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    Man Utd ‘considered £58m transfer for Barcelona star in January’ but wonderkid snubbed move

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    MANCHESTER UNITED considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in January – but he reportedly rejected the switch.The Red Devils were allegedly willing to offer £58m for the 21-year-old midfielder, with Aston Villa also interested.Man Utd considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in JanuaryCredit: RexFermin Lopez opted to stay at BarcelonaCredit: RexUnited wanted Lopez to bolster their midfield options amid another dismal Premier League campaign, according to The Mail.While Villa – who brought in five new players, including Marcus Rashford on loan- were also keen to add Lopez to their ranks.But the Spaniard made it immediately clear that he wouldn’t entertain a move and was desperate to continue at Barca.United are known to be long-time admirers of Lopez’s talents amid their recent changes in midfield.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChristian Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer and Casemiro is no longer considered a regular starter.Roma expressed interest in Casemiro in January and United could loan the legendary midfielder out in June.That could mean that Ruben Amorim’s side could go for Lopez again in the next window in a few months time. In October 2024, Lopez signed a new contract at the club until 2029, and it is understood that he has a £416.5m release clause.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLopez wants to fight for his future at Barca after seeing his playing time reduced under new gaffer Hansi Flick.He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 LaLiga games this season, having been named in the starting XI on five occasions.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concernLopez – who came through the ranks at Real Betis before moving to La Masia – returned from the Olympics with an injury, which left him out for the first few weeks of the season. The youngster has to battle fierce competition in Barca’s midfield which includes Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, Gavi and Pablo Torre.Meanwhile, United loaned out Rashford and Antony to reduce their wage bill.But Old Trafford chiefs spent £29.9m on wing-back Patrick Dorgu, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal’s under-21s.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Cash-strapped Barcelona ‘lose out on MILLIONS with contract blunder’ after Nico Gonzalez’s £50m transfer to Man City

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      CASH-STRAPPED Barcelona reportedly lost out on MILLIONS from Nico Gonzalez’s £50million Manchester City switch due to a contract blunder.The Spanish midfielder, 23, completed a stunning deadline day move to the Etihad from Porto.Barcelona missed out on millions when Nico Gonzalez joined Man City from PortoCredit: PAThe ace came through the ranks at La MasiaCredit: GettyBefore joining the Portuguese side in 2023, Gonzalez came through the ranks at Barcelona’s La Masia academy.He made 37 appearances before being sold for £7million to Porto as Barca looked to combat their dire financial situation.However, the Catalans made sure to include a clause that entitled them to 40 per cent of his next fee.Despite that, ESPN claims Barcelona will now receive just 20 per cent of Gonzalez’s £50m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because before selling him to City, Porto snapped up half of Barcelona’s clause for only £2.5m.It means instead of receiving £20m as part of Gonzalez’s move to City, Barca have banked just £10m.Including Porto’s cheeky clause cash-in, it makes for a grand total of £12.5m — £7.5m less than the Spaniards were expecting to rake in.Club chiefs are sure to be even more furious as their lack of money saw them potentially miss out on an even greater figure.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBarcelona made sure to also include a buy-back clause, worth £25m, in Gonzalez’s Porto move 18 months ago.They could have — in theory — re-signed him for that figure before flogging him to City for £50m — making for a cool £25m profit.Henry reveals sympathy for Pep Guardiola after own marriage split with Man City boss ‘not usual self’But Porto’s earlier decision to pay £2.5m for Gonzalez’s sell-on clause saw that option also become invalid.After joining City, the playmaker said: “This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career. I am 23 and I want to test myself in England. There’s no better club than Manchester City for me to do that. “Look at the squad they have here … it’s unbelievable, full of world‑class players. There isn’t a footballer in the world who would not want to be part of this setup.“I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team. I am truly excited. I just want to meet my teammates, and the staff here and then I want to play in front of the City fans.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Keira Walsh ready to ‘fight for badge’ and trophies with Chelsea after club confirm signing of ex-Barcelona star

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      KEIRA WALSH declared she is ready to fight for Chelsea’s badge after confirming her switch from Barcelona. The England midfielder has joined the WSL leaders on a four-and-a-half-year deal, for a fee thought to be around £400,000. Walsh will Chelsea’s number 30 shirt following her permanent transfer from BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe Blues midfielder has become the second England star to join the club from Barcelona following Lucy Bronze’s move in July last yearWalsh, who won eight trophies with Barcelona, sees her move to Chelsea as a “good fit” for her in terms of her ambitionsCredit: APIn doing so she sealed one of the biggest moves in the January transfer window with Chelsea boosting their squad to aid their quadruple trophy chase.Her arrival comes before the Blues’ trip to Aston Villa on Sunday with the team aiming to extend their WSL unbeaten run to 13 games this term. Of her move Walsh, who made 64 Barcelona appearances, said: “It’s unbelievable. I’m very happy to be here and very excited to get started.“You look at the history of the trophies Chelsea have won and I’m an ambitious player and person, so for me, it is a good fit.Read More Football Stories “Speaking to Paul Green (Chelsea’s head of women’s football), Sonia and Camille (Chelsea assistant manager), I just got such a good feeling from them. “It has been really positive. I want to play for this club and fight for the badge.”Walsh, who began her senior club career at Blackburn at 16, has spent the past two-and-half-years playing for Barcelona with whom she won eight trophies including two top-flight titles.Her transfer has seen the Blues strengthen their midfield options with the team hoping to go unbeaten in the top-flight this season. Most read in FootballShe is also the second England star to join the team from Spain’s title holders following Lucy Bronze’s transfer last July.Before her Chelsea switch and Barcelona stint, Walsh spent eight years at Manchester City, winning eight trophies including one WSL title. Her move to Spain came two months after she played an instrumental role in England’s European Championship triumph in July 2022. The midfielder provided an assist for Ella Toone’s goal in a 2-1 defeat of Germany at Wembley. And during her time with Barca the 80-capped Lioness helped them win two Champions League trophies in 2023 and last year.  In her first season at the helm Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide the London outfit to a Champions League tournament triumph.Today Chelsea also announced the signing of goalkeeper Femke Liefting who won the Golden Glove at last year’s Under-20s Women’s World CupCredit: GettyEurope’s biggest club prize is the one major trophy the Blues are yet to win. Walsh’s arrival comes five days after Chelsea’s swoop for USA international Naomi Girma, 24, the club forking out US$1.1million to sign the ex-San Diego Wave defender. And yesterday they also strengthened their goalkeeper ranks with 20-year-old Femke Liefting joining from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. More

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      Aston Villa join Marcus Rashford transfer race with Barcelona increasingly unlikely to sign Man Utd outcast

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is a late January target for Aston Villa – with a move to Barcelona looking increasingly unlikely. The out-of-favour Manchester United striker has not played for the Red Devils since December 12. Marcus Rashford is being eyed by Aston Villa late in the transfer windowCredit: GettyRashford has been linked with various loan moves away from Old Trafford during the ongoing window. AC Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were all interested in a temporary move for the England man. Barcelona are still hopeful of signing the 27-year-old, who has spent his entire career with the United. But Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages have proved a stumbling block in negotiations with the Spanish side. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe England striker revealed he was “ready for a new challenge” just weeks after Ruben Amorim took over in the North West.And according to The Athletic, Villa are ready to swoop late in the window. Unai Emery’s side are keen for reinforcements upfront to help out Ollie Watkins.Jhon Duran is set for a £64million switch to Saudi club Al Nassr, while Emi Buendia has moved to Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe report claims Rashford’s own preference would be a move to Barcelona. But the Catalan giants have financial issues which could stand in the way of a loan deal. ‘It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonThe Man Utd star would reportedly “need some convincing” to head down the M6 to Villa on a temporary deal.Rashford’s last appearance for United was in a Europa League game against Plzen almost two months ago.He signed a five-year contract extension with the Red Devils in the summer of 2023.A little over 18 months later, it looks unlikely he will play for the club again. Man Utd ratings vs FCSB as Mainoo shines in new role but one team-mate strugglesKOBBIE MAINOO ran the show as Manchester United marched on in the Europa League in Romania.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the United players against FCSB…Altay Bayindir – 6He was often a bystander during the game despite the hosts often getting up the pitch.Did show that he needs to work on his ball control with his feet with a few sloppy clearances.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Battled well at times as he took up the third centre-back role.Did very little wrong throughout the match.Matthijs de Ligt – 7Solid showing from the Dutchman in Romania who provided the muscle in the backline.Lisandro Martinez 70′ – 6Did well to help out in defence and keep the ball moving forward.Although, he should never have been allowed to take a decent free-kick opportunity in the first half that he blazed over.Diogo Dalot – 7Out on the wing, Dalot struggled to have a good impact on the game and was caught out on occasion when needing to defend.But proved crucial as he netted the opening goal with a tap in after making a good run at the back post.Toby Collyer 45′ – 6Made up one-half of Man United’s academy midfield duo and looked composed throughout the clash.He did not let the occasion get to him, as he showed plenty of strength when required.Harshly hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 8Excelled in a slightly more advanced role to Collyer in the midfielder.Mainoo set up the opener with a cracking low cross to Dalot before scoring himself with a composed finish.Tyrell Malacia 45′ – 5Provided plenty of width in the left-wing-back role and whipped in a couple of decent crosses.Was replaced at the breakChristian Eriksen 70′ – 6Forced a decent save inside 20 minutes and linked the play between the midfield and final third.Fell off during the second half and was replaced by Casemiro.Bruno Fernandes – 6Had a couple of moans at the referee in the first half and was largely quiet.Benefitted from the changes at the break as he had more natural attackers to link up with.Rasmus Hojlund 80′ – 5The misfiring striker put in plenty of effort as he was often making runs.Had a decent chance with his head but failed to get enough power on it to trouble the goalkeeper.SUBSAmad Diallo 45′ – 6Added a bit more threat on the wing after replacing Malacia.Alejandro Ganracho 45′ – 7Almost made an instant impact as he latched onto a loose ball but his effort hit the wrong side of the post.Picked up an assist with a decent pass to Mainoo.Leny Yoro 70′ – 6Slotted into the backline to help see out the game.Casemiro 70′ – 6Dropped deep into the midfield and gave himself as an option for defenders to pass to do move the ball forward.Joshua Zirkzee 80′ – 5Did not get much of an opportunity to grab a goal.Rashford has managed just four goals this season from 15 appearances. And Amorim claimed last week he would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach over the wantaway forward.Amorim said: “I’d put [goalkeeping coach Jorge] Vital on the bench before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day. I’ll not change in that department.“It’s always the same reason. The reason is the training. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The way that I see what a footballer should do in training,  in life, every day.  If things don’t change, I will not change.“Same situation for every player — if you do the maximum, if you do the right things, we can use every player.” More

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      Inside 14,591-seater third tier stadium that could host El Clasico as desperate Barcelona seek venue to face Real Madrid

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      BARCELONA could play the final two games of their La Liga season in a THIRD DIVISION stadium.The club’s billion-pound expansion of their iconic Nou Camp home – which will become a 105,000-seater ground – was set to be completed in February.Barcelona are currently playing away from their iconic Nou Camp groundCredit: APThe world-famous stadium is undergoing a major revamp and expansionCredit: REXBarca have been playing their games at the Estadi Lluis Companys during their hiatus but could be turfed out for their last two fixturesCredit: ALAMYBut it was recently announced the works on the Catalan colosseum won’t be finished until MAY at the earliest.Barca have been playing their home matches at the Estadi Lluis Companys but could be forced to play elsewhere if the Rolling Stones take over the venue.The 58,000-seater Olympic Stadium has already been booked out for several concerts in May, including the first show of the Stones’ upcoming European tour.The Catalans are set to welcome bitter rivals Real Madrid and Villarreal to the Nou Camp in their final matches of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut they’ve been handed a potential lifeline by third division side Gimnastic de Tarragona.The Primera Federacion side have offered the La Liga giants use of their 14,591 capacity Nou Estadi Costa Daurada stadium for the final games of their domestic campaign.Nastic president Lluis Fabregas told Diari de Tarragona: “Nastic could give up its facilities at the Nou Estadi for this match.”Barca, however, will be hoping they won’t have to make use of the third tier side’s home.Most read in FootballThe club – which were said to be considering using Wembley for El Clasico – are reportedly on the verge of striking an agreement with the local council to permit 24/7 works to the ground over the coming months.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBarca chiefs insist the Nou Camp will re-open it’s doors come MayCredit: GETTYBarca president Joan Laporta recently moved to quell concerns about the club’s return to the Nou Camp, saying: “[It] will be as soon as possible when possible.”During an appearance on RAC 1, vice-president Elena Fort said: “[The] return will be before the end of this season.”Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou Barcelona will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, hosting relegation battlers Alaves. More

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      Keira Walsh closing in on sensational transfer deadline day move to Chelsea from Barcelona

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      KEIRA WALSH is set to become Chelsea’s latest high profile signing with the club closing in on a deadline day swoop for England ace. The midfielder, previously linked with Arsenal, is set to join the WSL giants four days after they signed USA defender Naomi Girma. Chelsea’s impending of signing Keira Walsh is a huge boost for the club who hope to win the Women’s Champions League for the first time in their historyCredit: GettyWalsh’s upcoming move to the WSL leaders follows a trophy-laden spell at Barcelona with whom she won two Champions League medalsCredit: APThe Blues have agreed a transfer fee of £500,000 with Walsh’s current side Barcelona, according to Sky Sports. The former Man City ace is due to have a medical with Chelsea aiming to seal their deal before today’s January transfer deadline. The England star will be eligible to feature for Sonia Bompastor’s team in the Champions League knockout phase with the quarter-finals taking place in March. Chelsea’s signing of Walsh will be a massive coup for the team who are currently top of the Women’s Super League and chasing an eighth top-flight title win. Read More Football StoriesLast September reports in Spain claimed WSL rivals had a record transfer bid for the midfielder rejectedThe Rochdale-born player, who began her senior club career at Blackburn Rovers at the age of 16, has evolved into one of the sports’s most gifted midfielders. The player, who grew up watching Spanish football, played a key role in helping Manchester City win the WSL title in 2016 in the second year of her eight-year stint at the club. And after joining Barcelona in September 2022, for a then world record £400,000 fee, Walsh has gone on to become an integral part of  the LaLiga giants. Most read in FootballIn addition to making 54 top flight appearances for the club whose stars include Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, the midfielder lifted eight major titles. Her silverware wins include two Champions League trophies, two La Liga Women’s titles and three Spanish Super Cups. The midfielder was also among the nominees for last year’s Fifa best women’s player of the year gong which was awarded to Bonmati. Since providing an assist on her senior England debut in a 5-0 World Cup qualifier defeat of Kazakhstan, Walsh has also shone on the international stage. The midfielder started in every single one of the Lionesses’ matches during the 2022 Women’s Euros. Among her tournament highlights was a standout pass that led to Ella Toone’s opening goal in their 2-1 tournament final defeat of Germany at Wembley. And she is in strong contention for a place in Sarina Wiegman’s squad ahead of this year’s Euros in July. Earlier this move Chelsea strengthened their defensive options by signing Olympic gold medal-winning USA centre-back Naomi GirmaCredit: GettyWalsh’s impending Blues move comes two and a half years on from Chelsea being linked with the player prior to her Barcelona move. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club made headlines earlier this month by signing Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for a record breaking US$1.1million dollar feeWalsh’s switch will see her become the second England star the Blues have signed from Barcelona following Lucy Bronze joining as a free agent in July last year. More

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      Lionel Messi ‘tells family and friends he will return to Barcelona’ as David Beckham makes shock admission

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      LIONEL MESSI has set his sights on a sensational return to Barcelona.The 37-year-old ended his two-decade spell with Barcelona in 2021 and subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.Lionel Messi is determined to complete a return to BarcelonaCredit: APMessi left Barcelona as a free agent in 2021Credit: GettyAfter two years in France he left Europe to sign for MLS giants Inter Miami in a huge free transfer and has since netted 34 goals and provided 18 assists in just 39 appearances.But with just one year left on his current deal, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking to the future.Messi recently told a family friend that he wants to complete a sensational return to Barcelona.Yanina Latorre told La Nacion: “He [Messi] told me that when he finishes here [Miami], where he is happy, he will return to Barcelona.”Read More in FootballThe Argentina captain also allegedly rejected the possibility of extending his stay in the USA and said: “No, my place is there.”A return as a player could be made complicated due to Barcelona’s ongoing money issues, so he could take up an ambassadorial role.Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also recently admitted that Messi only sees his future in Spain.Speaking at the Economic Forum in Davos, the England legend said: “I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires, but Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Beckham has admitted that Messi intends to go back to BarcelonaCredit: Reuters”There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does.”You can see the Barca crest on his leg and even on his water bottle.”Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action While Beckham did not disclose exactly when Messi could go back to Barcelona, his Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously revealed that he will sit down with the forward to discuss his future.Mas said: “I fully expect that when our new stadium opens in 2026, Leo Messi will be our number 10.” More

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      Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona transfer could be torpedoed by ASTON VILLA after £325,000-a-week Man Utd ace offered to club

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’s potential loan move to Barcelona could fall apart – because of Aston Villa’s transfer business. The out-of-favour Manchester United star, 27, has been linked with a temporary switch to the Nou Camp. Marcus Rashford has been linked with a loan move to BarcelonaCredit: RexRashford has been a target for Dortmund, AC Milan and Napoli this window after being frozen out by new Utd boss Ruben Amorim. But his mammoth £325,000-a-week wages have proved a stumbling block in negotiations. Barcelona are reportedly desperate to bring the 27-year-old in to turn around their stuttering LaLiga campaign. To do so, they have to save enough money to register him within their league spending cap. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAccording to ESPN, Barcelona were desperate for Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza to join Aston Villa earlier this month.The Catalan giants retain 50 per cent of any future transfer fee the defender raises after selling him to Celta in 2022.That deal never materialised, with Villa instead turning to Levante’s Andres Garcia to shore up their defensive options.The report adds Rashford has been “offered to every top club in France, Spain and Italy.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSParis Saint-Germain, Monaco and Marseille were all reportedly contacted.Barcelona had also hoped to raise funds by selling winger Ansu Fati. Marcus Rashford smiles as he’s seen in Man Utd training for first time since admitting he wants transfer exit But he is reportedly unwilling to leave the club this January.As such, they are scrambling around late in the window – and may not be able to raise enough cash to afford Rashford. The England striker watched from the stands as Man Utd beat Rangers 2-1 in the Europe League on Thursday.Barcelona had reportedly hoped to fund Rashford by pocketing a sell-on for Villa target Oscar MinguezaCredit: GettyVilla opted to sign Andrés García from Levante insteadCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialHe was left out of Amorim’s squad again – despite the Red Devils boss having three spaces spare on his bench.Rashford has now been dumped out by Amorim for ten-straight games.Rashford has been frozen out since giving an interview last month where he declared he was “ready for a new challenge.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite not playing against Rangers, Rashford gave his full support to his teammates from the terraces.Speaking on Instagram, the forward posted his view of the pitch, accompanied by the caption: “Come on the boys”. Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMANCHESTER UNITED all but sealed automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a last-gasp win over Rangers.The Red Devils welcomed the Scottish giants to Old Trafford in the penultimate group match of their European campaign on Thursday night.And they took a giant step towards a top-eight finish thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.A calamitous own second-half goal from Gers stopper Jack Butland broke the deadlock.Cyriel Dessers thought he’d rescued a point for the visitors in the 88th minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the hearts of the travelling Teddy Bears four minutes later.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence was in attendance for the Battle of Britain and is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Ruben Amorim’s side.Altay Bayindir – 7The Turk is a better keeper than No 1 Andre Onana, especially dealing with corners.Took a sore one colliding with Toby Collyer showing exactly that.Leny Yoro – 5The £52m central defender was deployed on the right side of Rubin Amorim’s three-man rearguard.Youngster was shaky at times but looked better when he had the ball.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Terrible early touch stranded Toby Collyer – Nicolas Raskin’s even worse touch let him off the hook.Hooked at the break – no surprise there, although Amorim said afterwards that he “felt something”.Lisandro Martinez – 5Once known as The Butcher of Amsterdam but he’s long lost that scary presence.Another one who doesn’t look happy in the new system.Amad Diallo – 7Looks a bit different these days since his tough time on loan at Rangers three years ago.Not on wonder-boy form this time but still a threat.Toby Collyer – 6Made his first appearance on a European stage and the boy done good.The 21 year old is a very decent emerging midfielder.Christian Eriksen – 6Turns 33 next month and his legs aren’t really up to playing in centre midfield.He’s always been a creator anyway but he dug in.Diogo Dalot – 5Started out on his wrong foot as a left wing back.Switched midway through the second half and looked far more comfortable.Bruno Fernandes – 9You wonder if he drives himself as mad as he must do his manager at times. But scored a fantastic winner.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Ruben. He’s NOT a centre-forward.Whatever £36m bought, it wasn’t a natural striker and it’s unfair to be playing him up there on his own.Alejandro Garnacho – 8Busy and focused – didn’t look like any talk of being sold to Chelsea was bothering him.On this sparkling evidence United would be mad to let him go anywhere.SUBSMaguire (for De Ligt 46) 3 Totally asleep for Rangers’ equaliser.Malacia (for Yoro 56) 5 : Looking happier now injury worries overUgarte (for Collyer 73) 5 : Put in a solid short spell.Mainoo (Eriksen 73) 5 : Added strength and mobility.Hojlund (for Zirkzee 82) 5 : Ran about a bit – he’s good at that. More

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      Former Barcelona star shows off withered leg as he shows how much muscle he lost after devastating ACL injury

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      FORMER Barcelona prodigy Riqui Puig has revealed pictures of his withered leg after suffering a devastating ACL injury.Puig, who now plays for LA Galaxy, lost a significant amount of muscle in his right leg after undergoing reconstructive surgery last month.Riqui Puig has shown off his withered right legThe 25-year-old tore his ACL in NovemberPuig came through the ranks with Barcelona’s La Masia set upPuig joined LA in 2022Puig suffered a nasty ACL injury during LA Galaxy’s 1-0 win over Seattle Sonders FC in the Western Conference final in November.But he played over 30 minutes with a torn ACL and even provided the game-winning assist for Dejan Joveljic’s 85th minute goal.Scans after the trophy celebrations showed a rupture and surgery was performed in a Barcelona hospital a month later.The 25-year-old has shared an update on the rehab process of his knee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPictures show the midfielder has lost a ton of muscle on his right leg as he works with specialists.Puig grabbed 37 goal contributions in 36 matches played across all competitions for the LA Galaxy during the 2024 campaign.He left Barcelona for America as a free agent in 2022 after falling out of favour with former manager Xavi’s plans.His exit was a shock for fans after Barca’s legends indicated he was a special talent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBack in 2018, one report read: “Lionel Messi quickly realised that after Riqui started going to some training sessions with the first team last season.”He wanted him at his side and, of course, the kid was happy to have his idol in front of him and on top of that, that he gave him the ball.Ex-Everton and Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu works out in gym after horror injury “He was not the only one who was astonished.”Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta – a player whom he has many resemblances towards – were also captivated by his football.”Despite his promising talent as a teenager, Puig found himself way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp and left in 2022.Gavi and Pedri are two of the highest-rated young central midfielders in Europe and have continued to prosper.Meanwhile, Puig is one of the best players in the MLS and is a two-time All-Star.Puig found himself way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp More