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    FA Cup to keep hated rule next season despite pleas by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer to change it after Man Utd clash

    FA CUP fixtures next season will include extra time – despite calls for them to follow the Carabao Cup’s lead.The EFL scrapped extra time in the Carabao Cup in 2018, with all fixtures – barring the final – being decided by a penalty shootout in the event of a stalemate.FA Cup chiefs have decided against scrapping extra-time for next seasonCredit: GETTYThey have been facing calls to get rid of it to give lower league teams chances of victoryCredit: REXBut FA chiefs, according to The Times, aren’t planning to follow suit.That’s despite their recent scrapping of replays, which used to be huge money-spinners for lower league clubs.The decision to axe replays was widely condemned, with many believing it was made to cater to Premier League clubs’ fixture schedules.Lower league sides are at a clear disadvantage in terms of squad depth and fitness levels when games go to extra time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThat fact couldn’t be more apparent when non-League Tamworth Town took Tottenham Hotspur the full 90 minutes in their third-round tie in January.The Lambs did extraordinarily well to hold Spurs to a 0-0 draw but conceded three goals in extra-time against the much fitter Premier League side.Extra time that day cruelly denied Tamworth a huge payday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The money generated from a replay would’ve been invaluable to The Lambs.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSExtra time cruelly denied Tamworth Town a replay against TottenhamCredit: GETTYGetting rid of extra time and going straight to penalties would somewhat level the playing field between lower league clubs and teams in the top-flight.Additionally, it would go some way to helping tackle the issue of player fatigue, with Prem clubs having far bigger and fitter squads.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inSeveral high-profile figures are keen on scrapping extra time in FA Cup matches, including Gary Lineker.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: “We’ve argued many times, just get rid of extra time. Just go to penalties. It makes so much sense.”Particularly with the amount of football teams are playing now, the amount of injuries we’re getting. Just play 90 minutes, then settle it on penalties.”Because once it goes to extra time, the vast majority of us are thinking, particularly when it’s as bad as it was last night [Man Utd vs Fulham], you’re just thinking, ‘Come on, penalty shootout, a bit of excitement.'”Co-host Alan Shearer was in full agreement, saying: “Straight to penalties, I’m all for that.” More

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    How Ruben Amorim can fix Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho problem with key role vs Newcastle

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to visit high-flying Newcastle in one of their toughest tests of the season.The Toon Army have shown no signs of letting up with two wins out of two since they lifted the Carabao Cup to win their first domestic trophy in 70 years.Ruben Amorim will need to get his tactics right if United are to be successful at St James’ ParkCredit: GettyAlexander Isak headed home as Newcastle eased to a 2-0 win at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersAnd Ruben Amorim knows he will have to get his tactics spot on after being outwitted by Eddie Howe in a comfortable Newcastle win at Old Trafford back in December.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert Dean Scoggins looks ahead to the big game…TOON OF SPACENEWCASTLE are very, very brave in the press and will try to turn the game into a midfield battle which they are confident of winning.Brazilian duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will be asked to press high and ensure the majority of the game is played in the final Man Utd third.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBut, unlike a lot of teams, the Magpies’ back four will continue to occupy deeper positions so as not to be beaten by a ball over the top.This could leave up to 60 yards of space to be patrolled by Sandro Tonali alone, which is where Bruno Fernandes comes into the picture.Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will press high for NewcastleCredit: AlamyThere is a 60-yard space that Newcastle’s style of play leave openLEADING FROM THE FRONTIF Bruno Fernandes can occupy the space between the Newcastle midfield and defence, I don’t think the back four will follow him in.They would rather risk having space in front than behind.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKYou could then end up with a split defence with the two players on the left sticking back while those on the right come forward.If that happens, there will be a little offside line for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho to exploit.Bruno Fernandes should have plenty of space to operate inCredit: AlamyBruno Fernandes can hurt Newcastle if he occupies these kind of spacesMan Utd’s secret weapon in Treble-winning season revealed as star who played ‘bigger role than people give credit for’GARNA GO FOR ITTHERE has been a lot of talk about Man Utd dropping out-of-form Garnacho, but I can’t see it happening in this game.Amad Diallo is still injured and they have nobody else with the pace Ruben Amorim is looking for.And if United get things spot on, I can see Garnacho having a lot of success in this game.It will be up to Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee to keep the Newcastle defenders occupied and, from there, the team will need to get the ball to Garnacho quickly.If that happens, he will be able to do a lot of damage in a one-on-one battle with Kieran Trippier.But if the build-up is slower and involves a lot of passes, Fabian Schar or Jacob Murphy will be able to quickly double up on Garnacho to cover 34-year-old Trippier.Many are expecting Garnacho to be dropped, but I think he could turn his form around in this gameCredit: GettyGarnacho hasn’t been at his best this seasonGarnacho can get at Kieran Trippier in these areasFLICKING THE SWITCHONE card Newcastle could play is to switch the full-backs around, with Livramento a natural right-back and Trippier having played for England on the left.This would allow the 22-year-old ex-Southampton star to deal with the pacey threat of Garnacho and Dorgu, and Trippier to use his experience to keep his eye on the crafty Fernandes and the more defensive-minded right-back Noussair Mazraoui.It would also give Newcastle the chance to fire in-swinging crosses towards a Man Utd defence that has struggled in the air.Kieran Trippier (above) could move to the left to allow Tino Livramento to deal with the threat of GarnachoCredit: PAHEADS, YOU WINNEWCASTLE eased to victory at Old Trafford with two early headers from Alexander Isak and Joelinton, so the Man Utd defence will have to be on its toes in the North East.Though Harry Maguire is the best header of the ball in Ruben Amorim’s squad, I would like to see the Man Utd boss put Leny Yoro on dangerman Isak.The Swedish striker will normally look to receive knockdowns rather than challenge in the air, and Man Utd should try to avoid Maguire being caught in a foot race with him the way Virgil van Dijk was at Wembley.Therefore, I’d expect Maguire to play on either side of the back three and Yoro in the centre.Read More on The SunUnited will also be in with a much better chance of winning if Matthijs de Ligt is back to help Maguire deal with the aerial threat.And during set pieces, they will need to try to keep a high line to give as much space as possible for Andre Onana to come out and command his area.Harry Maguire will need to be at his best to combat Newcastle’s aerial threatCredit: GettyKieran Tripper could cause problems with crosses in from the left sideAndre Onana will have to come off his line and into the danger zone to claim crosses More

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    Major Newcastle stadium update after Carabao Cup trophy parade with new plans drawn up to boost capacity

    NEWCASTLE’S Carabao Cup glory has revved up their dreams of a huge new stadium.The Toon’s Saudi owners would love to build a 70,000-capacity venue adjacent to St James’ Park.Huge celebrations after the Carabao Cup win have further fuelled Newcastle’s desire for a bigger venue near St James’ ParkCredit: RexA new stadium could have a spectacular lookAround 300,000 fans thronged the city’s streets last weekend to celebrate the Wembley victory over Liverpool.And that’s put a sharp focus back on plans for moving away from St. James’ Park, with an overall cost of up to £3billion already mentioned.A venue housing 65k at nearby Leazes Park – boasting its own version of Wembley Way – is understood to be a prime option.But The Telegraph reckon club chiefs would ideally like a site holding an even bigger number of fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle reportedly held an internal presentation last month.And it’s believed there’s plenty of room for change in the alternatives being looked at.The Magpies were without major domestic silverware since 1955 – until beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final on March 16.Newcastle are also a promising fifth in the Premier League – just a point behind Manchester City and with a game in hand.Most read in FootballSupporters have given manager Eddie Howe hero status after final gloryCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat means a Champions League place next season is a serious possibility.It also means there are extra reasons to come up with draft plans for a spectacular new home ground.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success St. James’ Park holds 52,000 and has been Newcastle’s home since 1892.But the club’s ambitious chiefs are set on a bigger stadium.The Telegraph believe a design for an upgrade has yet to be finalised for a variety of reasons.That includes the fact there are plenty of options to mull over.Redeveloping St. James’ Park remains an option. More

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    ‘No, that’s your party’ – Newcastle stars were BANNED from drinking during open top bus parade, reveals Alan Shearer

    NEWCASTLE UNITED players were BANNED from drinking during their Carabao Cup celebrations last weekend.Eddie Howe’s troops paraded the trophy, which they pipped runaway Prem leaders Liverpool to last month, in front of hundreds of thousands of jubilant Geordies last Saturday.Newcastle United celebrated their Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool with an open-top bus paradeCredit: SPLASHBut manager Eddie Howe banned the players from drinking any booze during the celebrationsCredit: REXThe Magpies were the picture of happiness as they took an open-top bus around the city.But it was a sober one for the players as Howe didn’t want them nursing prolonged hangovers for their clash with Brentford tomorrow.Toon legend Alan Shearer revealed on the Rest is Football podcast: “They’ve got Brentford on Wednesday and they trained yesterday.“They’re training today, they’re training Monday, they’re training Tuesday, and they’re training Wednesday morning as well.READ MORE SPORTS NEWS”Because Eddie had taken them to Dubai and he said, ‘No, that’s your party.’“And they weren’t allowed to drink yesterday or last evening. “None of them went to the afterparty. He got them back straight in and focused.”Newcastle’s capturing of the Carabao Cup ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSToon legend Alan Shearer revealed Eddie Howe’s laying down of the law to his playersCredit: REXAnd club legend Shearer was emotional during Saturday’s celebrations as he lamented his late father, Alan Sr, not being able to see the club lift the trophy.He said: “Yeah, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May.’I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle parade”He was lucky enough to be at the [Inter-Cities Fairs Cup] final in ’69.”I just wish he could have hung on for one more year just to see and sample this.”But he would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.” More

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    ‘I’m sure he’s watching’ – Alan Shearer ‘got emotional’ over thought of his dad during Newcastle’s trophy parade

    ALAN SHEARER has claimed he will “never forget” Newcastle’s epic Carabao Cup celebrations – but wishes his dad had been there to see it.The 54-year-old cut an emotional figure as hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Tyneside on Saturday.Alan Shearer cut an emotional figure during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup paradeCredit: GettyMore than 150,000 fans lined the streets to celebrate the Toon’s first trophy in 70 yearsCredit: GettyAn emotional Shearer was asked about the impact of his father, who died last yearCredit: GettyNewcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final on March 16 to win their first domestic trophy since 1955.After ending 70 years of hurt, over 150,000 fans flocked to a bus parade around the city.Shearer – a native Geordie who scored 206 goals in 10 seasons with the Toon – was a guest of honour at the event. Choking back tears on stage after the parade, the Newcastle icon said: “Yeah, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He was lucky enough to be at the [Inter-Cities Fairs Cup] final in ’69.”I just wish he could have hung on for one more year just to see and sample this.”But he would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.”Shearer’s father Alan passed away last May aged 80 following a battle with cancer. Most read in FootballThe ex-England striker opened up more on the emotional day during a new episode of podcast This Is Football.He joined Gary Lineker and Micah Richards to discuss a remarkable 24 hours in the North East.Newcastle United hold a trophy parade outside St James’ Park after winning the Carabao Cup And Shearer claimed it was “one of the best weekends ever.”He said: “It was such a pleasure to be there.”Pete Graves and Lindsay Hipgrave did the interviews on stage.”Ant and Dec were doing the interviews on the bus. One of them mentioned my dad.”I got a bit emotional. He always wanted to see Newcastle win a trophy.”Unfortunately, he wasn’t there but hopefully he’s watching.”I got a bit emotional on stage.The taste of success leaves you definitely hungry for more days like thisEddie Howe”That moment when I walked out and saw north of 150,000 people in black and white shirts, cheering my name.”That moment will live with me forever. It was really was incredible.”Shearer also revealed that even Newcastle’s players and staff were taken aback by the size of the crowds.Boss Eddie Howe gasped: “Wow. This is just incredible.Read More on The Sun”We are hungry for more, but without getting ahead of ourselves in a sense that we now have 10 huge Premier League games to go back to and try to focus on that. “The taste of success leaves you definitely hungry for more days like this.” More

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    ‘I cannot see it’ – Alan Shearer reveals why even Newcastle winning the Champions League wouldn’t top Carabao Cup parade

    ALAN SHEARER has revealed why even winning the Champions League will never top Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory.The Magpies bagged their first trophy in 70 years with victory over Liverpool at Wembley this month.Alan Shearer has explained why Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win will remain their best trophyCredit: PAThe Magpies toasted their victory with a parade at the weekendCredit: EPANewcastle’s stunning result saw Geordies all over the world burst into tears of joy.And tens of thousands lined the streets of Tyneside to celebrate Eddie Howe’s epic win at the weekend.Chief among the big names there were TV stars Ant and Dec, as well as club legend Shearer.He scored 206 goals in 405 games at St James’ Park but was never able to crown his time there with a trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow, Shearer has lifted the lid on the incredible emotions he and other Geordies experienced as Newcastle’s stars paraded the Carabao Cup trophy through the city centre.And he insists that no other success will come close to matching it, not even a Premier League or Champions League title.Shearer told the Rest is Football podcast: “That moment, when I actually walked out and saw northwards of 150,000 people in black and white shirts and them cheering my name, that moment will live with me forever. It really was just an incredible moment and it was so, so special.”I said if I couldn’t win one myself, I had to be there as a fan. I was there a couple of weeks ago and I was there for the trophy parade.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”What I will say is, if Newcastle are lucky enough to go on and win other trophies, like Chelsea or Man City did, I cannot see it being as good as this one has been because all the excitement and how long it has been.”The parade, the match and everything, I just cannot see it being as good as this one. They’re just a one club city and we love our football. Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success “We’ve been starved of success for so many years. I think it was just a relief that we eventually got over the line and we love our football.”Honestly, I don’t think I’ve been anywhere in the country where you have Nanas and Grandads, mums and dads, young kids and everyone who wears the black and white shirt like Newcastle do.”Maybe in Liverpool or in Glasgow for Celtic and Rangers, but it is very different and unique in Newcastle.” More

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    Newcastle star targets emulating Dan Burn after Carabao Cup heroics and eyes England World Cup dream under Thomas Tuchel

    JACOB MURPHY is dreaming of being the next one of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle stars to make their England breakthrough.Carabao Cup Final goalscoring hero Dan Burn, 32, was the latest Toon player to make their Three Lions bow.Jacob Murphy has another huge goal in his sights after Newcastle’s cup successCredit: GettyToon star Dan Burn has just made his England debutCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have all become internationals under the guidance of Howe at St James’ over the past year.And now winger Murphy hopes his form can catch the eye of Thomas Tuchel ahead of next year’s World Cup.Murphy said: “That’s a conversation me and coach Graeme Jones have been having for a number of seasons. Just got to keep putting in performances and they’re always casting an eye out on all the English players.“To see Dan get his call up was amazing. It does give you that extra motivation to know that it really is possible.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’ve got Gordy, Lewis Hall, Tino and when you’re kicking it with them every week you know what you have to offer, you think there’s every chance in the future.“I keep my head down and – you know – I’ve just won a Cup with Newcastle so who’s to say no to getting a call-up?”Murphy has played for England across four youth age groups, with his last involvement in the under-21 Euros in 2017.This term he has produced eight assists and five goals in the Premier League and, crucially, also provided the knockdown for Alexander Isak to score the winner over Liverpool at Wembley.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAfter being part of the side that finally ended a 70-year wait for major silverware, the attacker believes the Toon Army will have a lot more to celebrate under Howe.After celebrating on Saturday in front of an estimated 300,000 Geordies at a bus parade and on stage at the Town Moor, he said: “I think the Newcastle fans, the council, everyone’s probably gonna have to get used to this.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success “We always knew that the specialness was in being the first and to be on that bus, knowing that we were the first in so long to do it, makes it even more special.“I didn’t know there were that many people in Newcastle. You drive these streets daily, weekly, but then to see them full of people is something that you can’t really put into words. It looked unbelievable.“As a club we want to be doing that every season. Now, without putting too much pressure on ourselves, we’ve set a level and that’s what we have to be aiming for and striving for every season.“Granted, it’s not going to happen every year because wonderful teams up and down the country are going to make it difficult for us, but these are moments that now that we’ve got a taste for it we want it again.“We spoke about it so much being the first. Now that the club’s on this trajectory, I think titles, accomplishments like this will be happening more frequently.”Despite the huge party and two weeks of celebrations since the Wembley win, it is finally back to business.Newcastle host Brentford on Wednesday in the Premier League – the first of ten remaining matches that sixth-placed Toon have to try and secure Champions League qualification.Murphy, who signed from Norwich for £12m back in 2017, added: “That’s the aim. We’ve got ten huge games coming up. READ MORE SUN STORIES“Although this is lovely and we’re taking it in, I think that secretly, in the back of everybody’s mind, is that there’s 30 points to get and we need to try our best.“We might have already got some sort of European football, but we want the big dog.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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    ‘It’s hugely important’ – Shay Given fires warning to Newcastle despite Carabao Cup triumph

    SHAY GIVEN hailed Newcastle’s Carabao Cup heroes but warned they need Champions League qualification to reach “next level”.Eddie Howe’s side ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought when beating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley a fortnight ago.Shay Given spoke to SunSport in his role as brand ambassador for CopyBetCredit: CopyBetThe Magpies ended 70-years of hurt at Wembley this monthCredit: GettyToon’s much-loved former goalkeeper Given was part of the Manchester City squad that lifted the 2011 FA Cup to kickstart their Middle East revolution.But with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, the Irishman says it will take Newcastle’s Saudi owners a lot longer to get to the top.And that is why they cannot rest on their cup-winning laurels this term and must do everything possible to return to the Champions League.Given, speaking in his role as brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet, told SunSport: “The City lads really kicked on and obviously got the Premier League titles and other things that followed.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Hopefully it’ll be the same sort of pattern for Newcastle but I don’t think it’ll be straightforward because there’s all sorts of different legislations in place now that might make it take longer.“It’s an unbelievable achievement what they have done to lift that burden after 70 years but there is still a prize to play for with Champions League qualification.“That is, probably for the club to go on to the next level, nearly as important if not more than picking up the Carabao Cup.“What that would mean is they can strengthen again and regenerate the money back into the playing squad. At the end of the day, that’s only where you’re going to really challenge for a Premier League title, Champions League and things like that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Eddie Howe and the powers that be in Newcastle understand that as well. So, there’s so much to play for this season in the remaining games. It’s hugely important to get that Champions League spot.”And sealing a return to Europe’s top club competition is not only vitally important for the club coffers and PSR.Eddie Howe fights back tears as he dedicates Carabao Cup to late mum as Newcastle hero Dan Burn says ‘don’t wake me up’It would also help them to keep hold of £150m-rated top scorer Alexander Isak amid interest from Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal.And he insists that the Swedish hitman is the perfect man for Howe to build a side around to challenge the big boys.Given added: “The one player in the whole squad I don’t think you can afford to lose Isak.“It would send such a wrong message to everyone. It would put you back and leave a massive hole on what probably is the most important position on your team.“Hopefully Champions League will come and that’ll keep others from trying to lure Alexander away.“He’s the player that you can build around for years to come and he’s the kind of player that you can challenge at the very top with.”Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.comKeeping Alexander Isak is a must for the Magpies, says their legendary former goalieCredit: AlamyHow ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More