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      Man Utd star Antony slammed as ’embarrassing’ and a ‘bluffer’ by Gabby Agbonlahor as ex-England ace mocks infamous spin

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      ANTONY was slammed as “embarrassing” and a “bluffer” in a brutal assessment by Gabby Agbonlahor.And then the former Aston Villa striker mocked the Manchester United winger’s trademark spin.
      Antony came under heavy criticism from Gabby AgbonlahorCredit: Getty
      The former Villa striker mocked the trademark spin ball trick live on the radioCredit: talkSPORT
      The Red Devils splashed out £85.5million to land the Brazilian from Ajax.
      But the 22-year-old has chipped in with just five goals and one assist in 22 appearances so far – and no goal contributions in the Premier League since early October, prompting accusations of being a “YouTube player”.

      And Agbonlahor is particularly disappointed by his efforts, most recently against Forest last night when he again pulled out the ball trick.
      The three-cap ex-England man fumed on talkSPORT: “Manchester United have looked better since Erik ten Hag has come in and they’ve done better in the last few months.
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      “But when I look at Antony, there’s been a few big transfers in the Premier League, £86m for him…
      “I think he’s a bluffer. I think when he gets the ball, he doesn’t take a player on. He doesn’t have the speed to take players on.
      “With 11 league games he’s got three goals, no assists. Four Carabao Cup games, one goal, no assists. Two FA Cup games, one goal, one assist. That’s one assist in all competitions.
      “He doesn’t do what Rashford does. Rashford gets the ball direct, takes players on, puts balls into the box.”
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      Agbonlahor continued his rant and then got out of his chair in the studio and hopped around in a circle to demonstrate the infamous spin.
      The Villa Park hero added: “The big thing for me is Antony’s number of crosses. He’s put in 1.5 crosses [average] per game.
      “If you’re a striker, you’re making runs and he’s doing his tricks, cutting in, cutting back, not putting the ball in the box.
      “I played with a great winger, Ashley Young, still playing now at 37. His first season at Aston Villa, he got nine goals and 14 assists.
      “You always knew he was going to put the ball in, take a player on, do his stepovers, do his chops, but he’d always put the ball in the right areas.
      “For me, Antony’s 1.5 crosses a game is not good enough.”
      On the spin, Agbonlahor concluded: “What would you do if you were a defender?
      “It’s embarrassing, he needs to liven up!”

      Antony pulled out the trick in the win over ForestCredit: Sky Sports More

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      ‘Idiot’ fan lands flat on his face in pitch invasion gone wrong Man Utd’s Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest

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      AN ‘IDIOT’ football fan face-planted in his botched attempt to invade the pitch at Old Trafford.The supporter ran on to the grass early in the second half of Manchester United’s Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest.
      The cameras cut away from the live action when the pitch invader ran onCredit: Sky Sports
      The male supporter was dragged away by stewards after hitting the deckCredit: Getty
      As the TV footage showed replays of Wout Weghorst going down in the penalty area wanting a spot-kick, the cameras did not pick up the incident.
      However, talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface witnessed the events unfold live.
      He said: “Some idiot has decided to try and jump on to the pitch.
      “He has his face covered which is probably why when he jumped over the hoardings he tripped over his own feet and ended up falling flat on his face.
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      “He’s now being escorted out of the ground. Well done, mate.”
      A man wearing jeans, a black coat, a Red Devils beanie hat and a Marcus Rashford scared was pictured being led away by stewards.
      He would therefore have missed both United goals as Erik ten Hag’s men secured a 5-0 aggregate win and set up a Wembley final with Newcastle.
      Rashford was involved in both goals – with his blocked shot falling perfectly for Anthony Martial to break the deadlock on 73 minutes.
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      And three minutes later, he got round the back to tee up Fred who could not miss.
      Ten Hag was understandably delighted to make it through for a repeat of the 1999 FA Cup final at the national stadium.
      But he insisted there will only be a reason to celebrate if United beat Newcastle and end their seven-year wait for silverware.
      The Dutchman said: “It’s great but you play finals to win. It is not an achievement to come into a final.
      “We want to win them but first we have other things to do. We come back to the Premier League and bury this cup.
      “It is good to reach the final but it is not about reaching the final, it is about winning it.” More

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      Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag hints at shock position change for Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof in top-four race

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag has hinted at potential position changes for Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof. The Red Devils cruised into the Carabao Cup final with a 5-0 win on aggregate against Nottingham Forest.
      Erik ten Hag played two Man Utd stars in different positions against Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
      Bruno Fernandes was played on the right while substitute Jadon Sancho played centrallyCredit: Getty
      Victor Lindelof played in defensive midfieldCredit: Getty
      But the game saw two first-team stars play in new positions.
      Ten Hag replaced three attacking players after an hour, and on came Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford for Alejandro Garnacho, Wout Weghorst and Antony.
      Instead of Sancho occupying the right flank, as he has done many times in his career, the England international operated centrally.
      Interestingly, Fernandes was sent out wide to the right.
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      The Dutchman said on Fernandes: “It was one thought about, but also to bring a different dynamic in the team, I wanted to see how that works, we brought Bruno more times before in the wide position.
      “I think it’s difficult to anticipate it when you first have to deal with Antony, then you bring a semi-wide player there, it’s difficult to anticipate, Bruno is really effective but I want to see the combination with Jadon and Anthony Martial, we’ve seen a different dynamic, that can help us and give us more opportunities in the future.”

      Fernandes provided the goods as his outside of the foot pass found Fred for United’s second of the night.
      The midfielder, who regularly captains the side in Harry Maguire’s absence, says he learned the skill from Ricardo Quaresma.
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      And when Lindelof replaced Casemiro with ten minutes to go, the Swede playing in holding midfield.
      But Ten Hag says Lindelof was trained there during his Benfica days.
      On Lindelof, Ten Hag said: “He was educated as a six, a control, holding midfielder in Benfica, I know he can do that.
      “We tried it in training, maybe one game, I want my centre halves in midfield positions so we create dynamics to construct more dynamic.”
      Man Utd will play Newcastle at Wembley for the Carabao Cup on February 26.
      But Fernandes is keen for United to not lose focus in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
      Fernandes and Lindelof becoming familiar in new roles could help Ten Hag rotate his team better to maintain momentum.
      Fernandes said: “Obviously it’s really good.
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      “For me it’s been three years in the cup, we reached one final and didn’t win that one unfortunately.
      “But now we have another chance. But before that are a lot of games coming, we have to be prepared for that.” More

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      How one Newcastle star will win Carabao Cup winners medal if his team are BEATEN by Man Utd in final

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      A NEWCASTLE player could get a Carabao Cup winners medal if his team LOSES to Manchester United at Wembley on February 26. The Toon booked their place in their first Cup final since 1999 with a 3-1 aggregate win over Southampton.
      Martin Dubravka played twice for Man Utd in their run to the EFL Cup final and can win a medal despite returning to Newcastle early with his loan being cut shortCredit: Getty
      They will play top-four rivals Man Utd under the Wembley arch, who candidly brushed Nottingham Forest aside.
      The Red Devils ran out 5-0 winners across two legs, helping boss Erik ten Hag secure a Cup final appearance in his first season at Old Trafford.
      But United had the help of a Newcastle star to reach the Carabao Cup final.
      Martin Dubravka moved to Man Utd on loan in the summer and made two EFL Cup appearances against Aston Villa and Burnley.
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      However, the 34-year-old was recalled by Newcastle on January 1.
      And the former Toon No1 is now cup tied – meaning he can’t even man the bench for Eddie Howe’s side.

      You should never want your parent club to lose, but in Dubravka’s case, a Carabao Cup winners medal is at stake.
      Should United beat Newcastle at the end of the month, Dubravka will pick up a medal for his participation, while his Newcastle team-mates drown their sorrows as losers.
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      A Newcastle win, however, will see the opposite happen, and Dubravka will have to share a dressing room filled with winners medals.
      Former Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey – sealed a January transfer to Nottingham Forest – will be hoping is old team win the Wembley dust-up.
      The ex-England international, 30, played twice for the Toon in the competition, and could win a medal despite not being at the club anymore. More

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      Watch Roy Keane make hilarious plea to Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag after his side reach Carabao Cup final

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      ROY KEANE was in a good mood as old side Manchester United beat another of his former teams in Nottingham Forest to reach the Carabao Cup final.The Sky Sports pundit made a hilarious plea to United boss Erik ten Hag after the game.
      Roy Keane had a hilarious question for Erik ten Hag after Manchester United reached the Carabao Cup finalCredit: SKY SPORTS
      Keane was on punditry duty for United’s semi-final win over Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty

      Goals from Anthony Martial and Fred saw the Red Devils win 2-0 on the night, and 5-0 on aggregate.
      And Keane, 51, seemingly isn’t planning to be on punditry duty for the final.
      Instead he jokingly asked Ten Hag after the game for “two complimentary” tickets to the match.
      Keane said to the United boss on Sky: “And if you have any spare tickets for the final, you let me [know].
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      “Just two, two complimentary I hope, yes? Thank you.”
      Ten Hag couldn’t turn down the former club captain and seven-time Premier League winner.
      Granting Keane’s wish, he responded: “I think so Roy, no problem!”
      Ten Hag then walked away down the Old Trafford tunnel, before Keane insisted to presenter Mark Chapman that he didn’t want to pay a penny for the tickets.
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      He joked again: “Complimentary as well, I’m not paying!”
      Chapman later revealed Keane was “in the squad” for the final – meaning fans can expect the United legend to be providing his usual insight on February 26.
      Earlier in the night, Keane had blasted January signing Wout Weghorst for missing a glorious chance to put the hosts ahead.
      Nevertheless Ten Hag’s side coasted to victory, and will face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at the end of the month.
      In his debut campaign at the club, Ten Hag has guided United to a first final since the 2021 Europa League penalty shootout defeat to Villarreal. More

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      Man Utd fans loving sweet moment between Sancho and Ten Hag as boss hints at new role for returning star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans loved seeing the sweet moment between Jadon Sancho and Erik Ten Hag as the Dutchman hinted at a new role for the returning star.The England international winger finally made a comeback for the Red Devils after 102 days out as United strolled into a Carabao Cup final showdown with Newcastle.
      Jadon Sancho finally made his comeback for Man Utd on WednesdayCredit: AFP
      Fans loved the warm embrace between him and Erik ten HagCredit: AFP
      The 22-year-old was given a huge ovation as he came on for a 28-minute cameo to help United beat Nottingham Forest 2-0, securing a 5-0 aggregate scoreline.
      Sancho had not played since October 22 after struggling with physical and mental issues.
      And Ten Hag hailed his returning star, who only rejoined full training with the first team recently.
      He said: “It’s good to have Jadon back.
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      “It’s most important players enjoy football. It gives energy and that gives them the motivation to perform. The reception from the fans to him was great and that will also give him more of a push to continue.”
      Ten Hag looked delighted to have Sancho back, as the pair enjoyed a laugh on the touchline before the Dutch coach gave the youngster a pat on the head before he entered the fray.
      He brought on Sancho just after the hour mark, and the youngster could not keep the smile off his face as he entered to chants of “Sancho, Sancho”.
      And fans were quick to spot the warm embrace, with one tweeting: “Sancho’s smile and Ten Hag’s little encouragement is all I needed to see.”
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      Another wrote: “Ten Hag with Sancho right there is why I love him as manager.”
      While another added: “Sancho smiling with Ten Hag yh it’s time to cook.”
      Sancho is usually deployed out wide, but this evening he came on and played the No.10 role behind fellow sub Anthony Martial.
      And afterwards Ten Hag hinted that could be his new role, saying: “Jadon, I know he can play as a number 10 and a winger. We can mix it often and that is what I like.”
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      The ex-Dortmund ace had last played away to Chelsea on October 22 before being left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup.
      Sancho was made to focus on an individual training programme after linking up with coaches Ten Hag had previously worked while team-mates were in Qatar.
      However, there now appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for the attacker following his cameo.
      And Ten Hag believes Sancho can make a difference in the key games ahead, adding: “He already showed that this season.
      “For instance in the game against Liverpool he scored a great goal. He scored against Leicester, he had some good games like Spurs — so he already showed his great capabilities. He has high standards.”
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      Sancho even got a hug from Forest boss Steve Cooper, who was his manager as England won the Under-17 World Cup in 2017.
      Cooper said: “We speak fairly often but it’s the first time I’ve seen him properly.” More

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      Fans baffled as Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka ‘wears new shirt number’ vs Nottingham Forest in Carabao Cup

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left baffled as they spotted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s “new shirt number” against Nottingham Forest.The right-back, 25, played the full game as the Red Devils won 2-0 and 5-0 on aggregate to seal a place in the Carabao Cup Final.
      The star appeared to have the No.2 jersey on instead of his usual No.29Credit: Twitter @PuttickH
      Fans spotted something strange about Aaron Wan-Bissaka tonightCredit: AP
      United went into the clash with a 3-0 advantage, but Erik Ten Hag opted to largely stick with his tried and trusted with just David de Gea and Marcus Rashford rested and named on the bench.
      With many believing that the tie was done and dusted, there was very little to talk about during the opening period.
      However, eagle-eyed viewers soon spotted something very different about Wan-Bissaka.
      The United No.29 appeared to be wearing the No.2 jersey – which is occupied by substitute Victor Lindelof.
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      One fan tweeted: “Wan-Bissaka is United’s no. 2 now wow!”
      While another wrote: “Wan-Bissaka… that’s not your number mate.”
      The ace had, in fact, not accidentally picked up the wrong shirt, but instead just had the nine ripped off early on in the opening period. 
      And fortunately for him he was able to get a new jersey at the break to play the match out in his usual double digit shirt.
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      Meanwhile, before the game, Wan-Bissaka outlined his desire to get his hands on the Carabao Cup.
      He told the club’s matchday programme: “I think everyone’s hungry to bring success back to the club and that’s the aim in these cup runs.
      “It would be a great achievement [to reach Wembley]. A step closer to the trophy.
      “That’s what we’re all working towards, and we know it could be an important moment for this team if we do get there.” More

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      Man Utd 2 Forest 0 (agg 5-0): Ten Hag’s troops cruise into Carabao Cup final as Sancho and Martial impress on return

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      MANCHESTER UNITED completed the formalities at Old Trafford – now for an epic clash at Wembley.Goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes from the fit again Anthony Martial and Fred completed a convincing 5-0 aggregate victory over two legs of this Carabao Cup semi-final.
      Anthony Martial made a goalscoring return as Man Utd booked their place at WembleyCredit: AFP
      The Frenchman rifled home to help seal a showdown with NewcastleCredit: Reuters
      Brazilian Fred then finished from close-range to make it 2-0 on the nightCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho impressed on his return off the bench for Erik ten Hag’s sideCredit: AFP
      So on February 26th Erik Ten Hag’s men will face Eddie Howe’s resurgent Newcastle at the home of English football with so much on the line for both clubs.
      Victory in what is traditionally considered the least important of all competitions the big clubs enter is enormous on this occasion.

      For The Magpies the Carabao Cup would represent a first trophy since the 1969 Fairs Cup and first domestic honour since the 1955 FA Cup.
      It would be a massive step on the march of a giant that was snoring and is now roaring.
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      For Manchester United the trophy drought has of course been nowhere near as long.
      But for a club so used to wearing out the silver polish each season it seems like an age since Jose Mourinho paraded that Europa League trophy in Stockholm back in 2017.
      That was the same year in which he also claimed this competition in a cup double perhaps still underestimated in the club’s recent history.
      Mourinho never really got the credit he deserved given the unsavoury way his reign ended, as they so often do where the Special One is involved.
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      There is a new special incumbent now in the hot seat and the faith and belief in where Ten Hag is taking this team is stronger than in any of the others who tried to follow Sir Alex Ferguson in the last ten years.
      Still, all the good will in the world is worth nothing if the manager cannot give something tangible back.
      That is why there was no messing as he sought victory in this semi-final tie even with a 3-0 advantage from the first leg at The City Ground last week.
      While there were six changes to the United team from their Cup victory over Reading, including goalkeeper Tom Heaton getting a rare start, it was still a very strong line-up.
      He clearly wanted any doubts about the destiny of this tie gone by the break but it would end level after 45 minutes.
      Forest had given United a better contest than the 3-0 scoreline had suggested in the first leg.
      Indeed but for a matter of inches and the VAR they would have drawn level at 1-1 in the first period of that game.
      The game switched from end to end with first Antony sending a scorching volley just over the bar.
      For Forest Brennan Johnson was looking dangerous and after evading Casemiro and forcing his way between two more United players his final shot was beaten away by Heaton.
      Forest could have taken the lead just before the break had it not been for a block by one of their own players.
      Johnson provided the cross, Emmanuel Dennis had the shot but it hit Sam Surridge in front of goal.
      The Red Devils are searching for a first trophy since 2017Credit: Reuters
      Then right on half-time Wout Weghorst, scorer in the first leg, came close to getting his first goal at Old Trafford with a header that hit the post.
      Tempers became a bit frayed in the second-half when a coming together of Garnacho and Johnson saw a VAR check for a red card for the Forest player which he escaped.
      Garnacho was not rattled and his quick feet beat Willy Boly but his near post shot did not evade Wayne Henessey.
      That was his last action as Ten Hag made a triple substitution which saw this game over the line with Marcus Rashford introduced alongside fit again Anthony Martial, and there was a special reception for Jadon Sancho.
      This was his first action since October 22nd with Ten Hag citing physical and mental issues for his absence.
      Martial looked like he hadn’t been away despite not having played since the derby win over Manchester City on the January 14th, as he broke the deadlock on the night just 11 minutes after making his entrance.
      Casemiro played the Frenchman through, he found Rashford whose shot was deflected and Martial was on hand to put away the loose ball.
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      Three minutes later it was two as Bruno Fernandes’ cross was turned back across goal by Rashford and Fred turned it in for his second in as many games.
      Job well and truly done and so to Wembley, to face The Toon. More