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      Man Utd verdict: Solskjaer makes nine changes but Cavani and Co. show Red Devils squad is packed with match-winners

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER can do no wrong – as long as his team are playing away from Old Trafford against domestic opposition.
      The United manager was able to make nine changes, and still field a powerful team that never looked like slipping to a first away defeat since January – if you do not count their dismal Champions League campaign.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is within touching distance of winning a first trophy as Manchester United managerCredit: EPA

      Solskjaer insisted United see this competition as a great chance to win some silverware for the first time since 2017, when they won the Carabao Cup and the Europa League.
      And he admitted the pressure is on to start winning trophies again, although at first sight his decision to dispense with nine of the players who started the 6-2 demolition of Leeds did not suggest he felt this competition was THAT important.
      But despite their up and down results this season, United have a big squad, packed with classy performers.
      And in Edinson Cavani, they have brought in another match-winner. His brilliant 88th minute strike settled this quarter-final, with substitute Anthony Martial’s stoppage tie second early a bit of icing on the cake.

      There were clear signs Everton were still haunted by memories of last month’s 3-1 Goodison Park defeat against Solskjaer’s side as they backed off and let United dictate the pace right from the start.

      Nineteen attempts on goal compared to just seven from the home team told its own story.
      Maybe the Toffees had also taken a look at that incredible away run since January, and decided their best bet was to hit United on the break.
      Instead, they made the fatal mistake of allowing their much-changed opponents to settle. And United were worthy winners.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his players are desperate to learn how to win a trophy ahead of cup tie at Everton More

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      Man Utd ratings: Lively Cavani deserves his winner but Van de Beek offers little in win over Everton

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      EDINSON CAVANI proved the late hero for Manchester United as he fired them into the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
      The Uruguayan fired home in the closing stage before a stoppage-time strike from Anthony Martial helped the Red Devils see off Everton 2-0.

      Edinson Cavani lashed home late on as Manchester United beat EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Here’s how SunSport’s David Facey rated each United player on the night.
      DEAN HENDERSON – 6/10
      Not really tested too often, but well positioned to deal with Sigurdsson’s curling free kick.
      Got his angles right again when Sigurdsson hit another one through a tight group of players.
      AXEL TUANZEBE – 5
      Not as keen to get forward on the overlap as Telles, and a couple of needless fouls eased the early pressure on Everton.

      Has to show more if he wants to be anything more than fringe player.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      HARRY MAGUIRE – 7
      One of only two men retained from the thumping win over Leeds, which sums up how important he has become to United.
      Handled the aerial threat of Calvert-Lewin in typical no-nonsense fashion.

      ERIC BAILLY – 6
      Confident and accomplished at bringing the ball out of defence, and couple of good passes to feet during United’s early dominance.
      Sucked in a bit too easily when Everton started asking a few questions of the United defence.
      ALEX TELLES – 6
      Some outstanding deliveries as United won plenty of early corners, and always eager to join in the attack.
      Not quite as assured when he was backpedalling, but a good shift overall.

      Anthony Martial emerged from the bench to seal the resultCredit: Reuters
      PAUL POGBA – 6
      Ok, but you’re entitled to expect more from a player of his stature. Hit and miss with those long, diagonal balls.
      Looked surprised when a Telles corner reached him on the far post, and failed to get any power in his header.
      NEMANJA MATIC – 7
      Read the game as expertly as ever, and hard to remember him missing his target with a single pass.
      But it would be good to see him trying his luck a bit further upfield.
      DONNY VAN DE BEEK – 5
      The Dutchman is a willing runner, but has shown precious little when he is in possession.
      Ran into a few blind alleys, and no surprise to see him hooked midway through the second half.
      BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
      Everything United do these days seems to revolved around the Portugese playmaker, and it was no different here.
      Simply oozes class, but left his shooting boots at home for once. Solskjaer has to be careful not to overwork him.

      Cavani proved the bright spark for United at Goodison ParkCredit: Reuters
      MASON GREENWOOD – 5
      Good chance to prosper against a makeshift full back in Godfrey, but did not really make the most of it. Looked to win free kicks rather than get crosses in.
      Unlucky when his glancing header grazed the outside of the post in the first half.
      EDINSON CAVANI – 8
      Really lively early on, and never afraid to pull the trigger, even from tight angles. And brilliant finish for his late, late goal.
      Lucky to avoid punishment for instigating an off the ball tussle with Mina.
      Subs
      Marcus Rashford (For Greenwood 67 mins) – 6
      Sent on to push for a winner and looked lively in the closing minutes.

      Anthony Martial (For VDB 67 mins) – 7
      Fell over his own feet when played in by Fernandes late on. Then settled it.
      Luke Shaw (For Telles 84 mins) – 5

      Man Utd set to hand Mason Greenwood new long-term contract in 2021 after breaking into Solskjaer’s first-team More

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      EFL Carabao Cup semi-final draw: Start time, live stream, TV channel, ball numbers as final four learn fate

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      WE’RE approaching the business end of the Carabao Cup as the competition heads into the quarter-final stage.
      Brentford are the first to confirm their place in the semis, but who will join the Championship side?

      Man City won the trophy last season after defeating Aston VillaCredit: PA:Press Association

      Manchester City are the current holders and will also be in the draw after beating Arsenal at the Emirates.
      When is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw?
      The draw for the semi-final of this year’s competition is set for Wednesday, December 23.
      It will follow the conclusion of Everton vs Man Utd.
      The match kick-offs at 8pm, so expect the draw around 10.15pm.
      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch the draw live on Sky Sports Main Event, Football and Ultra HD.
      Coverage will follow after the conclusion of the last quarter-final at Goodison Park.
      You can also stream the draw by heading to Carabao’s official social media on Twitter and Facebook.

      Who is in the draw?
      Four teams will go into the hat on Wednesday, with ties to be played in week beginning January 4, 2021.
      The quarter final ties are:
      Tuesday, December 22 – Brentford 1-0 Newcastle
      Tuesday, December 22 – Arsenal 1-4 Man City (8pm)
      Wednesday, December 23 – Stoke vs Tottenham (5.30pm)
      Wednesday, December 23 – Everton vs Man Utd (8pm) More

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      Do EFL Carabao Cup games have extra time or penalties after 90 minutes if they finish in a draw?

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      THE Carabao Cup is back this week with the quarter-finals.
      This season’s tournament is down to the final eight, but what happens if games are all square after 90 minutes?

      Man City have won the last THREE League Cups in a rowCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Do Carabao Cup ties go to extra time or straight to penalties?

      If the score is level after 90 minutes, Carabao Cup ties up to the semi-final go STRAIGHT to penalties. Only from the semi-final – which will be single-legged this season – and final do ties have extra-time before penalties.
      The Carabao Cup will have no replays.
      What are the Carabao Cup quarter-final fixtures?

      Tuesday
      Brentford 1-0 Newcastle (5.30pm)
      Arsenal 1-4 Man City (8pm)
      Tonight
      Stoke City vs Tottenham Hotspur (5.30pm)
      Everton vs Manchester United (8pm)

      When is the Carabao Cup final?
      The Carabao Cup final has been moved from February 28 to Sunday April 25, 2021.
      The EFL have made the decision in a bid to have as many fans as possible attend the Wembley showdown which will kick off at 4pm.
      In a statement, the EFL said: “This season’s Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled and will now take place on Sunday 25 April 2021, with a 4pm kick-off.
      “It is the objective of the League to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible.
      “And the decision has therefore been taken to move the final from its original date of Sunday February 28, 2021 to later in the year.
      “The number of fans permitted will be dependent on Government guidance in place at the time.
      “And it is hoped that moving the date to later in the year will give clubs and their fans the best opportunity to attend in person.
      “The competition is set to continue this week, with the quarter-finals to be played across Tuesday December 22 and Wednesday December 23, with all four games live on Sky Sports.” More

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      Stoke vs Tottenham LIVE: Stream, score, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for TONIGHT’s Carabao Cup quarter-final

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      STOKE CITY welcome Tottenham to the bet365 Stadium tonight with a place in the Carabao Cup final-four up for grabs.
      Jose Mourinho’s side last won this trophy back in 2008 and are flying high in the Premier League this season.

      Harry Kane is hoping to lead Spurs to silverware this seasonCredit: EPA

      The Potters meanwhile have made a strong start to their own league campaign and saw off Aston Villa in the last round.
      When is Stoke vs Tottenham?
      Kick-off at the bet365 Stadium is at 5.30pm GMT.
      When the sides last met in 2018, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane scored in a 2-1 victory for Spurs.
      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch this game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
      Coverage begins at 5pm.
      If you’re not a Sky subscriber, grab a NOW TV pass from £9.99 to stream on a number of devices.

      Listen to all of the action LIVE on talkSPORT 2

      What is the team news?
      Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt for the visitors after going off in the defeat against Leicester at the weekend.
      Erik Lamela and Japhet Tanganga are also sidelined as Mourinho looks set to ring the changes, with Gareth Bale hoping for a start.
      Tyrese Campbell will miss the remainder of the campaign for Stoke, while Lee Gregory and Sam Clucas remain out.

      Match odds
      Stoke to win – 5/1
      Draw – 10/3
      Spurs victory – 1/2
      *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.

      HEAD-TO-HEAD
      Tottenham and Stoke’s first ever encounter took place way back in 1896 during an FA Cup tie that the Potters won comfortably with a score of 5-0.
      Since then, the two sides have faced off 94 times with Spurs winning the lion’s share as they count 48 victories compared to the Championship outfit’s 25.
      Tottenham and Stoke have only met once before in the Carabao Cup in 2011 when the competition was known as the Carling Cup.
      That match went to a dramatic penalty shoot-out which the Potters won 7-6 following a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium.

      GOOD AFTERNOON FROM STOKE
      Welcome to our live coverage of the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash between Stoke and Tottenham at the Bet365 Stadium.
      Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is still determined to win silverware for the club and hopes tonight’s match will mark the beginning of the end of the north Londoners’ 12-year dry spell.
      The Carabao Cup has a rather special meaning for Tottenham as this is the trophy they won most recently in 2008, then known as the Carling Cup.
      However, Mourinho is still expected to rotate against Stoke ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Wolves at Molineux.
      It seems like Spurs will be without Giovani Lo Celso, who suffered a hamstring injury against Leicester at the weekend.
      Erik Lamela and Japhet Tanganga are both sidelined as they are nursing an achilles and shoulder injury respectively.
      Stoke, on the other hand, have been stricken by a crisis as they are missing four goalkeepers with starting keeper Adam Davies, Angus Gunn and Niki Maenpaa all injured while Joe Bursik is cup-tied.
      Thus, Potters boss Michael O’Neill will have to choose between Blondy Nna Noukeu, who has no first-team experience, and 37-year-old Andy Lonergan for the No1 spot.
      To make matters worse, the hosts will also be missing three of their most experienced players as John Obi Mikel, Joe Allen and Ryan Shawcross are all sidelined.

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      Everton vs Man Utd: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for TONIGHT’S Carabao Cup quarter-final

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      EVERTON welcome Manchester United to Goodison for a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash tonight.
      The Toffees are in excellent record form having won three on the bounce in the Premier League – but haven’t won this trophy since 1984.

      Man Utd proved too strong for Leeds as they fired in six at Old TraffordCredit: AP:Associated Press

      United meanwhile are fresh from a 6-2 hammering over Leeds and are looking to win this competition for the sixth time.
      When is Everton vs Man Utd?
      Kick-off tonight is at 8pm GMT.
      The match follows the other quarter-final between Stoke and Tottenham.
      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      The match is live on Sky Sports Main Event, Football and Ultra HD.
      Coverage follow the game at the bet365 Stadium.
      If you don’t have a Sky subscription, you can watch by getting a 24-hour NOW TV pass from £9.99.

      Listen to all of the action LIVE on talkSPORT

      What is the team news?
      After his brace against Leeds, United will be without Scott McTominay who has a groin problem.
      Luke Shaw could return following illness, while Edinson Cavani looks set to start upfront after being on the bench in the 6-2 mauling.
      Allan is out for the hosts with a hamstring injury and James Rodriguez is still missing after suffering a slight calf strain.

      Match odds
      Everton to win – 9/4
      Draw – 5/2
      Man Utd victory – 11/10
      *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Carlo Ancelotti reveals he rejected chance to be new Man Utd boss after personal plea by Sir Alex Ferguson

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI revealed he rejected Sir Alex Ferguson’s personal offer to replace him as Manchester United boss.
      The legendary Old Trafford manager retired in 2013 and personally contacted the Italian over taking over.

      Carlo Ancelotti turned down the offer to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United bossCredit: PA:Press Association

      But Ancelotti could not accept the proposal – because he had already agreed to take the job at Real Madrid.
      And the Everton chief insisted there had not been another opportunity since.
      Speaking ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against United, Ancelotti was asked about managing the Red Devils.
      He said: “I can say that I still keep a fantastic relationship with Sir Alex, and we met when he decided to stop (retire).

      “But I was close to Real Madrid, and so I appreciate the fact that at that time he talked to me. And that’s it, no other opportunity.”
      Ex-Toffees boss David Moyes ended up taking the job but did not last a season before Louis van Gaal and then Jose Mourinho came in.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrated his two-year anniversary in charge last weekend – and called on his players to deliver his first piece of silverware this season.
      For Ancelotti, he enjoyed two years at Real Madrid after leaving Paris Saint-Germain – winning the Champions League and Club World Cup at the Bernabeu.

      He then moved on to short spells with Bayern Munich and Napoli before taking over at Goodison Park a year ago on Monday.
      The legendary Roma and Milan midfielder added: “Of course Manchester United is a fantastic club, a fantastic team I battled against them a lot of times when Sir Alex was there, when I was at Chelsea.
      “I have a lot of respect for this team, for this club, it is a historical club in the world of football like Milan, like Real Madrid, a lot of respect.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Ancelotti went to Real Madrid instead, winning the Champions League in his first seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is now enjoying himself at Everton with his side pushing for a top-four finishCredit: Reuters

      Everton vs Man Utd – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      How Tottenham could line-up at Stoke with Alli and Bale leading attack as Mourinho looks to win first trophy with club

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      TOTTENHAM are looking to end their three-match winless run by taking a step closer to Wembley when they face Stoke tonight.
      Jose Mourinho knows the Carabao Cup provides him with the perfect opportunity to deliver silverware to the trophy-starved Spurs faithful.

      Both Dele Alli and Gareth Bale could start for Spurs at Stoke

      And with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea already out of the competition, he faces some big decisions on his starting line-up ahead of the trip to the Potteries.
      The Portuguese boss has already stated he will field ‘a mixture’ of his usual Premier league and Europa League sides for the clash against the Championship outfit.
      That could prove to be good news for both Dele Alli and Gareth Bale.
      The England international has struggled for match action this term and continues to be linked with a transfer move away next month.

      But he was left out of the squad for Sunday’s defeat to Leicester.
      That could be due to Mourinho saving him for tonight – or it could just be another sign that Alli is set for further disappointment later.
      Bale came on at the break against the Foxes and will be expecting to take his place in attack.
      However, it remains to be seen whether Mourinho will continue to play Vinicius as striker or opt for Harry Kane.

      Tottenham have mixed it about in the cup so far this season, but the boss will be desperate to get his hands on the trophy come April, and that could lead to him opting to keep the spine of his first-choice XI.
      Hugo Lloris, Toby Alderweireld, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Kane are integral members of his line-up, and he may decide to start them all and make changes elsewhere.
      Giovani Lo Celso suffered an injury at the weekend while Tanguy Ndombele was hooked at the break.
      Both Erik Lamela and Japhet Tanganga have returned to light training but seem unlikely to be thrown straight back into action for the big quarter-final clash.

      Mourinho must decide whether to start with Kane in attack
      Serge Aurier endured a difficult afternoon against Leicester, which should see Matt Doherty step in to replace him at full-back.
      Meanwhile, Ben Davies, Harry Winks and Davinson Sanchez will also be eyeing minutes – but the latter may miss out to Eric Dier.
      Son Heung-Min, along with Kane, has been Tottenham’s best performer to date this campaign, but it seems that he is only likely to start on the bench.
      And that could lead to Lucas Moura or Steven Bergwijn getting the nod to help Spurs try and seal a place in the last four.

      Jose Mourinho receives inside information on shocking state of Stoke’s dressing room ahead of Carabao Cup clash More