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      Kalvin Phillips could end season from hell with TWO European winners’ medals despite disastrous West Ham loan

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS could end a season to forget with European winners’ medals for Manchester City AND West Ham.If City retain the Champions League, Phillips qualifies after three cameos and a dead-rubber start.Kalvin Phillips could end the season with another two European medalsCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAnd two more bit-parts for the Hammers mean the same in the Europa League.But they might not be pride of place on the mantelpiece.Phillips, 28, joined the East Londoners in the January transfer window after struggling to make an impact at the Etihad.Fat-shamed by Pep Guardiola, his game time was limited to just ten appearances in the first half of the season.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThat did, though, include four Champions League matches.Treble-winner Phillips came on in the 83rd minute in the 3-1 win over Red Star Belgrade then the 89th minute as City beat Young Boys by the same scoreline.He got 29 minutes from the bench in the home tie against the Swiss outfit then played the full 90 and scored in the final group game away in Belgrade. City had already booked their spot in the knockout stages with five wins from five before his late penalty in the 3-2 victory. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPhillips endured a nightmare start to life at West Ham, gifting a goal away on his debut, seeing red at Nottingham Forest then played his part in the almighty collapse at Newcastle before swearing at a fan. He has also been dumped out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the Euros before being sidelined with a hamstring injury as his season goes from bad to worse.West Ham boss David Moyes slams Bayer Leverkusen’s bench as ‘a disgrace’ for what they did during fiery clashKarren Brady on West Ham breaking into Big Six

      THERE are unofficial guarantees in the future of our league football and they are held by the presumptuously named Big Six, with one or two wealthy others knocking at the door.
      You have to believe, don’t you, and I do — that my team could be hammering at the door along with the likes of Aston Villa and another of the liquid-gold clubs, Newcastle United.
      However, an elite section is not as it should be in the best possible world.
      Despite our ambitions at the London Stadium, the people who run the game must at least try to bring more clubs back into the big-time picture.
      Since the rebel rich blithely tried to join a European Super League and were scuppered by their supporters, the game has moved further towards the wealthier and successful clubs.
      So now the task should be to try to prevent the cliff edge that is forming, not between the top flight and the Championship, but between the top six in the PL and the rest.
      Not an easy thing to do. 
      READ THE FULL EXCLUSIVE COLUMN HERE

      Phillips, though, did come on as a late substitute in both legs of the Europa League last-16 tie with Freiburg, a 1-0 defeat away and a 5-0 win at the London Stadium.And it means this torrid campaign – which so far has yielded just 622 minutes of action across five competitions – could still end with double Euro glory. West Ham must overturn their first-leg deficit against Bayer Leverkusen before facing AC Milan or Roma in the semis – with Liverpool Atalanta, Benfica or Marseille awaiting in the final.Meanwhile, reigning kings of Europe Manchester City are the favourites to lift the iconic Champions League trophy once again this season. Pep Guardiola’s men got a thrilling 3-3 draw away at Real Madrid and will be confident of going through to take on Arsenal or Bayern Munich for a spot in the final. Phillips scored a penalty in the 3-2 win away at Red Star Belgrade in DecemberCredit: GettyThings have not been easy for the midfielder at West HamCredit: Getty More

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      Marcus Rashford to STAY at Man Utd as PSG show no interest whatsoever in pushing through transfer to Paris

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’S future is at Old Trafford — after Paris Saint- Germain made it clear they have NO interest in signing he struggling frontman.Rashford, 26, has been linked with a PSG move as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who is destined for a Real Madrid switch.Marcus Rashford played the whole of Man Utd’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth but is struggling to regain his best formCredit: GettyThe Manchester United academy product, 26, only signed a £325,000-a-week agreement until 2028 last summer.And sources have told SunSport that PSG believe the talk was only used to improve the terms of his contract offer.A source said: “PSG have never been interested in signing Marcus.“And given his struggles on and off the pitch this season, they have given it no consideration at all. He will not be moving to PSG.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“He might benefit from the noise around a possible transfer going away so he can concentrate on reigniting his United career.”The England ace played all of Saturday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Bournemouth.But he once more struggled to make a real impact – let alone match his sizzling form of last season.Two equalisers from Bruno Fernandes, including a controversial penalty, rescued the Red Devils.Most read in FootballBut the fortunate point was United’s fourth Prem game in a row without a win.And they now sit seventh, 10 points off the top four.Paul Merson rules one team OUT of Premier League title race as Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City’s three-way fight hots upBoss Erik Ten Hag said: “We have to win our games and we have dropped too many unnecessary points in the last few games.”But he praised the key influence of Fernandes in another match where United lacked threat in attack.The Dutchman said: “Scoring twice, very creative, it’s true he gives a lot of energy to the team. “He is acting as a captain, bringing the energy and we are very pleased with this.”Tuchel showed why he could be the perfect man for Man Utd, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
      TOMMY TUCHEL could not have done it better had he submitted his CV to LinkedIn or Indeed.
      Somehow mustering some gumption from the worst Bayern Munich team in more than a decade to stop a rampant Arsenal dead in their tracks is a spectacular job advert for a manager soon to be looking for work.
      If Sir Jim Ratcliffe wasn’t watching from his Old Trafford office or from the cinema room in one of his tax havens, he should have been.
      They may have even sat up and taken notice in Newcastle or in the owners’ Riyadh hub as Tuchel reminded everyone of his credentials as a top-level coach with devilish timing.
      If change is coming then Tuchel is playing a trump card.
      His side turned up and cowed the team that, as far as the current Premier League goes, is the best in England.
      It may only add to the questions around Tuchel that after tossing away the only league easier to win than Scotland’s or Spain’s, Munich have sprung to life in Europe.
      After 11 years unopposed as German champions, Chelsea’s former manager has chucked it in at home in a remarkable act of ineptitude. But freak years can happen.
      Tuchel is an enigma. But that is part of the appeal as much as winning the Champions League with Chelsea just three months after taking the job.
      With no new signings, he took a team that had lost five of the previous ten games and turned them into European Champions.
      With Ratcliffe considering swingeing budget cuts at Old Trafford, a coach who can perform wonders on peanuts would be music to his ears.
      Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
      Or to read more from Andy Dillon, click here. More

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      How Kylian Mbappe’s incredible seven-year body transformation propelled skinny teen into world’s best player

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has entered his physical prime as he prepares to move to Real Madrid this summer.The 25-year-old has grown from a boy to a man in Ligue 1, first with Monaco and then with current side Paris Saint-Germain.A throwback picture of a skinny teenage Kylian Mbappe being interviewed in 2017 has done the round on social mediaCredit: XThe Frenchman has become an incredible athleteCredit: ReutersMbappe clashed with Kieran Trippier at the old White Hart Lane as a 16-year-oldCredit: Rex FeaturesMbappe debuted for Monaco as a skinny 16-year-old in 2015.He even featured as a scrawny youngster against Tottenham at the old White Hart Lane that year, before fans realised what an icon he would become.The following season, Mbappe really rose to superstardom as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals.In a throwback snap shared earlier this week, an 18-year-old Mbappe could be seen chatting to a reporter after grabbing a Champions League brace against Borussia Dortmund in April 2017.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe starlet wore his Monaco shirt and shorts in the picture as well as a pair of sliders – and looked every bit the skinny teenager.That season Mbappe announced himself to the world, scoring 26 goals in all competitions.He subsequently moved to PSG that summer, and has continued to go from strength to strength as he’s grown into his body.According to Goal, Mbappe eats six meals a day.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey claim that he begins his day by eating boiled eggs with avocado.He then has a protein bar, before tucking into a tuna or chicken wrap with salad.Fuming Kylian Mbappe’s incredible reaction to being subbed by PSG in Marseille victoryFor his fourth meal, Mbappe has a protein shake accompanied by fresh fruit.His fifth consists of chicken or fish served with brown rice.And he then finishes with a protein shake.Mbappe has seen his minutes begin to dwindle during the second half of this season, as PSG boss Luis Enrique prepares for his imminent exit.After being hooked during a recent clash with Marseille, Mbappe could be seen rolling his eyes and shaking his head.Enrique was unhappy with his forward’s response, telling Prime Video: “It’s the same music every single week, the same music… it’s so boring. I am the manager, I make the decisions every day, every week. “I am going to do the same until my last day in Paris. I always try to find the best solution for my team. Even if you don’t (understand the decision), I don’t care. I don’t care at all.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMbappe did play the full 90 of PSG’s Champions League clash with Barcelona in mid-week, but was unable to stop his side from slumping to a 3-2 defeat.His contract will expire at the end of the season, when he is expected to finally sign for Real Madrid.Mbappe has put in plenty of gym workCredit: Getty More

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      Borussia Dortmund have penalty overturned by VAR DURING ex-Man Utd star’s run up in never-before-seen moment

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND were denied a goal in a never-before-seen moment during their game against Borussia Monchengladbach.The Bundesliga giants were leading the match 2-1 at Borussia-Park as they looked to keep pace with RB Leipzig in the Champions League spots.Marcel Sabitzer had two penalties against Borussia MönchengladbachCredit: APHe converted both effortsCredit: GettyThe second was stopped for a VAR check during his run-upCredit: AFPThe referee could be seen blowing his whistle just as Sabitzer was about to strike the ballDortmund started the match well as they raced into a 2-0 lead inside 28 minutes thanks to a brace from Marcel Sabitzer.Monchengladbach found a way back into the tie as Maximilian Wober bagged in the 36th minute.Former Manchester United loanee Sabitzer then thought he had the chance to restore his side’s two-goal lead in the 51st minute.Karim Adeyemi appeared to be brought down by Jonas Omlin as the referee pointed to the spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSabitzer stepped up to take the penalty but as he was about to kick the ball the referee blew his whistle once again.As the ball hit the net, the players were subject to a very late VAR check on the incident.The decision arrived to overturn the penalty as Omlin was judged to have won the ball fairly.Fans were left in shock as they reacted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “Sabitzer was taking a penalty, converted the penalty but just when he was about to hit it, the referee stopped him and went for a VAR check to CANCEL the penalty. Remarkable moment!”A second commented: “What in the name of VAR is that in Bundesliga?”I’m Dortmund’s sexiest fan and I double up as a lingerie model and nurse.. Marco Reus is the love of my lifeA third wrote: “The game is gone man honestly.”A fourth said: “Such a heartbreaker.”A fifth fumed: “Since when can you do that.”Another added: “Surely they can’t do that? the pen has already been called.”To make matters worse, the decision denied Sabitzer a hat-trick in the match.Adeyemi was then sent off in the 55th minute for a second bookable offence.However, Dortmund were able to hold on to the slender lead and take three points home with them. More

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      Why Tottenham fans may have to support fierce rivals ARSENAL in next TWO games with Champions League dream fading

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      TOTTENHAM fans might be forced to SUPPORT their fiercest rivals Arsenal in order to achieve Champions League qualification.Spurs dropped out of the Champions League automatic places after suffering a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Newcastle on Saturday.Tottenham fans might be forced support Arsenal after a humiliating defeatCredit: ReutersSpurs dropped to fifth following a 4-0 thrashing at NewcastleCredit: EPAFans will be hoping Mikel Arteta can get the better of Unai Emery’s menCredit: ReutersAnge Postecoglou couldn’t believe his eyes as his Champions League-chasing side crumbled to their heaviest defeat of his reign. Two goals from Alexander Isak complimented strikes from Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar in a dominant performance at St James’ Park. The result means Tottenham drop to fifth behind Aston Villa, who travel to Arsenal on Sunday.Which indicates that Lilywhite fans might be forced to bite their tongues and cheer on their north London rivals through gritted teeth.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLAn Arsenal win will prevent Villa from adorning a three point gap over Tottenham, as both sides press for an automatic spot in Europe’s top competition next season.Likewise, Tottenham fans might AGAIN be forced to support Arsenal when they travel to Bayern Munich next week.That is because an Arsenal victory will help England’s Uefa coefficient for a fifth spot in next season’s Champions League.Every win, draw and round progression by a team adds to a country’s total, which is then divided by the number of clubs involved at the start of the competition.Most read in FootballHere’s how Spurs’ trip to Newcastle went on paperBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREngland had been favourite to claim one of the two extra spots in the competition before the Champions League quarter final first legs.Spurs currently hold fifth place, but have a game in hand on Unai Emery’s side.And Tottenham fans are not happy with the circumstances.One supporter wrote: “What’s going on? Tottenham don’t know what’s coming for them.”Ange Postecoglou does NO tactical work in training reveals former Tottenham star Eric DierAnother said: “So there hopes of featuring in Europe’s elite competition is hanging on us. What a world!!!”A third wrote: “This possible.”While an Arsenal account chimed in: “What a time to be alive. I’m seeing Tottenham waiting for us to perform for them to qualify.”Spurs still need to host Arsenal on April 28, and then travel to Manchester City and Liverpool. More

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      Old Trafford icon Andy Cole names Man Utd’s MVP for the season calling ace ‘unbelievable’ but also ‘overworked’

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      ANDRE ONANA has been Manchester United’s Most Valuable Player this season, according to legendary club striker Andy Cole.Onana, alongside the rest of his Red Devils teammates, has faced heavy criticism for United’s underwhelming season.Andy Cole believes Andre Onana has been United’s MVP at crucial points this seasonCredit: The SunOnana’s performances have improved amid a shot facing crisis for UnitedCredit: GettyThe Cameroonian goalkeeper had a tough start to life at Old Trafford after making his £47million move from Inter Milan last summer.Onana made several high-profile blunders and his huge mistakes cost his side points in the Premier League, and led to them crashing out the Champions League.But Cole – who scored 121 goals for United – believes the 27-year-old is starting to show his worth and has become a crucial part of Erik ten Hag’s team. Cole told Betfred: “He’s definitely overworked at the moment and that’s why we’re talking about him.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”He’s producing a hell of a lot of saves and many of them are ones that he shouldn’t even have to produce.”But because United continue to give the ball away in certain areas so easily, the goalkeeper has been their MVP on a lot of occasions. “He has unbelievable feet too. Fair play to him because he had a tough start, but now he’s starting to show what a good goalkeeper he is.”Onana has now faced a whopping 258 shots on goal in 2024 alone.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIncluding 28 in each of his last two Premier League games which led to defeat at Chelsea and a 2-2 draw with Liverpool.Unsurprisingly, Onana has been forced to save the most shots in this season – 120.This is one ahead of Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski and 19 more save attempts than Sheffield United stopper Wes Foderingham.Onana admitted that United’s injury issues has not helped his search for stability between the posts.Fans say ‘I love his character’ after seeing what Onana did before Man Utd were awarded penalty against ChelseaHe told Sky Sports: “Well, it’s quite easy when you’re used to playing with the same back four.”Unfortunately we have a lot of injuries. Being a goalkeeper is a position with a lot of responsibility. You have to be ready to play with anyone and… I can’t complain.”United return to domestic action on Saturday when they travel to Bournemouth.The Cherries were shock 3-0 winners when the two teams met in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford. Tuchel showed why he could be the perfect man for Man Utd, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
      TOMMY TUCHEL could not have done it better had he submitted his CV to LinkedIn or Indeed.
      Somehow mustering some gumption from the worst Bayern Munich team in more than a decade to stop a rampant Arsenal dead in their tracks is a spectacular job advert for a manager soon to be looking for work.
      If Sir Jim Ratcliffe wasn’t watching from his Old Trafford office or from the cinema room in one of his tax havens, he should have been.
      They may have even sat up and taken notice in Newcastle or in the owners’ Riyadh hub as Tuchel reminded everyone of his credentials as a top-level coach with devilish timing.
      If change is coming then Tuchel is playing a trump card.
      His side turned up and cowed the team that, as far as the current Premier League goes, is the best in England.
      It may only add to the questions around Tuchel that after tossing away the only league easier to win than Scotland’s or Spain’s, Munich have sprung to life in Europe.
      After 11 years unopposed as German champions, Chelsea’s former manager has chucked it in at home in a remarkable act of ineptitude. But freak years can happen.
      Tuchel is an enigma. But that is part of the appeal as much as winning the Champions League with Chelsea just three months after taking the job.
      With no new signings, he took a team that had lost five of the previous ten games and turned them into European Champions.
      With Ratcliffe considering swingeing budget cuts at Old Trafford, a coach who can perform wonders on peanuts would be music to his ears.
      Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
      Or to read more from Andy Dillon, click here. More

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      How one league could have staggering SIX teams in Champions League next season – and currently on course to do so

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      SERIE A are looking poised to enter SIX teams in the Champions League next season.In the reformatted edition of next season’s competition, two countries will be given an extra group-stage place.UEFA have revamped next season’s competition to keep it entertaining and more competitiveCredit: ReutersUnder the new rules, two leagues can earn an extra position in the Champions LeagueCredit: RexBut there is a way the Serie A could enter a SIXTH team after Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over LiverpoolCredit: RexItaly are poised to receive an additional Champions League place as one of two countries with the best Uefa co-efficient.Places will be assigned to the associations with the best collective performance – classed as their coefficient – by their clubs in Europe this season.The Italians – who have four teams left in Europe – are frontrunners to profit from the rule change that has come about ahead of the competition’s expansion to 36 teams.This means fifth place is set to qualify – which will currently benefit Roma – who have become somewhat Europa League staples.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, there is also a way in which Italy could enter a SIXTH team into the Champions League.That is if Roma or Atalanta win the Europa League AND finish outside the top four in Serie A.Atalanta currently sit sixth and stormed to a shocking 3-0 victory over favourites Liverpool in the Europa League first leg quarter-final at Anfield.An Atalanta European triumph would free up another Champions League spot for an Italian club, as the additional place only applies to a team’s domestic league finish.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe extra spot will not go to the Champions League or Europa League winners as they automatically qualify.In theory, Roma or Atalanta would be excluded from the list and bump the spot down to seventh place in Serie A.This means a seventh place finish in the Serie A could land Champions League football, if both the winners of the Champions League and Europa League are Italian clubs that finish outside of the top four.However, Uefa have not entirely clarified the way the extra spot will be assigned regarding the Europa League victor.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padIt is therefore possible the clubs will ask for further clarification before going into the final, especially considering it is very tight in the race for a top five spot in Serie A.Italy sit top with a coefficient of 18.714, with England – on 16.928 – now behind Germany on 16.875. Bayer Leverkusen’s first-leg 2-0 victory over West Ham and Liverpool’s heavy home defeat has changed the complexion on the coefficients.Aston Villa are in a commanding position in the Europa Conference League with their 2-1 win at home to Lille, while Arsenal and Manchester City’s Champions League ties could still go either way.How the coefficient looks after the Europe’s first-leg quarter finals More

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      Arsenal investigating and ready to hand out bans to own fans after booting out SEVEN Bayern supporters in Euro clash

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      ARSENAL ejected SEVEN Bayern Munich fans from the Emirates home end on Tuesday evening.And the club are now tracking down which season ticket holders gave up their seats, to suspend them indefinitely.Arsenal kicked out seven Bayern Munich fans from the Emirates home end of Tuesday eveningCredit: ReutersBayern Munich drew 2-2 against Arsenal in the first leg of the quarter-finalsCredit: AFPBayern were not allowed any away support for their Champions League quarter-final first-leg due to a one-match Uefa ban.That came after fireworks were thrown onto the pitch during their trip to Lazio in February.The Gunners issued a statement on Monday threatening to ban those who were found to have sold home-end tickets to Munich fans, some of which clashed with stewards and Arsenal supporters.After the draw, Arsenal did not sell tickets to any new members who registered for the ticket ballot after March 11, before the event.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis was ignited due to fears of a repeat of the violent scenes that occurred in 2017 between Arsenal and Cologne fans.Back then thousands of Cologne supporters bought tickets for a Europa League game at the Emirates from club members and ticketing websites.That night violent pre-match clashes delayed kick-off by an hour after 20,000 Cologne fans travelled to North London for the game when only 3,000 tickets were allocated.But on Tuesday night it is understood a protest of 100-150 Bayern supporters outside the stadium was managed on the night. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd none of those fans entered the ground to see the 2-2 draw.The Gunners – in the last-8 of the iconic competition for the first time since 2009-10 – had led early through Bukayo Saka, who curled in a brilliant strike.Mikel Arteta reaction to Arsenal draw with Bayern Munich in Champions League quarter finalBut the home side suffered a mini-collapse with Bayern star Serge Gnabry striking back before Harry Kane then scored at the Emirates, again, with a penalty.Arsenal looked dead and buried for a period but Leandro Trossard scored from the bench to put the second leg on a knife edge. More