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      Paul Pogba ‘to agree contract termination with Juventus’ after drug ban reduction as former Man Utd star eyes new club

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      PAUL POGBA will reportedly agree to terminate his Juventus contract after his drug ban was reduced from four years to 18 months.Pogba, 31, tested positive for banned substance DHEA — which naturally boosts testosterone production — in August 2023.Paul Pogba is set to terminate his Juventus contract after having his drug ban reducedCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United star claimed he took it by accident.But the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office dismissed Pogba’s pleas and handed him a four-year ban in February — effectively ending the French World Cup winner’s playing career.However, Pogba was handed a major lifeline this month after taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.They reduced his ban from four years to 18 months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it means Pogba will be available to play again from March 2025, while he can train with his club from January.But it appears that will not be at Juventus, with Fabrizio Romano claiming all parties are now close to agreeing a deal that will see Pogba terminate his Turin contract.The midfielder played just twice at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, after rejoining from United.And new Juve boss Thiago Motta has since taken his squad in a fresh direction.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPogba himself is said to agree that a new start is the best course of action.And he will start looking for a club once he becomes a free agent.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice EvraJuventus chiefs certainly had a cool reaction to the news of Pogba’s imminent availability.Speaking before the 1-1 draw with Cagliari, boss Motta said: “The club will decide what to do with Pogba.“For me, he was a great player, he hasn’t played for a long time.”Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli added: “He was a great player but he’s been out of action for a long time.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

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      England handed major boost for Nations League clash with Greece as star striker hobbles off in ‘eternal enemies’ derby

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      GREECE star Fotis Ioannidis could miss the Nations League clash with England after hobbling off with an injury during a crunch derby.The Three Lions return to action on Thursday when they host the Greek national team at Wembley after winning their first two matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.Greece star Fotis Ioannidis may miss the Nations League clash with EnglandCredit: AFPPanathinaikos star Ioannidis is Greece’s top goalscorer in the Nations LeagueCredit: SportsfileHowever, Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic may be without his top scorer Ioannidisi, 24, who netted three goals in his country’s first two matches against Finland and Ireland.The striker started for Panathinaikos against Olympiacos on Sunday’s derby of the “eternal enemies” at Athens’ Olympic Stadium.The centre-forward, though, sustained an injury one minute before half-time and hobbled off the pitch.Panathinaikos manager Diego Alonso immediately replaced him with Andraz Sporar.Read More on FootballInitial reports suggest the Greece international suffered an adductor injury.Further reports claim Panathinaikos physios diagnosed Ioannidis with a fracture.The ex-Levadiakos star is expected to get an MRI as early as Monday.If Ioannidis’ injury is as currently reported then he will be sidelined for the next few weeks.Most read in FootballThus, the forward may miss the crucial Nations League clashes against England in London and Ireland in Athens on October 13.This comes after the Three Lions’ captain Harry Kane also limped off during Bayern Munich’s 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team England interim manager Lee Carsley will have to wait on updates regarding Kane’s fitness.This comes after Carsley received two injury scares with Aston Villa ace Ezri Konsa and Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbas-White also hobbling off against Manchester United and Chelsea respectively. More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney brutally told ‘stay in England’ after shock plan to have Wrexham playing in Europe

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      WREXHAM’S hopes of playing in Europe have met with an icy response.Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have funded two straight promotions, helped by Disney+ show Welcome to Wrexham.Wrexham co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds would surely love a shot at Europe after transforming the club on and off the fieldCredit: PAJack Marriott celebrates scoring vs Northampton, leaving Wrexham second in League One and eyeing a third straight promotionCredit: Instagram / wrexham_afcAnd a U-turn could be looming on Welsh clubs who compete in the English Football League from qualifying for European competitions.Talks are ongoing over allowing Championship clubs Cardiff City and Swansea City, plus Wrexham and Newport County, to enter the Welsh League Cup, with a place in Europe the likely prize for the winners.The last Welsh EFL club to qualify was Swansea back in 2013, thanks to winning the EFL Cup.At the moment, Wales’ “big four” clubs can only make Europe via success in the Premier League, FA Cup or EFL Cup.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the Cymru Premier’s all-time record scorer has led criticisms of plans to give them a possible “in”.Marc Lloyd Williams, 51, who hit 319 goals in 467 Welsh League games, told BBC Radio Wales: “The four clubs made the decision to play in England, so stay in England. “Don’t try and take those European spots off the Cymru Premier teams. It is their bread and butter, week in, week out.”Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham and Newport are in the Football League and the FA Cup and EFL Cup. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”They have got a chance to play Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal with a home tie and get big crowds in. “Just because TNS have qualified for Europe, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Cardiff or Swansea or Wrexham or Newport would.  Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”For me, you can’t be having your cake and eating it. They have made their decision and I would be against them coming in.”Unsurprisingly Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has the opposite view.Jack Marriott Wrexham vs Northampton TownCredit: Instagram / wrexham_afcHe said: “To have that opportunity to get into Europe again for the club would be amazing. Hopefully that comes to fruition.”The Dragons qualifying for Europe would further boost a following growing worldwide, especially in the USA, courtesy of their co-owners – “Deadpool” star Reynolds and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” actor McElhenney.Saturday’s 4-1 home win over Northampton left Wrexham second behind Birmingham in League One – dreaming of a third promotion in a row.And it appears L1 rivals might have mixed views on the Dragons receiving a much bigger opportunity of getting into Europe.Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony told his The Hard Truth podcast: “Wow. I guess it’s a two-sided answer. READ MORE SUN STORIES”One would be no, because they’re in the EFL, but two would be… if I were them, I would want to. “Financial rewards are massive. When I looked at buying Irish clubs recently, one Irish club made millions from being in Europe, from getting through and qualifying to the group stage. The prize money is colossal.” More

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      Jonny Evans reveals major impact fears for Erik ten Hag’s future is having on Man Utd dressing room

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Jonny Evans admitted increasing fears about under-fire manager Erik ten Hag’s future are affecting the players.United are enduring their worst start to a Premier League season having amassed a mere eight points in their first seven matches and saw their winless streak extend to five games.Manchester United ace Jonny Evans confessed fears about manager Erik ten Hag’s future have affected the playersCredit: GettyTen Hag is increasingly under pressure amid Man Utd’s worst ever Premier League startCredit: GettyThe Red Devils played out a goalless draw at Aston Villa in front of club chief Sir Jim Radcliffe, which added pressure on Ten Hag’s volatile situation.And Evans, 36, confessed the uncertainty building up around the Dutch tactician’s future is affecting the dressing room.The experienced centre-back is adamant, however, that the players will have to find a way to shut the noise down.Evans told Sky Sports: “You see the fans at the end, the support they give the team. Read More on Man Utd”They have supported the players massively over the years.“It was great for him [Ten Hag] to see that.”The other night [after the 3-3 draw with Porto] he got a bit emotional, you could see it on him, letting that game slip away.”You could see everyone was running into the ground to get a half decent result.Most read in Football”It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too. “I think the more experience I’ve got in my career I’ve made sure I do everything you do to be ready and give everything I can to the team.”Erik ten Hag bemoans defensive lapses as Man Utd waste flying start in Porto 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.United have endured two miserable 3-0 losses at Old Trafford to Liverpool and Tottenham.The Manchester giants have also played out three hapless draws with Crystal Palace, Twente and Porto.United’s board are set to meet on Tuesday to discuss Ten Hag’s future going into the international break.Why 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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      Major change to airport rules for pampered Premier League stars after government closes ‘special’ loophole

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      PAMPERED Premier League stars must go through airport security despite arguing for special treatment.Footie chiefs had argued they should be excused from anti-terrorism security laws on UK private charter flights for fear of an increased risk of injury.Premier League stars must go through airport security despite arguing for special treatment (stock picture)Credit: GettyPlayers such as Harry Maguire got a reprieve last seasonCredit: GettyPremier League boss Richard Masters said security probes could spark long queues before and after internal flights — meaning stars were in danger of being accosted by fans.Players such as Harry Maguire got a reprieve last season.But the government has now insisted they should be scanned like everyone else.A source said: “This is not a good look for the Premier League. Read More on Sport“The government clamped down on potential security loopholes, with small planes included in checks.“Richard Masters’ lobbying raised eyebrows within the government. “It beggars belief he thinks footballers should be treated differently from the rest.“He even threatened to go to No 10. Most read in Football“It was an ill-conceived point to pick a fight on.“He was initially successful, but the footballers are now having to toe the line.”Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in faceThe rules were brought in last year. After the year’s exemption, players are now subject to the same additional screening as anyone else — even on short flights from regional airfields.Government sources confirmed to The Sun that special security arrangements were in place for some private charter flights used by football teams in the past — but this is no longer the case.The Department for Transport said: “Aviation security is of paramount importance to keep passengers safe. “That is why all aircraft passengers are fully screened before they travel.”The Premier League was approached for comment. More

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      Man Utd swamped with offers to make behind-the-scenes documentary of revival under Sir Jim Ratcliffe

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been swamped with offers to make a behind-the-scenes documentary of the club’s planned revival under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.SunSport has learned that several production companies have made approaches on behalf of streaming giants Netflix, Amazon and Disney+.Manchester United have been swamped with offers to make a behind-the-scenes documentaryCredit: PAThe potential series would film United’s revival under co-owner Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAAll since Ratcliffe made his £1.25billion investment in the United earlier this year.United have yet to enter serious negotiations, though, with their priority is improving performances on the pitch following another difficult start to the season.Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle have all made documentaries with Amazon in recent years.Meanwhile, Liverpool are in the process of selling a series on Jurgen Klopp’s final six months at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut a United documentary is seen as the dream ticket among streaming companies.Amazon have produced documentaries on club icons Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney and the 10 days building up to their historic Treble-sealing Champions League win in 1999.Netflix released a four-part series on David Beckham last year.But there has been nothing made just on United.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe narrative of reviving the biggest club in the country that have not won the Premier League title since 2013 is thought to be particularly attractive to documentary makers.United have not ruled out agreeing to a documentary at some stage.How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?But with so many other issues to resolve including the proposed £2billion redevelopment of Old Trafford, the project is not high on their agenda at present.United have their own production company with their in-house team constantly filming behind-the-scenes footage, which could be sold on to a third party if an offer is accepted.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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      Erik ten Hag behind Man Utd’s worst two starts in Premier League history as job hangs by a thread

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      ERIK TEN HAG has now masterminded Manchester United’s TWO worst starts in Premier League history.The Dutchman’s job hangs by a thread after winning just two of his seven league games this season.Erik ten Hag has now overseen Man Utd’s two worst starts in Premier League historyCredit: ReutersUnited big wigs including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Dan Ashworth and Sir Alex Ferguson watched on as the team stumbled their way to a 0-0 bore draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.And the result saw Ten Hag pick up only his eighth point of the campaign.It means the Dutchman has recorded United’s WORST-EVER start to a season.But incredibly, Ten Hag has was beating his own record.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnly last season, he made history by taking just nine points in the first seven games.That had only been done once before, by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 2019/20 season.And after matching the Norwegian last term, Ten Hag has managed to go one better and secure one less point.Fans reacted in disbelief to the news, having also seen their boss bring in more big-money signings this summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “This guy is breaking his own records.”Another declared: “He keeps on challenging himself.”How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?One noted: “If this man survives this week, then we are done.”Another added: “Trust the process.”Speaking after United’s draw with Villa today, Ten Hag himself said: “We (the management) always speak, every week we speak. “We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through it’s a long-term process.”We have come through two very tough away games. This is a team, we showed the belief and faith we have.”I think it’s the fourth clean sheet this season. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined, resilient.”We almost didn’t concede a chance, when you defend like this and get some luck, in the end they had a big chance but it was almost the only chance I think.”We created some chances, also not so many chances. We hit the crossbar and also Rashford had chances. But the two teams were really balanced.”In Porto our build-up was brilliant, so good in the first 25 minutes, we out-played Porto. “Also Palace, in possession we were so good, we have had games this season where we are good. But today we didn’t create too many chances, but also we played a great team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We create loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up. We have to take into consideration Hojlund is returning, he’s still coming up to full fitness. “But others are stepping up. I was impressed from Rashford, also Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end.”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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      Chelsea face hefty fine after ill-discipline in Nottingham Forest clash as Nicolas Jackson filmed ‘slapping’ rival

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      CHELSEA have triggered their second big fine of the season for ill-discipline in a fiery 1-1 home draw with Nottingham Forest.But it’s not for a mass brawl, nor even for SunSport’s exclusive footage showing Nicolas Jackson appearing to slap  Forest defender Morato.Neco Williams and Levi Colwill were both booked over the brawlCredit: RexNicolas Jackson glared at Morata as the skirmish got worseCredit: RexInstead, the Blues picking up six bookings in a match means an automatic £25,000 penalty.Just three weeks earlier, Chelsea received the same-sized fine – after  helping set the Premier League record for most yellow cards in one game.On that occasion the Blues earned six of the 14 bookings dished out – with substitute Christopher Nkunku nicking a late 1-0 victory at Bournemouth.Four of Chelsea’s half-dozen cautions against Forest came in the closing stages, starting with a huge flare-up on 89 minutes.READ MORE TOP STORIESForest left-back Neco Williams sparked the ugly scenes by shoving counterpart Marc Cucurella into Stamford Bridge chief Enzo Maresca.Our video of the incident captured tempers rising out of control near the dugout.Backroom staff, both managers and subs came on the field, as well as Jackson, who had been replaced by Frenchman Nkunku not long before.The Senegal frontman was caught on camera seemingly reaching towards Morato, before team-mates pulled him away.Most read in FootballTempers flared as players squared upCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Jackson escaped a booking.Rather it was Williams and Cucurella, plus Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, who did get yellow cards for their roles in the brief mayhem.Chelsea fans love Cole Palmer’s reaction to huge brawl – but work out clever reason why he didn’t get involvedAll that came after Chris Wood had stunned the Blues by sliding home a 49th-minute opener for the visitors.Noni Madueke soon cut inside to level – Cole Palmer yet again the provider.However, a physical contest grew more tetchy, especially once Forest’s James-Ward Prowse was sent off on 78 minutes.Having already been booked for fouling Palmer, the midfielder saw red for a second caution when he handled to halt a counter-attack led by Jackson.There was still time for the widespread pile-in – with enough repercussions to earn the Blues a second £25k fine with 22 days.But Maresca insisted: “I like the way the team is fighting – I don’t see any problems with that.”Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.Robert Sanchez – 8Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.Malo Gusto – 6Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.Wesley Fofana – 7Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.Levi Colwill – 7Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.Marc Cucurella – 5Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.Moises Caicedo – 6Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.Enzo Fernandez – 5Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.Cole Palmer – 6Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.Noni Madueke – 8Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.Jadon Sancho – 4Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.Nicolas Jackson – 4Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.SubsJoao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5 More