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      Haley hopeful Brighton and Spain ace Bruna can help Seagulls soar in points battle with WSL rivals

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      MADISON HALEY reckons the dynamic Bruna Vilamala will keep the Seagulls soaring.Brighton forward Haley thinks a top-four spot could be a realistic target for the club who have had a flying start to the Women’s Super League season.Madison Haley believes Bruna’s instensity and versatility on the pitch can make Brighton more dynamic in attackCredit: AlamyThe Spain forward made her WSL debut for Albion when they beat Everton 4-0 in their season-opener on September 21Credit: AlamyHaley and her Seagulls team-mates will be hoping to continue their strong start when they visit Manchester CityCredit: GettyAlbion face a tricky early-season test at highly fancied Manchester City this afternoon.The eagerly awaited contest, which kicks off at 12:30pm comes on the back of their 4-0 opening-day thrashing of Everton last Saturday when Kiko Seike ran riot with a historic debut WSL hat-trick.Now American Haley (right), 25, is backing another summer signing in Bruna to make a big impact.Striker Bruna, 22, who has joined on loan from Barcelona, scored four goals in ten top-flight starts for the Catalan club last season.Read More Football Stories She made her senior international debut for Spain in June.And Haley revealed: “People have been asking me who’s the one to watch. Bruna was one of the players I said.”With her coming from Barcelona, the technical ability is there in abundance.”She gives us some really good quality in possession as well as out.Most read in Football”She can play multiple positions and I guess it makes us a bit more dynamic as a team.”Her intensity, the distance she covers and effort that she puts in is there. She can also keep the opposition on their toes.”That makes us more flexible as a team, because you can have people swapping positions live in the game.”It just gives us a bit more flexibility and makes us more dynamic as a team, which I think is something maybe we didn’t have last season as much.”This summer has seen Brighton undergo a massive overhaul with the departure of 13 players and 12 new arrivals.Among those coming in were England forwards Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris.And along with striker Michelle Agyemang, 18, from Arsenal, Bruna is one of two promising young players to have joined the club on a season’s loan.The Seagulls have also undergone a transformation in playing style with the team more front-footed in attack under new boss Dario Vidosic.The Brighton gaffer, 37, was appointed in July.He took over from interim chief Mikey Harris, who guided the south coast team to a ninthplace finish last term.Following all the chopping and changing in the dugout, former Melbourne City Women’s boss Vidosic is the fifth manager to take charge of Albion since December 2022.And Haley believes the WSL side are making progress under their new boss who is a big admirer of Pep Guardiola’s early coaching success with Barcelona’s B team.The Texas-born player added: “With Dario coming in with his new approach, we’re moving in the right direction most definitely. We’re in a good place overall.”All the small tweaks and tactical things, of course, that’s going to be different from manager to manager.”But Brighton’s philosophy has stayed true throughout with the changes.”For the most part, it’s been a pretty easy transition.”We want to be pushing as high as we can in the table. With the new additions, we can definitely do that.Manchester City aim to get their first win in the WSL this season when they take on Brighton at the Joie StadiumCredit: Alamy”The expectations are the same, from the club’s perspective. We want to be a top-four team. “We’ve added a lot of big players and having an overarching goal is good.”But then it’s also about being a bit realistic as well.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s no doubt that the sky’s the limit for this team.”Manchester City vs Brighton can be watched live at 12:30pm today on BBC Two. More

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      Barcelona slapped with Uefa ban after fans show Nazi banner in Champions League clash against Monaco

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      BARCELONA have been slapped with a Uefa ban and fine after fans displayed a Nazi-inspired banner during their Champions League opener against Monaco.Barca suffered a 2-1 defeat during their their first European match of the season last week at Stade Louis II.Barcelona were slapped with a fine and ban due to fans displaying a Nazi bannerThe racist banner appeared to be addressing Barcelona boss Hansi FlickCredit: RexThe Blaugrana sustained an even bigger blow as some of their travelling supporters unfurled a racist sign that read: “Flick Heil (Hail Flick)”.That was of course a play on words referring to the infamous “Sieg Heil (Hail victory)” statement used by the Nazis during Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship in Germany.And those yobs seemed to be addressing that sickening banner towards Barcelona’s German manager Hansi Flick.The sign managed to get through security but was swiftly removed after being spotted and reported to Uefa.Read More on FootballThe incident caught the attention of Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) who who issued swift penalties.As a result, the Catalan giants have been fined €10,000 (£8,332) and prevented from selling tickets for their away game against Red Star Belgrade on November 6.UEFA has also issued the LaLiga outfit a one-year suspended ban, which will be triggered in the event of any further breaches within the next 12 months.This comes after Barcelona were handed a suspended ban following racist behaviour by their fans during a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain in April.Most read in Champions LeagueBarca fans caused damage and let off fireworks inside the Parc des Princes five months ago, which led to a €32,000 fine (£26,673) and a suspended ban on selling away tickets.The CEDB cited Article 14 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations reads: “Any entity or person subject to these regulations who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.”Barcelona had even more problems on the pitch against Monaco as they lost Eric Garcia to a straight red card just ten minutes after kick-off.Maghnes Akliouche opened the scoring for the hosts just six minutes later before Lamine Yamal’s equaliser on 28 minutes.But Adi Hutter’s side completed a famous victory against Barcelona in the 71st minute with George Ilenikhena’s winner. More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘peak Glazer insanity’ after finding out club failed in £83.5m transfer for Premier League flop

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed the “peak insanity” from the Glazers after learning about their failed bid for a Barcelona flop.The controversial owners made a £83.5million offer to the LaLiga giants for Ansu Fati in 2020 – when the winger was just 17 years old.Manchester United’s £83million bid for Ansu Fati was rejected in 2020Credit: GettyThe forward failed to make his mark while on loan at BrightonCredit: GettyThe Glazer family has repeatedly come under fire for their failed recruitment plansWhile Fati was coming through the ranks and had burst onto the scene in Spain at the time, nothing warranted that price tag.In his 2019-20 debut season, then 16-year-old Fati became Barca’s youngest goalscorer — a record since taken by Lamine Yamal.He subsequently finished second in the 2020 Golden Boy award behind Erling Haaland – who arrived at Manchester City for £52million in 2022.United’s summer approach for Fati came on the back of a third-place finish in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBarca were able to fend off interest and tie Fati down to a long-term deal with a mammoth £363m release clause.When Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Fati took over the No10 shirt — but then a serious knee injury struck.He was shipped out on a season-long loan to Prem side Brighton in 2023 – but failed to live up to their near £7million investment.Fati has been absent with a foot injury so far this season and still has plenty of time to realise his immense potential.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited fans have lashed out at the Glazers after learning new details of the failed move from The Athletic.One wrote: “Peak Glazer insanity”, before another commented: “That family were in a league of their own 😂.”Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian WrightA second said: “Typical United willing to send a fortune on any mid player.”A third added: “Obviously Ed Woodward and co would immediately overpay for such a player.”While another noted: “WOW. We dodged a nuke.”United left it late to do their business in 2020, sealing deadline day deals for Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri. Amad also signed at the end of the window, though he didn’t join until January 2021.Poor recruitment from the Glazer family has arguably been the greatest issue among fans throughout United’s post-Fergie era.The transfer strategy was so bad that it, alongside “draining the club allegations”, sparked as series of protests outside Old Trafford from 2021 onwards.United are guilty of over-spending on both unreliable and unproven players.Just look at the millions spent on Paul Pogba, Angel di Maria, and more recently Antony and Harry Maguire.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, Bruno Fernandes’ arrival in 2020 is perhaps the only transfer decision that United have got right in the last 10 years.But the Red Devils have now placed their hopes in new minority stake co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who promised a different transfer strategy moving forward.Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Former Arsenal star ‘ready to end retirement just FOUR WEEKS after quitting game with shock transfer’

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      A FORMER Arsenal star could be tempted out of retirement just four weeks after hanging up his boots.The ex-Gunners favourite, who left the Emirates in 2017, confirmed his emotional decision in a statement last month.A former Arsenal star is being considered for a high-profile moveCredit: Action Images – ReutersHaving played at the highest level, he admitted that he’d lost the hunger for the game, despite still being physically able at 34.In his statement, he wrote: “I’ve made friends for life, created unforgettable memories and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life. Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football…”But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses. Today, though my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore.”I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family – my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust weeks after making his decision, however, Wojciech Szczesny may be tempted to return.According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona chiefs are mulling over a shock move for the Polish goalkeeper.The Catalan giants are looking to bring in a new stopper, after No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty knee injury against Villarreal last weekend.Ter Stegen, 32, underwent successful knee surgery on Monday, and is expected to be ruled out for at least seven months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWojciech Szczesny confirmed his retirement last monthCredit: GettyMarc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty injury at the weekendCredit: RexIn the short-term, La Masia graduate Inaki Pena, 25, will take the gloves.But Barca chiefs want to recruit a more experienced option.What happened to Highbury?Szczesny made 35 appearances in Serie A for Juventus last season.Barca bosses hope that the allure of playing for another huge club could tempt him out of retirement.Another factor could be talismanic Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.The forward, 36, has a long-standing relationship with Szczesny, having played with him for his national team for many years.In fact, the duo took to the field together as recently as the summer, when both featured at Euro 2024 in Germany.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Barca have approached Szczesny’s representatives CAA Stellar.Should Barca fail to sign Szczesny, they could look to former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rican, 37, is a free agent having left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.He rejected advances from Brazil and Saudi Arabia over the summer, and has remained fit by training at Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa.Navas made six appearances in total for PSG last season, including four in Ligue 1, as he backed up first choice Gianluigi Donnarumma.The 6ft 1in stopper was most recently a first choice during the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, which he spent on loan at Nottingham Forest.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite his history with Real Madrid, it’s claimed that Navas would have no qualms about joining Barcelona.He is represented by agent Jorge Mendes, who has close ties with the Catalan club.Keylor Navas left Paris Saint-Germain in the summerCredit: Getty More

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      Rodri lands in Barcelona for further medical tests after Man City star suffers ‘suspected cruciate ligament tear’

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      RODRI has arrived in Barcelona for tests that could confirm he’ll miss the rest of the season.Manchester City fear their star midfielder tore a cruciate ligament against Arsenal on Sunday.Rodri faces a medical exam to see if his injury is as bad as fearedCredit: X/victor_naheThe Man City midfielder went down twice against Arsenal on SundayCredit: RexThe Spaniard arrived in Barcelona to see a renowned specialistCredit: X/victor_naheAn initial exam the following day indicated his knee injury was worse than hoped.Now reports in Spain say the anchorman is preparing for a complete assessment in his home country.Rodri, 28, was seen walking out gingerly at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport.He appeared to have a slight limp but there was no sign of a crutch or any protective wear.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe Spaniard, who looked relaxed, wore black tracksuit bottoms and a white top with the hood up as he got into a waiting vehicle.Journalist Victor Navarro said Rodri was with Etihad doctor Ed Mauri and would meet Dr Ramon Cugat – dubbed the “Messi of medicine”.The famed orthopaedic specialist is City’s expert of choice for many injuries.Rodri collapsed dramatically just EIGHT SECONDS into Sunday’s 2-2 home Premier League draw after colliding with Gunners’ attacker Kai Havertz.Most read in FootballRodri looked in agony with his second injury of the Prem matchCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut it was another freak collision, with midfield counterpart Thomas Partey, that forced the Euro 2024 winner out of the game midway through the first half.And it’s that knee problem that City are sweating on.Furious Ian Wright calls Erling Haaland a ‘coward’ and says Man City star throwing ball at Gabriel ‘really boiled me up’ John Stones’ last-gasp leveller against ten-man Arsenal put Pep Guardiola’s men top, one point above Liverpool and Aston Villa. But Rodri is that rare thing among the champions’ bulging squad – a player almost impossible to adequately replace.Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal. More

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      Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen set to miss rest of season as 52-word statement released after horror injury

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      MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a horror injury.Barcelona confirmed the veteran goalkeeper was set for a long period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a torn patellar tendon in his right knee.Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgeryCredit: GettyThe German was replaced in Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Villarreal after being stretchered offCredit: GettyA 52-word statement read: “First team player Marc-Andre ter Stegen underwent successful surgery this afternoon on a patellar tendon injury in his right knee, performed by Dr Joan Carles Monllau under the supervision of the FC Barcelona Medical Services at the Hospital de Barcelona. “He will be unavailable for selection until he has fully recovered.”Ter Stegen, 32, had started all six of the Spanish giants LaLiga games this season.However, in the latest game against Villarreal, Ter Stegen had to be stretchered off and replaced in injury-time of the first half after going down injured.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInaki Peña, 25, replaced him as Hansi Flick’s side went on to win the game 5-1.It is estimated he will be out for at least eight months.The timing could not be worse for Ter Stegen after he was named as Germany’s new No1 by Julian Nagelsmann following the international retirement of Manuel Neuer.Speaking on the injury, he said: “The news of Marc’s injury was a big shock for us. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We will miss him very much in the national team on and off the pitch. “We wish Marc all the best for the operation and a good and quick recovery. We will always be there for him on his way back!”Rodri lands in Barcelona for further medical tests after Man City star suffers ‘suspected cruciate ligament tear’Ter Stegen is not the only major international star to suffer an injury over the weekend after Ballon d’Or candidate and Manchester City star Rodri fell foul to a cruciate ligament injury.Like his German counterpart, the Spanish midfielder looks set to miss the remainder of the season.Manchester City star Rodri is also set to miss the rest of the seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Forgotten Premier League star, 41, offers to come out of retirement to save Barcelona after horror Ter Stegen injury

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      A FORGOTTEN Premier League goalkeeper has offered to come out of retirement to play for Barcelona.The LaLiga giants have been rocked by the season-ending injury to star stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Barcelona are considering signing a free agent goalkeeper after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injuryCredit: RexClaudio Bravo has offered to come out of retirement to play for the clubCredit: GettyThe German international ruptured his patella tendon in his right knee during Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Villareal. This means that manager Hansi Flick has been left with just Inaki Pena as his sole option between the sticks.Ter Stegen, 32, is expected to be out for at least eight months and was pictured in a wheelchair in hospital after the injury.Barcelona have now been linked with a move to bring a new goalkeeper in to cover during his absence.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, the club would have to dip into the free agent market to sign a stopper due to the transfer window being closed.Former Manchester City ace Claudio Bravo, 41, has offered his services to Barcelona.He told WinWin: “If Barcelona want me, I will be ready to come out of retirement.”The Chilean starred for Barcelona during his playing career in a two-year spell between 2014 and 2016.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBravo won the LaLiga title in both seasons at the club as well as the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2015.After playing 75 times in all competitions, he left the club in 2016 and joined Manchester City.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsKeylor Navas could be an option as he is without a clubCredit: GettyBravo retired from playing earlier this year after four seasons with Real Betis.Barcelona could also turn to other free agents, such as former Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rica ace has been without a club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.Reports have also claimed that Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski could try to tempt ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement.The Polish star hung up his gloves in the summer after Juventus released him.Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius could also be an option as he available after he left Newcastle.Loris Karius is a free agentCredit: AlamyWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Three Champions League giants ‘already tracking Mason Greenwood’ with Man Utd set to cash in again

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      MASON GREENWOOD is being tracked by three Champions League clubs, transfer reports say. Greenwood has five goals in just four games since signing for Marseille in France in the summer. Mason Greenwood has made a good start to life in MarseilleCredit: AFPAnd his form has seen the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich all register interest, according to talkSPORT.Scouts from all three are said to have watched Greenwood in action for Marseille.It comes after the forward scored ten in 36 games on loan for Getafe in Spain last season. Greenwood was banished from Manchester United from January 2022 after being charged with attempted rape and assault, which he denied.READ MORE IN football The criminal charges were dropped 12 months later.Following an investigation by United, he spent last season away before joining Marseille for £30million in a permanent deal this summer.Greenwood, 22, also has no way back into the England set up and now looks to switch allegiances to Jamaica. As revealed by SunSport, the FA have been approached by the Jamaican Football Federation with a formal request to transfer Greenwood’s international registration. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe process is already underway with Greenwood looking to end his near-four year international exile.Jamaica first tried to get Greenwood to switch his international allegiance after the criminal charges were dropped last February.But he initially declined as he wanted to revive his career with England – although that was ruled out by interim boss Lee Carsley.’I miss it sometimes,’ says Sir Alex Ferguson as former Man Utd manager opens up in rare interview More