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    Can Marco Asensio play for Aston Villa in the Champions League against parent club PSG?

    ASTON VILLA will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals TONIGHT – pitting Marco Asensio against his parent club.After joining Aston Villa on loan from PSG in January, Asensio – a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid – has been in sensational form.Marco Asensio has starred for Villa – who face his parent club PSG TONIGHTCredit: PAThe Spanish international has EIGHT goals and an assist in just 15 matches.Along with the loan signing of Marcus Rashford, Asensio has helped Unai Emery’s side become one of the most in-form teams in Europe.Villa have lost just ONCE in 12 matches since Asensio’s debut on February 9.They head into this game as underdogs, however, with PSG losing just once since November.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUECan Marco Asensio play for Aston Villa in the Champions League against parent club PSG?Asensio has already played for PSG in this season’s competition.That has lead to questions about if he will be able to play against his parent club – with Premier League rules usually prohibiting such instances.However, Uefa rules are different to those in the Premier League.That means Asensio WILL be available for selection against PSG.Most read in FootballIn contrast, Marcus Rashford will not be able to play against Manchester United in May, and Axel Disasi, another loan signing, was not allowed to play against Chelsea in February.A notable example in the past of players eligibility against current sides was Thibaut Courtois, who was on loan at Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. Atletico reaching the final after defeating Jose Mourinho’s team, Uefa decided that Chelsea could not block Courtois from playing against themThe governing body stated “clubs are not allowed to exert “any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match.” Emery, who led the French team from 2016 to 2018 before departing at the end of his contract, will benefit from Asensio’s availability to play against PSG in the quarterfinals.After joining PSG in the summer of 2023, Asensio could not reach the promise of his Real Madrid career, and he left the squad under Enrique before joining Villa. More

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    Joey Barton LOSES part of libel case against Eni Aluko after accusing ex-England footballer of ‘playing race card’

    ENI Aluko has won the first part of her libel case against Joey Barton after he accused her of playing the “race card”.Ex-Man City star Barton was taken to court by the pundit following a string of posts he made on X in January.Joey Barton has lost part of a libel case against Eni AlukoCredit: APEni claimed two of the posts were defamatoryCredit: AlamyShe claimed the two posts were defamatory – including one where he targeted her family and background.Barton, 42, branded her a “race card player” and accused her of playing the “victim card”, adding: “Cry me a f***ing river”.He also claimed “everyone is laughing at you” and said she knew “next to nothing about men’s football”.Eni has now won part of her case at the High Court after a judge found Barton made defamatory remarks.Read more newsMr Justice Lavender had been asked to consider the “natural and ordinary meaning” of the posts.Eni, 38, welcomed the ruling, saying: “The posts were an unwarranted attack on my personal and professional identity, my integrity and my family life – in particular my late father.”Barton could still appeal the decision and defend his statements if the case proceeds to trial.His lawyer William McCormick KC previously described the claims as “strained, forced and unreasonable”.Most read in FootballIn a separate case, Barton has denied sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine, Eni and her colleague Lucy Ward.The former footballer allegedly compared the pundits to Fred and Rose West and branded Radio 2 presenter Vine a “bike nonce”.He is due to stand trial later this year at Liverpool Crown Court charged with 12 offences.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Eni bought the case against BartonCredit: PAHe denied the posts were inflammatoryCredit: Getty More

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    ‘No brainer’ – Man Utd fans demand club sign Liam Delap after discovering new release clause if Ipswich go down

    THE relegation release clause of Manchester United target Liam Delap has been revealed.Delap, 22, has impressed for Ipswich despite the club’s looming relegation from the Premier League.Liam Delap’s relegation release clause has been revealedCredit: GettyIt has been a breakout year for the former Manchester City star, scoring 12 goals and adding two assists in 33 Premier League games.His performances have sparked interest from a number of top clubs, including Man Utd and Chelsea.And SunSport understands Delap will be available for as little as £30million if Ipswich are relegated.The Tractor Boys signed the England Under-21 ace for £15m plus £5m in add-ons last summer.Any deal to sell Delap, the son of former Stoke star Rory Delap, will also see Man City earn 20 per cent through a sell-on clause in the deal which took him to Portman Road last summer. Man Utd are known to be admirers of him, alongside Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle.But the cash-strapped Red Devils will likely view this news as a huge bonus considering the estimated cost of other striker targets including Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitike or Victor Osimhen.SunSport reported earlier this week how Man Utd transfer chiefs had made Delap their number one transfer target for the summer window. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIpswich are thought to have slapped a £40m price tag on the striker, the same value as a Man City buy-back clause.However, with the club now looking likely to join Southampton in being relegated back to the Championship due to sitting 12 points off of safety, that fee will drop even lower.Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is brokenReacting to the news on social media, one excited fan begged United transfer chiefs to get a deal done, saying: “Delap for £30m is a no brainer.”A second said: “Would be an absolute bargain.”A third added: “Steal.”Another said: “Sign him up Idc.”SunSport analysed which striker Man Utd should try to sign last month.Delap was highlighted for his fit to the profile Ruben Amorim needs leading the line thanks to his quick and powerful runs in behind the opposition defensive line.However, there is a concern that United could face the same issues they have done with Rasmus Hojlund, who shares a similar profile to Delap, in that he is simply not ready to lead the line of a club like Man Utd where the pressure is huge. More

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    Eagle-eyed Arsenal fans spot what ‘naughty’ Lewis-Skelly did to Bellingham and think he’s taking lessons from Ben White

    EAGLE-EYED Arsenal fans reckon Myles Lewis-Skelly must be taking lessons with Ben White after spotting what he did to Jude Bellingham on Tuesday night.The makeshift left-back, 18, has been a revelation for the Gunners this season and has already made his England debut, as well as scoring his first international goal, in 2024-25.Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jude Bellingham got tangled up after a crunching tackle from the Arsenal youngsterCredit: Amazon PrimeThe England team-mates clashed and ended up on the deckCredit: RexLewis-Skelly appeared to leave a little something on Bellingham’s leg after the tackleCredit: Amazon PrimeLewis-Skelly – best mates with another Colney wonderkid, Ethan Nwaneri – put on a masterclass to help nullify the threat of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Co.Even the Spanish media were quick to recognise his “performance to remember” at the Emirates.But there was one moment in particular which caught the eye of Gooners – who were in dreamland for the full 90 minutes as Declan Rice deadly double of free-kicks saw them seal a 3-0 win over the 15-time champions.Arsenal were cruising at 3-0 up, thanks to Mikel Merino’s cherry-on-top of a strike.READ MORE SPORT STORIESBut Lewis-Skelly showed the passion and intensity of a team desperately chasing another goal.As his own England team-mate Jude Bellingham picked up the ball in the middle of the park, Lewis-Skelly refused to give him a moment to breathe.The Arsenal left-back delivered a crunching tackle which sent them both crashing down to the turf.As their legs tangled, Lewis-Skelly appeared to leave a little something on the back of Bellingham’s right leg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBellingham vented his frustration and appeared to point out what had happened after hopping back up, but Arsenal fans spotted Lewis-Skelly telling him to get on with it.One fan, taking to X, wrote: “Myles Lewis-Skelly is NAUGHTY. He clamped Bellingham and asked him to get up.Thierry Henry’s blunt six-word statement to Kylian Mbappe before Arsenal’s incredible win over Real MadridAnother posted: “That kid… his confidence level is so high.”A third said: “That kid has no fear, he’s a special talent.”One suggested fellow full-back Ben White may have “been a bad influence on him”.Another joked: “MLS becoming a young Ben White.”Meanwhile, one claimed he must have graduated from White’s “Dark Arts Academy”.Arsenal fans will be riding high this week, but know they risk becoming the latest club to fall foul of an incredible Champions League second-leg comeback if they’re not careful.The Gunners are still chasing their first-ever major European trophy, having come closest to winning the Champions League in 2005-06, when they lost to Barcelona in a controversial match.Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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    Eagle-eyed fans spot Arsenal star fly into shot with ‘Squidward’ celebration during win over Real Madrid

    EAGLE-EYED fans spotted William Saliba’s hilarious “Squidward” celebration.Arsenal players and supporters alike went crazy when Mikel Merino scored against Real Madrid.William Saliba celebrated Mikel Merino’s goal wildlyCredit: GettyHis flailing arms led to comparisons to SquidwardCredit: GettySaliba ignored his team-matesCredit: GettyFans spotted the crazy moment watching on TVSupporters piled in with hilarious repliesHis sumptuous finish into the bottom corner gave Arsenal a 3-0 lead at the midway point of their Champions League quarter-final.And especially after Declan Rice’s two incredible free-kicks, it is fair to say emotions were running high at the Emirates.So that may explain what Saliba did.As Merino was joined by the likes of Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly running towards the corner flag, the French centre-back seemingly ignored his team-mates.READ MORE ON ARSENALInstead, he conducted his own wild solo celebration.Saliba sprinted into the background of the TV shot and ran off the end of the pitch towards the jubilant supporters.And as he did so, the defender waved both arms around frantically.It was so unexpected and utterly bonkers that one fan even compared his arm antics to SpongeBob SquarePants octopus character Squidward. Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesWhen the video of Saliba’s celebration did the rounds on social media, the Arsenal supporter wrote: “That’s the Squidward,” and added a gif of the character.Another X user said: “I did this same s*** in my living room no judgement.”Paul Merson suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports as he jumps up to celebrate Arsenal goalA third added: “That was me running through my whole house after that second goal.”A fourth replied: “He’s a fan. His head was as gone as ours.”A fifth typed: “Bro’s trynna fly, man. Allow.”A sixth responded: “The ultimate hype man.”A seventh noted: “I love his heart and passion. Gabriel and Saliba are truly GUNNERS.”Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners…And a final one commented in response to transfer rumours linking him with a move to the Bernabeu: “Yeah he’s not going to Real Madrid any time soon.”Real Madrid have NEVER overcome a three-goal first-leg deficit in the Champions League.Yet French defender Saliba is wary of Madrid’s status as the crazy comeback kings on their own patch – and told Arsenal to fight fire with fire in one of Europe’s greatest arenas.He said: “We are not scared. We want to go there and win the game.“We cannot defend the whole game. We won 3-0 but we know it is not finished. There are a lot of things that can happen.Read More on The Sun“It was incredible because to win in a quarter-final like this against Madrid, in front of our fans, is amazing. But now we have to do it again next week.“One of the best [nights of my career] and I hope it’s not the last one.”He was desperate to soak up the moment with the fansCredit: GettyMerino made it 3-0 against Real MadridCredit: EPASaliba managed to keep compatriot Kylian Mbappe quietCredit: Getty More

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    Rio Ferdinand hands Ruben Amorim transfer wishlist with the four signings Man Utd need to make

    RIO FERDINAND has named four players that Ruben Amorim must sign this summer. The former Manchester United centre-back has identified the problem positions that he feels Amorim needs to address.Rio Ferdinand has identified four key problem positions at Manchester UnitedRio Ferdinand believes that Ruben Amorim needs serious backing this summerCredit: GettyThe Red Devils languish in the bottom half of the Premier League table – currently 13th – 15 points adrift of the top four.United face Olympique Lyon in their crucial Europa League quarter-final clash in France on Thursday, with Europe’s secondary competition Amorim’s only chance of silverware in his first term at Old Trafford.The Portuguese has overseen a radical shift in formation since he took over the reins from Erik ten Hag, moving from the Dutchman’s 4-2-3-1 shape to his own 3-4-2-1 system that earned him plentiful admirers at Sporting Lisbon. He was cautiously backed in the January transfer market, with Patrick Dorgu arriving from Lecce to address the injury crisis at left wing-back, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal to add youth to the central defensive ranks. Read more FootballHowever, Ferdinand, speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents Show, believes that there are four players that could begin to turn the tide at Old Trafford and position United on a positive trajectory once again.The six-time Premier League winner said: “I agree with Gary Neville that they need five players, I think they need four or five players but they will be constrained by [Profit and Sustainability Rules].”I want a centre midfielder to play alongside [Manuel] Ugarte; that player needs to be able to take the ball and transfer it through to Bruno [Fernandes] and the strikers. And you know who I’d go for? Adam Wharton.”21-year-old Wharton is currently at Crystal Palace, having arrived from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 for £22.5million, with his performances so good that he forced his way into England’s Euro 2024 squad.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSScoring goals seems to United’s biggest problem, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee both struggling to shoulder the striking burden. As such, Ferdinand has his eyes on a striker that is tearing up the Turkish Super Lig this term.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City Ferdinand said: “We need [Victor] Osimhen”. “We need experience. We need someone who knows how to score. We need someone who can come and show these young strikers at Man United how to do it.”If I’m Man United, I’m making it happen. I want someone who knows their way around the pitch at an elite level and knows how to score at the elite level consistently. Osimhen’s done that.”Osimhen, the 26-year-old Nigerian, scored 31 times in all competitions as Napoli ended a 33-year drought for a Serie A title in 2022-23, and he hit 17 the season after that. However, he fell out with the Italian side, and was shipped out on loan to Galatasaray, where he has netted 26 goals for the Turkish league leaders.Adam Wharton has caught Ferdinand’s eyeVictor Osimhen could be the answer to Man Utd’s goalscoring woesCredit: GettySunSport reported previously that Napoli and United could strike a stunning swap deal that sees Marcus Rashford and Osimhen move in opposite directions, when Rashford’s loan deal at Aston Villa expires at the end of the current campaign.Ferdinand identified Matheus Cunha as his third top target, focusing on the Brazilian’s uncertain future at Wolves as a key reason to pursue a deal. Ferdinand said: “Another one I’d go and buy is Cunha. “He’s made it clear that he wants to leave so I’d go and get Cunha.”The forward threw his future at Molineux into doubt last month, admitting that he was eyeing “the next step”, despite penning a new four-and-a-half year deal with the Black Country outfit in February. Cunha has 13 goals in 26 Premier League appearances this term, and his goalscoring knack, as well as his versatility across the frontline, could make him an ideal signing for Amorim. The final name that Ferdinand presented was a former Manchester City academy prospect, who has since made his name in the Bundesliga as one of the continent’s leading right wing-backs. Ferdinand added: “You know who else I’d go and get? [Jeremie] Frimpong at right wing back.”   Read More on The SunFrimpong, the Netherlands international, currently plies his trade at Bayer Leverkusen, and has been touted as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool. The 24-year-old has featured 43 times in all competitions for Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga champions, laying on 11 assists and scoring four goals.Matheus Cunha is eyeing a move away from WolvesCredit: GettyJeremie Frimpong has lit up the Bundesliga with LeverkusenCredit: EPA More

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    Play Score Predictor this weekend and you could be £250 richer by Monday night – top tips ahead of Matchweek 27

    SCORE PREDICTOR Matchweek 27 features five mouthwatering Premier League match-ups.Play for free ahead of Saturday’s 5:30pm deadline and you could be £250 richer by Monday night.Play Score Predictor now!Credit: Dream TeamSimply enter your predictions for the selected fixtures and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you earn the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR NOW!Allow us to present some key stats and facts to help inform your decisions…Arsenal v BrentfordThe Gunners are riding high after an emphatic victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals and one suspects Mikel Arteta will already be prioritising the second leg.Truth be told, there’s little jeopardy left for Arsenal in the Premier League as they are unlikely to catch Liverpool or be caught by those behind them.The Bees are entering on-the-beach territory too, positioned 12th in table with an outside chance of claiming the Conference League spot but seemingly set for a comfortable mid-table finish.Brentford famously announced themselves in the top flight with a win over Arsenal but the North Londoners have had the better of this match-up ever since having won six of the last seven meetings.Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have impressed this season but the goals have dried up for Thomas Frank’s side of late with just four in their last five league outings.Most read in FootballBrentford have conceded more shots than any other side in the league this season while Arsenal have allowed the fewest shots.Our Prediction: 1-0 to ArsenalArsenal impressed against Real MadridCredit: GettyLiverpool v West HamThe Reds are in danger of finishing an otherwise superb season in limp fashion having lost three of their last four games in all competitions.However, Arne Slot will feel confident of restoring the party mood at Anfield this weekend as the Hammers are without a win in their last four.Graham Potter still has a lot of work to do at the London Stadium and with Wolves in decent form there’s a real danger that West Ham will finish 17th with just Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton below them.Liverpool have a positive goal difference of 21 in home league games this term while West Ham have conceded seven goals more than they’ve scored on the road.Our Prediction: 2-0 to LiverpoolPotter needs to find solutionsCredit: ReutersWolves v TottenhamNo team have taken more points from their last six league games than Vitor Pereira’s resurgent troops.Not only will the hosts head into Sunday’s clash full of confidence, they will also be boosted by the return of Matheus Cunha from suspension.To say this is a potential banana skin for Spurs is a huge understatement.The fact this game falls between two Europa League quarter-final legs for Spurs may also work in Wolves’ advantage.If Ange Postecoglou is to save face at the end of this turbulent campaign he will have to prioritise Europe, his last route to silverware.Our Prediction: 3-2 to WolvesCunha is set to return for in-form WolvesCredit: GettyNewcastle v Manchester UnitedThe Red Devils have won just four league games away from this season – yet another statistic that illustrates the extent of their downfall.In their defence, they came closer than Man City to winning last weekend’s drab derby but fans and neutrals alike are trying to forget that non-contest.Man United’s performances still leave a lot to be desired but technically they’ve lost just one of their last nine games in all competitions.It’s worth noting that Ruben Amorim’s side play in Lyon before they make the trip to St James’ Park.As for the Magpies, they’re peaking at a good time with four consecutive wins, including victory in the Carabao Cup final.Newcastle won 2-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season and we’re inclined to back a repeat.Our Prediction: 2-0 to NewcastleNewcastle strolled to victory against Leicester on Monday nightCredit: GettyBournemouth v FulhamThe Cherries’ push for European qualification has stalled as they’re without a league win since mid-February.Andoni Iraola’s side have also fared better on the road than at home this season.Whereas the visitors head to the south coast having beaten Liverpool last time out.Fulham rank third for xG conceded behind Liverpool and Arsenal while Bournemouth rank third for xG generated behind the Reds and Chelsea.Monday night’s match-up smells like a competitive stalemate.Read More on The SunOur Prediction: 1-1 drawShow us how it’s really done by entering your own predictions for Matchweek 27 now.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    ‘I really thought he was losing it’ – Peter Schmeichel reveals defining moment he doubted Sir Alex Ferguson

    FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has opened up about the one moment in time where he DOUBTED Sir Alex Ferguson. Schmeichel was an integral part of United’s winning machine during his eight seasons under Ferguson between 1991 and 1999. Former Man Utd goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has revealed the defining moment that left him questioning Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision-makingCredit: GettySchmeichel opened up about the historic Treble-winning team on That Peter Crouch podcastHe won five league titles and finished on the ultimate high of a Champions League triumph to complete a historic Treble in his final season.But it was not all plain sailing for the giant Dane at Old Trafford, after fights with Fergie and Roy Keane caused mayhem at times.Yet Ferguson relied on Schmeichel – a Euro 1992 winner with Denmark – to start between the sticks for nearly a decade.There is no doubt that Schmeichel respects “The Boss” and cherishes the unbelievable memories they spent together.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the former stopper has revealed details about the one point in time where thought Fergie was losing his marbles.The 61-year-old told That Peter Crouch podcast: “The first time, where I really thought the guy was losing it and not understanding what he was doing, was in the summer of 1995.”When three players, who would start every game if they were fit, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis, left the club and no-one came in.”And he puts five kids in the first team squad – he puts Nicky, Gary, Phil, Scholesy and Becks.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”Ryan was already in the first team dressing room, so he would’ve been the sixth.”But you’re thinking what’s going on here? And of course, we open up with a defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park.Man Utd’s secret weapon in Treble-winning season revealed as star who played ‘bigger role than people give credit for'”But the boys were great and I mainly thought it was strange that he didn’t bring at least one player in during the summer.”It seems Schmeichel inadvertently and initially agreed with Liverpool great Alan Hansen who famously uttered: “you can’t win anything with kids” after that season opening defeat.But, of course, Ferguson’s young team went onto win the Premier League and FA Cup in that 1995/1996 season.The Dane also revealed United’s shock Treble-winning secret weapon away from the pitch that nobody really knows about.He identified club debutant Dwight Yorke as one of the ‘forgotten’ men. More