolled Erik ten Hag with a van outside Old TraffordCredit: PinPepThe job advert read: ‘We’re hiring (not you Erik)’Credit: PinPepIn an accompanying social media post, they also wrote: “You need the right people for the top jobs.”It comes as speculation continues to mount about his future at the club following a run of poor results.A spokesperson for Domino’s said: “Based on his performance, it can’t be too long before Ten Hag is given the sack.“It coincides with us gearing up for our busiest time of year where we need people to join our team.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“We are looking for people who are results-driven… so not one for Ten Hag unfortunately.”The 54-year-old’s position as United manager is under threat following an uninspiring 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.That comes off the back of a 3-3 draw against Porto midweek, with United throwing a 2-0 lead to the Portuguese team, and a 3-0 drubbing at home to Tottenham Hotspur.The goalless draw leaves the Red Devils languishing in 14th place in the Premier League – the club’s worst start to a season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd key decision makers at United are set to meet on Tuesday, with Ten Hag’s future hanging in the balance.’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagWhy NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer arrive at Old Trafford 24 hours before crunch talks with Ten Hag over Man Utd future

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      MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been spotted heading into Old Trafford with chairman Joel Glazer amid speculation over the future of manager Erik ten Hag.The Red Devils played out a goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday in their final match before a two-week international break – with Ratcliffe and other Man Utd bosses watching on from the stands.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was spotted heading into Old Trafford on MondayCredit: PAMan Utd bosses will have talks on Tuesday amid speculation over Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: GettyMan Utd sit 14th in the table and their tally of eight points from seven games makes it their worst ever start to a Premier League season.Now Ineos boss Ratcliffe, 71, who is in charge of the football operations at the club, has been seen at Old Trafford on Monday alongside fellow owner Glazer.He is set for showdown talks with club chiefs, including co-chairman Glazer, in London on Tuesday.Gary Neville – who is on their stadium redevelopment board – was also in attendance.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSunSport understands their trip today is for various meetings, with Glazer attending one with the Fans’ Advisory Board.Reports have emerged claiming The Red Devils are lining up a move for ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich in June.He previously spent 20 months in the Premier League managing Chelsea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan 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.But earlier this year he told Ratcliffe that he did NOT want the United job.Man Utd had been seeking a new manager before Ten Hag’s FA Cup final triumph and considered Tuchel an option.Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy caught in heated conversation during Man Utd’s draw at Villa But the German told officials that he instead wanted some time away from management.It is currently unclear whether or not his position has changed since then.Tuchel is yet to be contacted by United officials this season.Despite the ongoing speculation around his future, Ten Hag insists he would know if his job was at risk.Following United’s drab 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, he said: “I don’t have any idea that is different. Because they should have told me. We communicate very open, very transparent.”I speak continuously with them and just after the game I have to do my job, talk with the players, manage the players and answer questions from you.”We always talk. Every week, I would say every day we talk, so I expect I will speak with them.”I think you said it very good – external noise. Internal, we are disappointed, we know we have to do better, especially we need to score more, that is the moment in this area after this block of games where we are really short.”All the other areas we are doing really well: four clean sheets, so that tells something about the defending and about the organisation, the defending of defensive transitions.”We are doing really well, we are really improving on that point.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Our build-up play is good, we are calm and composed. We are creating chances apart from today. Today we should have created more.”But that area in the box of the opponent, we have to be more ruthless, more clinical, more killing and we have to work on this.” More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table with Man Utd tipped for worst finish ever and one point deciding title

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been tipped for their worst-ever Premier League finish by a supercomputer.The Red Devils have endured their worst start to the season after picking up just eight points from their opening seven games.Man Utd have been tipped for a worst finish everCredit: GettyArsenal will win the league according to a supercomputerCredit: APThey have broken the record they set only last year, and are 14th in the table following a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure with United appearing to have got even worse after recording their worst-ever Prem finish last season.They finished eighth in the previous campaign with 60 points, yet look unlikely to even manage that this time around.A supercomputer run by Grosvenor Sport predicts United will be even worst this term and will end up ninth on just 55 points, behind the likes of Brentford. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey are expected to lose an astonishing 15 games, managing just one win more to leave them a staggering 19 points off the top four.A predicted final goal difference of zero also reveals what a dire season United could be in for.Higher up the table Chelsea will secure Champions League qualification while Prem leaders Liverpool are tipped to challenge for the title.The title race is expected to go down to the final day but will be contested by Arsenal and Manchester City, not the Reds.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd it could be Mikel Arteta’s side who finally get their hands on the trophy, pipping City by just a point to record their best-ever points tally of 94.At the other end of the table Wolves have been tipped for the drop along with Ipswich and Southampton with all three yet to win in the league this season.How Arteta outsmarted Pep AGAIN with cunning Calafiori ‘piggyback’ trick and ‘secret Arsenal coach’ More

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      Wayne Rooney tipped to manage ‘big, important club’ but Man Utd legend knows ‘better than anyone’ of challenges he faces

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      WAYNE ROONEY’S former Manchester United strike partner has tipped him to manage a “big, important club” in the future.The Plymouth boss, 38, led his side to a third victory in five Championship games on Saturday as they scored in stoppage-time to claim a 2-1 win over Blackburn.Wayne Rooney is starting to enjoy some success as Plymouth managerCredit: RexRooney’s old team-mate Louis Saha wants the former England striker to be given the right opportunityCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdRooney was sent off after Blackburn’s equaliser following a heated exchange with the fourth official.But they ended up securing the three points to lift them up to 14th in the table heading into the second international break of the season.And former Man Utd man Louis Saha, 46, who spent four years playing alongside Rooney at Old Trafford, wants the ex-England man to rise through the ranks as a coach.However, Saha also insists Rooney will be well aware of the challenges that await him in management.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to cryptocasinosuk.net, he said: “Wayne Rooney has got an enormous desire for football, and he’s got an enormous desire to transmit that knowledge to players.”I would love to see Wayne Rooney managing a big, important club, but it’s a difficult journey and Wayne knows that better than anyone.”Sometimes, you must be in the right place at the right time. You need the right opportunity.”I don’t think Wayne has had that opportunity yet to manage the type of players that he would really like to work with. I’m talking about players with exceptional quality.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”In many ways, it’s a similar problem to what Patrick Vieira had. He went into Palace, it took him a bit of time, but he wasn’t working with players that were anywhere near the level he played at. Sometimes, that can be hard for a manager to deal with.”Frank Lampard is the other example. He got the opportunity to manage his club, Chelsea, early in his career. OK, he had managed Derby, but making the jump from Derby to Chelsea is huge.”‘Absolutely love this!’ – Watch Wayne Rooney go wild as his Plymouth side win first league game with 93rd minute strikeRooney began his managerial career at Derby in 2020 as he hung up his boots to pursue coaching full-time.He left at the end of the 2021/22 season and joined MLS side DC United where he spent a little more than a year.Rooney joined Birmingham in October 2023 but only lasted 15 games before he was sacked after winning just twice.Plymouth appointed him in May and his record currently stands at four wins, two draws and five defeats from 11 games in charge. More

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      Chelsea legend Claude Makelele ‘QUITS as manager of Astera Tripoli’ just three weeks and three games into job

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      CLAUDE MAKELELE has reportedly quit his role as a manager after just THREE weeks and three games in charge – and without losing.The former Chelsea midfielder took over at Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis on September 13 – his first job as a gaffer for five years.Claude Makelele quit as Asteras Tripolis boss after just three weeks in chargeCredit: Getty – ContributorHis first game in charge was a 1-1 draw with Panetolikos before he registered another stalemate with Levadiakos on September 28.Makelele’s men then ran out 3-1 winners on Sunday away at Kallithea.However, news broke on Monday that he had suddenly left in a shock twist. Sport24 in Greece suggested Makelele decided to walk away due to a difference in football philosophy with the club’s board. READ MORE ON CHELSEAAsteras Tripolis sit seventh in the Greece Super League table after seven games this season – seven points off leaders PAOK.Makelele, 51, enjoyed a hugely successful playing career.The star revolutionised the holding midfielder role and the No6 position is still sometimes called the “Makelele Role”. He won Ligue 1 with Nantes in 1994-95 and had stints with Marseille and Celta Vigo before shining for Real Madrid.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Frencham – who earned 71 caps – lifted the Champions League in 2002, sandwiched between two LaLiga-winning seasons. Makelele arrived at Chelsea in 2003 under Claudio Ranieri and was a key figure as Jose Mourinho swept to back-to-back Premier League crowns. Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Player Ratings and Team PerformanceHe finished with three seasons at Paris Saint-Germain then stepped into coaching and management.Spells as a coach at PSG, Swansea and Chelsea – where he also mentored – interlinked with managerial gigs at Bastia and Eupen before his shock appointment in Greece last month, five years after leaving the Belgian outfit. During his brief time at Asteras Tripolis, Makelele did manage to sign free agent and former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda.Makelele won the Premier League twice with ChelseaCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      Watch Jesse Lingard score screamer as former Man Utd star proves he’s still got it in South Korean league

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      FORMER Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has rediscovered his spark in South Korea.The 31-year-old scored a screamer for FC Seoul against Gwanju on Sunday.Jesse Lingard got on the scoresheet for FC Seoul at the weekendCredit: X/JesseLingardThe ex-United star sent his defender the wrong way before going for goalCredit: X/JesseLingardHis shot flew into the top-right cornerCredit: X/JesseLingardAfter controlling a headed clearance, Lingard sent his defender the wrong way before curling his shot into the top-right corner.Despite the ex-United star’s finish, Seoul went on to lose 3-1 at the Gwangju Football Stadium.Lingard took to social media to issue a message to fans following the defeat.Alongside a video of his goal, he wrote: “Last 5 games to achieve our goal 🙏.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDFC Seoul are in fifth spot in the K-League, 11 points off top team Ulsan HD.Lingard joined the South Korean side in February after an eight month period as a free agent.The midfielder has since scored five goals in 21 appearances.Before signing for Seoul, he spent one year at Nottingham Forest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLingard spent the majority of his career at Man Utd having come through the club’s academy.He made 232 first team appearances for the Red Devils during his eight-year spell.Jesse Lingard brutally mocked by K-league rival as opponent copies forgotten Man Utd man’s celebration after late winnerLingard was fined by the South Korean police last month for riding an electric scooter on the street.The former United man had to pay 190,000 Won (£106) for breaching two road rules. More