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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

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      Gabriel Jesus wore mouthguard that left fans baffled during Man City win over Arsenal after painful tooth injury

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      GABRIEL JESUS’ mouthguard left fans baffled during Manchester City’s win over Arsenal.
      The Brazilian striker, 23, wore the gum shield at the Emirates on Tuesday night.

      Gabriel Jesus was all smiles as he celebrated his goal against Arsenal in the Carabao CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The beaming smile was brighter and whiter than usual thanks to the gum shield he was wearingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      And it could be seen as a lucky charm for the forward after he ended his seven-match goal drought inside three minutes in the 4-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win.
      Celebrating his early header past Runar Alex Runarsson, Jesus’ beaming smile revealed the big white protectors in his mouth – confusing many.
      Some fans thought he had gone full Roberto Firmino mode by whitening his pearlers, but the real reason behind the mouthguard is a lot simpler – albeit slightly bizarre.
      Jesus has been struggling with painful teeth after a collision during last week’s draw with West Brom which then kept him out of the weekend victory at Southampton.

      Speaking on Saturday, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola explained: “He trained yesterday [Friday], but didn’t feel good with his teeth.
      “He decided not to join us at St Mary’s.”
      But the new look still led to some funny reactions on social media.
      One said: “Just screamed out loud about Gabriel Jesus’ teeth then I realised he’s got a gum shield on.”

      Another wrote: “Genuinely thought they were Gabriel Jesus’s real teeth there.”
      And a final user added: “I was about to say why are Gabriel Jesus’ teeth so white only to find out it’s gum guards.”

      It is understood he picked up the tooth injury against West Brom last weekCredit: Rex Features

      The striker ended his goal drought by heading past Runar Alex Runarsson in the third minuteCredit: EPA

      Jesus’ Brazil team-mate Roberto Firmino has earned a reputation for his shiny white pearlersCredit: AFP or licensors

      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League

      Mikel Arteta reflects on painful Arsenal defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup More

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      Solskjaer challenges Man Utd squad to win first trophy as boss as ex-coach reveals why ‘it’s hardest job in football’

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has challenged his Manchester United squad to win him his first trophy as Old Trafford boss.
      The Norwegian celebrated his two-year anniversary in charge at the weekend.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is calling on his players to deliver his first trophy as Manchester United bossCredit: Reuters

      The Red Devils have not won a trophy since the Europa League in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor

      And now he is calling on his players to deliver silverware.
      United’s last major trophy was the Europa League in 2017 but the club face Everton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday night.
      Solskjaer, who won nine major honours as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson, said: “Yes, of course it is something we’re aiming for.
      “We want to improve every season and to improve on last year is to get to the final.

      “Of course, when you get to the final, there’s only one thing that matters — and that’s to lift the trophy.
      “I remember winning my first trophy. Even towards the end of my career, it was Patrice Evra’s and Nemanja Vidic’s first trophy in the 2006 Carling Cup.
      “It does give something to a team. We are desperate to get our hands on a trophy, and these players are desperate to learn how to win.”
      Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Bruno Fernandes are among the big-money signings to arrive since the Europa League success in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.

      Mason Greenwood, Dean Henderson, Brandon Williams and Scott McTominay have all graduated from the Red Devils academy in that time and hunting trophies with their boyhood clubs.
      Solskjaer’s former coach Rene Meulensteen, who worked under Ferguson for six years at Old Trafford, explained why being United boss is the hardest job in football.
      Speaking to talkSPORT, the Dutchman said: “They are [in the mix] and everybody is talking about the two games in hand. It shows again what a strange league this is going to be.
      “Ole’s been in charge for two years now – he knows that pressure will never go away when you are working for a club like Manchester United.
      “It will always be there and people will always find something to criticise.
      “He just needs to focus and make he takes every game as it comes. There is no point speculating ‘what ifs’.
      “United is probably the most difficult club to work for because you need to play attacking and entertaining football and win games. It is the hardest formula.
      “We all saw Mourinho struggling with that and you don’t get away with playing that style week in week out at Manchester United.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      😰 “Ole knows that the pressure will never go away when you’re at Utd.”🙏 “Man Utd is the most difficult job as you need to entertain & win games!”Rene Meulensteen explains why the managers job at #MUFC is so hard.🤝 With @PrimeVideoSport pic.twitter.com/6sp5Kwpeay
      — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) December 21, 2020

      Brandon Williams, Mason Greenwood and Scott McTominay have broken into the team since United last won a trophyCredit: Reuters

      Meulensteen worked as a coach for Solskjaer under Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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

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

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      EVERTON welcome Manchester United to Goodison for a Carabao Cup quarter final showdown.
      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?
      This last-eight clash will be held on Wednesday, December 23.
      Kick-off 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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      Stoke vs Tottenham: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Carabao Cup quarter-final clash

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      TOTTENHAM face Championship side Stoke 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?
      This last-eight clash is set for Wednesday, December 23.
      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. More

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      Is the Carabao Cup semi-final one leg or two and what are the rules?

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      THE CARABAO CUP quarter-finals are being played and the winners will be eager to learn their opponents for the semis.
      The semi-final draw will be made at the conclusion of Everton vs Man Utd tomorrow, but what are the rules?

      Brentford have reached the League Cup semi-final for the first time in their historyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Is the Carabao Cup semi-final one leg or two?

      The Carabao Cup semi-final has traditionally been two legs, although the rules have been changed in recent years.
      Away goals were previously used after extra time to separate two sides if they happened to be level after two legs.
      But that was done away with when the EFL scrapped extra time, meaning any ties that were level were decided on penalties.
      And this year’s Carabao Cup semi-final will consist of just one leg in order to ease fixture congestion caused by the delayed start to the season and the Covid pandemic.

      Whichever team is drawn first in each tie will play at home.

      Does the Carabao Cup have VAR?
      The Carabao Cup does not have VAR – the only competition Premier League sides participate in in which this is the case.
      The tournament is organised by the EFL who have chosen not to introduce it at any level.
      Which teams are in the Carabao Cup semi-final?
      Brentford
      Man City
      Stoke or Tottenham
      Everton or Man Utd More

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      Arsenal 1-4 Man City LIVE RESULT: Gabriel Jesus, Mahrez, Foden and Laporte pile misery on Mikel Arteta

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      MAN City hammered Arsenal to make it 18 successful League Cup ties in a row and pile the pressure on Mikel Arteta.
      Gabriel Jesus headed home after just two minutes before Alexandre Lacazette headed home an equaliser.

      But things went wrong for the Gunners when Gabriel Martinelli went off injured early in the second half.
      A howler from goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson saw Man City take the lead from a Riyad Mahrez free kick.
      And Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte then made the game safe.

      THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT
      Man City storm into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup as they look to win it four times in a row.
      As for Arsenal, it’s more disappointment and the pressure is really starting to build on Arteta who must be wondering where his next win will be coming from.
      It’s been a pleasure, have a good one.

      ART ATTACK
      Mikel Arteta must be thinking that someone up there has got it in for him as he contemplates a miserable Christmas and an unhappy New Year.
      Even his magic touch in the cup competitions has now deserted the bewildered Spaniard who simply doesn’t know where his next win is coming from.
      His struggling team were ruthlessly put to the sword by a rampant Manchester City looking to win the League Cup for a fourth straight season.
      And with friends like Pep Guardiola, Arteta certainly doesn’t need enemies.
      His managerial mentor clearly wasn’t in the mood to do for his former Etihad assistant any favours on yet another night to forget for Arsenal.
      READ MORE: ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY MATCH REPORT

      HORROR SHOW
      Let’s relive Runarsson’s calamitous performance tonight….

      ON TARGET
      Listen to Mahrez’s words for yourself.

      “I was surprised at the position of the ‘keeper. He was so close to the post.”Riyad Mahrez talks us through his free-kick that set Manchester City on their way in the second half.Watch the reaction on Sky Sports Football 📺 pic.twitter.com/sZoutElZZ7
      — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 22, 2020

      MAHREZ SPEAKS
      Speaking after playing a key role in City’s win tonight, Mahrez said: “We started good and then they equalised.
      “In the second half we scored the lucky freekick. When we put the third one it was more easy for us … Sometimes it’s like this, you cannot always dominate every game.”
      “I was surprised by the position of the keeper. He was so close to the post. I thought he was going to move.
      “That’s why I put it there. But he didn’t move and luckily he didn’t catch it properly.”

      CITY LOVE A CUP
      Man City are unbeaten in their last 18 League Cup ties dating back to October 2016. Unbelievable.
      They have now reached the semi-final of the League Cup for the FOURTH season running.

      Credit: Getty Images

      FULL-TIME STATS
      Man City continued to dominate the ball in the second half and they got rewarded for it with three goals.

      Neither side had a lot of touches inside the opposition penalty area, City (right) managed 21 to Arsenal’s (left) 10.

      FT: ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      Man City started the second half how they started the first, on top.
      Mahrez won a free-kick JUST on the edge of the penalty area after showing some neat footwork and drawing a foul.
      He stepped up and fired towards the keepers side of the net, Runarsson tried to stop it but it went straight through his arms.
      Foden got in the act minutes later racing clear of the Arsenal backline before firing past the keeper.
      And Laporte got City’s fourth of the night, meeting Foden’s wonderful cross at the back post.
      Pep Guardiola’s City are into the semi-finals and the love affair with the Carabao Cup continues!

      PEEEEEEP!
      THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE GOES AT THE EMIRATES!

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      90. Mahrez drives towards goal, cuts in on his left foot and looks to sneak a shot in at the near post but Runarsson was down quickly to his left to save.

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      90. Just the two additional minutes at the end of the second half.

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      86. Fernandinho wins the 50-50 against Maitland-Niles and the ball falls into the path of Aguero 35 yards from goal.
      Aguero spots Zinchenko making a run towards the edge of the penalty area and plays a wonderful pass setting up a shooting opportunity, but the left-back fires high and wide.

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      84. Balogun turns well and drives towards the Man City penalty area before playing the ball into the feet of Pepe.
      Pepe turns and shifts the ball onto his left foot and fires JUST wide of the far post.
      Good running from Balogun in the initial build-up.

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      82. Foden runs clear of Ceballos, but loses control just before he gets to Gabriel on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area.

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      80. Kolasinac drives towards the Man City penalty area before playing a one-two with Smith-Rowe, the left-back almost latches onto the return pass but Walker beats him to it.

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      77. City are cruising towards the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

      Credit: Getty Images

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      76. Man City are making another change and rodri is making way for Kyle walker.
      And for Arsenal, Lacazette makes way for young-gun Balogun.

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      75. Man City have been ruthless in the second half, scoring all three of their second half attempts on goal.
      Huge gap in quality between the two teams.

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      73. Aguero is on for Jesus.

      ARSENAL 1-4 MAN CITY 
      72. The corner is take short to Foden, the youngster cuts back onto his right foot beating his marker.
      He whips the ball into the penalty area right onto the edge of the six-yard box and Laporte heads it home!
      Game over now.

      GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL!!!!!
      LAPORTE HEADS HOME CITY’S FOURTH!!!!
      MAN CITY ARE RUNNING AWAY WITH THE QUARTER-FINAL TIE!!!

      ARSENAL 1-3 MAN CITY 
      71. Mahrez isolates Gabriel one-on-one on the right-side of the penalty area, he tries to lose Gabriel with a couple of step overs but the defender stands firm.
      City corner.

      ARSENAL 1-3 MAN CITY 
      70. Sergio Aguero is getting ready to come on, he loves a goal against Arsenal, 11 goals in his last 18.

      ARSENAL 1-3 MAN CITY 
      70. First time we’ve really seen Cedric on the ball and it’s a short cameo as he passes it off to Pepe.

      ARSENAL 1-3 MAN CITY 
      69. Silva makes way for Ferran Torres, a positive substitution by Pep Guardiola.

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