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      Kylian Mbappe makes shock Newcastle request as PSG travel to St James’ Park for huge Champions League clash

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has made an unusual request ahead of PSG’s clash with Newcastle.The forward asked for a pair of gloves after he judged the Tyneside weather as being too cold for him during training ahead of PSG’s clash with Newcastle.
      Kylian Mbappe requested gloves ahead of PSG’s clash with NewcastleCredit: Getty
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      Mbappe initially emerged gloveless but ran back in to grab a pair after feeling the chill.
      It was a mild 13C for PSG’s session at St James’ Park ahead of the Group F clash.
      Tonight’s game will be Newcastle’s first home Champions League fixture in 20 years and the atmosphere is bound to be raucous at St James’.
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      Mbappe has previously commented on Tyneside’s reputation for cold weather after Antoine Griezmann managed them on Football Manager and signed Mbappe on the game.
      When Griezmann told him, he said: “Newcastle? It’s not very warm there, eh?”
      PSG manager Luis Enrique was complimentary of his opponents ahead of tonight’s tie, saying Newcastle are “the complete team” that “no one wanted” to draw.
      He said: “Newcastle are the team from the fourth pot who no one wanted, very quick, good in possession and off the ball. They are a complete football team. And then they are in front of their own very passionate supporters and that will help them.‌
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      “No one wants to play them because we saw how well they did last season. It is a hostile place from a sporting view. It is a spectacular place to play.
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      “It will be good to see what my team are made of. I am envious of my players because they get to experience that first hand.”
      The Spaniard then recounted his own experience of playing at St James’ for Barcelona 26 years ago which Newcastle won 3-2 courtesy of a Tino Asprilla hat-trick and said: “It was a really tough game… 26 years ago is a lifetime ago! It is true I scored in it. It finished 3-2 with some great Newcastle players.
      “So I know here the atmosphere is great, a great crowd and it wasn’t an easy evening back then… and it won’t be tomorrow.” More

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      Man Utd flops look glum as they return to training after humiliating Galatasaray loss heaps pressure on Ten Hag

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      MANCHESTER UNITED players looked forlorn on their return to training following the defeat to Galatasaray.The Red Devils suffered a humiliating 3-2 home loss to the Turkish giants in the Champions League.
      Man Utd players were dragged back into training this afternoonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Man Utd lost 3-2 to Galatasaray last nightCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      They are ready to start preparations for the weekend’s Brentford game alreadyCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Marcus Rashford was sat in the back of his new £180,000 Mercedes vanCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      It continued their miserable start to the season with them languishing in tenth in the Premier League and without a point in Europe.
      Erik ten Hag called his squad back to Carrington on Wednesday afternoon to dissect the defeat and prepare for Saturday’s clash versus Brentford.
      The players trudged into training with a glum looks on their faces.
      Captain Bruno Fernandes led his team in behind the wheel of a Bentley.
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      Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen and Facundo Pellistri were also spotted as they arrived.
      Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford was not seen as he was in the back of his £180,000 Mayback Mercedes van.
      The new vehicle has personalised head rests with his initials stitched into them, a 40in TV in the back alongside plug sockets and a galaxy ceiling.
      Antony was also in attendance after making his first appearance off the bench versus Galatasaray after some time away from the club amid abuse allegations, which he firmly denies.
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      Sofyan Amrabat looked glum on arrivalCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Christian Eriksen came on at half-time versus GalatasarayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Pressure is increasing on Ten Hag with club legend Gary Neville revealing he “feels sorry” for him and claiming that Old Trafford has become a “graveyard” for managers and players.
      The boss now has the same Premier League loss percentage as Ralf Rangnick.
      But Ten Hag still has the backing of club chiefs.
      Facundo Pellistri rocked up in a PorscheCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Scott McTominay didn’t feature last nightCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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      Paul Scholes compares Rasmus Hojlund to Man Utd legend after Danish striker’s two goals in Galatasaray shocker

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      PAUL SCHOLES compared Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy after his stellar performance on Tuesday.The Danish striker scored two goals in the Red Devils’ Champions League clash against Galatasaray.
      Paul Scholes compared Rasmus Hojlund to former Man Utd star Ruud Van NistelrooyCredit: Getty
      Van Nistelrooy made over 200 appearances for United from 2001-2006Credit: Getty
      United got off to a great start when the Red Devils took the lead after 17 minutes, with Hojlund heading in a goal from a Marcus Rashford cross.
      Wilfried Zaha equalised minutes later on his return to Old Trafford with a scruffy volley to beat Andre Onana.
      Hojlund then scored his second of the night to give United the lead before Akturkoglu put the Turkish giants back on level terms at 71 minutes.
      Andre Onana made a huge blunder, which caused Casemiro to foul Mauro Icardi in the box and earn a second yellow card.
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      The Argentine missed from 12 yards but made up for it minutes later to hand Galatasaray a 3-2 win at Old Trafford.
      Despite their defeat, United legend Scholes spotted some talent in 20-year-old Hojlund, who had another effort ruled out for offside, and even compared him to superstar ex-striker Val Nistelrooy.
      He told TNT Sports: “There’s a bit of Van Nistelrooy in there.”
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      Hojlund had a tough start to life at Old Trafford, missing the first lot of games this season due to a back injury.
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      But since his debut earlier this month in United’s 3-1 defeat against Arsenal, the Danish star has scored three goals in seven appearances.
      Van Nistelrooy during his five-year spell at Old Trafford from 2001-2006 made over 200 appearances and scored 150 goals under Sir Alex Ferguson. More

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      Ten Hag has full backing of Man Utd despite horror start to season with Champions League hopes hanging by a thread

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      ERIK TEN HAG RETAINS the full backing of Manchester United despite a shocking run of five defeats in seven games.The Dutchman is the fifth permanent boss in ten years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, to go with two caretakers and one interim manager.
      Erik Ten Hag is coming under increasing pressure as United bossCredit: EPA
      But there is no desire amongst the owning Glazer family or Chief Executive Richard Arnold to make any changes despite the sudden downturn in performances and results.
      Ten Hag has been backed to the tune of £400million for new players and enjoyed a fine first season.
      The club reached two domestic Cup finals winning it’s first trophy in six years with the Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle at Wembley.
      He also guided the Red Devils into third position in the league to secure their position back in the Champions League.
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      But they have lost their opening two games in that competition away to Bayern Munich and at home to Galatasaray on Tuesday.
      Add that to the four defeats in seven in the league that have left them in tenth place already seven points off the top four.
      There have been mitigating circumstances with injuries and the current issue with Jadon Sancho who remains exiled from the first team.
      Recently Ten Hag had to give Antony time off to fight allegations of assault.
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      The fans are sticking with him although there have been the first murmurings of doubt.
      Top pundit and United legend Gary Neville has been a long term critic of the owning Glazer family and says he has sympathy for Ten Hag.
      Neville told TalkSport: “I feel very sorry for the manager, I know a lot of people will say he’s got to do a lot better, and that’s fine, he’s the Manchester United manager, but there are a lot of big problems at the club that managers have found over the last ten years.
      “I think until those problems are solved we’ll still continue to see underperforming teams, underperforming players, it’s become a graveyard for coaches and players – it’s not too strong a term.”
      Tuesday’s defeat had fans pining for David de Gea with goalkeeper Andre Onana producing another horror show.
      De Gea posted a selfie after the game on Instagram story with the caption “love y’all”. More

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      Fans spot major TNT Sports blunder ahead of Newcastle vs PSG clash leaving Toon Army furious

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      TNT SPORTS have risked the wrath of Newcastle fans by calling their St James’ Park home by its hated former name.The Toon are set to host Paris Saint-Germain in a huge Champions League clash this evening.
      TNT Sports bizarrely listed the game as taking place at the Sports Direct Arena
      St James’ Park is set to host Paris Saint-Germain this eveningCredit: Getty
      The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports, which is carried by Discovery+.
      On the app, the game is bizarrely claimed to be taking place at Sports Direct Arena.
      In November 2011, unpopular former owner Mike Ashley took the bold step of renaming St James’ Park after his Sports Direct company.
      The move infuriated Toon fans, who rallied against it for the next 11 months.
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      In October 2012 payday lender Wonga agreed a deal to become the club’s primary commercial sponsor.
      The sponsorship package included the stadium naming rights.
      And rather than calling it the Wonga Stadium, they opted to restore the name back to St James’ Park.
      Upon the club’s Saudi takeover in 2021, Newcastle’s new owners decided to get rid of all Sports Direct branding that still adorned the stadium.
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      Many fans noticed TNT Sports’ gaff, with one tweeting: “Is it just me that shudders when the TNT app on Amazon lists the game tonight being played at “The Sports Direct Arena” #NUFC someone sort it please!”
      A second blasted: “@tntsports Wash your mouth out! You can’t be calling our ‘Cathedral on the Hill’ the ‘sports direct arena’ on the biggest night of football our club has had in 20 years. You’ll have a Geordie revolution on your hands.”
      And a third fumed: “Someone needs to do a hell of a lot of explaining…”
      Current Newcastle sponsors Sela staged a stunning drone show over St James’ Park on the eve of tonight’s game.
      During the eight minute display, Newcastle magpie mascot flew across the sky showcasing the shirts of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
      St James’ Park was briefly renamed the Sports Direct Arena in 2011Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Graham Potter among favourites to be next Man Utd boss despite Chelsea flop but Euro legend tops list to replace Ten Hag

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      GRAHAM POTTER is one of the shock candidates to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager.Pressure is building on Ten Hag after the Red Devils slumped to their SIXTH defeat in ten matches on Tuesday night at the hands of Galatasaray.
      Erik Ten Hag is under mounting pressure at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Former Brighton boss Graham Potter is among the favourites to replace the DutchmanCredit: PA
      Ex-Red Devil Michael Carrick is an outside bet to steer the Old Trafford ship nextCredit: REX
      United are currently ROCK BOTTOM of their Champions League group after two matches and their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament are hanging by a thread.
      A Premier League title tilt is also highly unlikely as the Red Devils are currently toiling in TENTH place in the table.
      Some of the Old Trafford faithful are wondering if Ten Hag – who is Sky Bet’s second favourite to be the next Prem boss axed – is the man to take the club forward.
      A number of managers would gladly jump at the opportunity to replace the Dutchman – including the recently sacked Potter.
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      The 48-year-old is Paddy Power’s fourth favourite to take charge of United should Ten Hag be relieved of his duties.
      That’s despite his reign as Chelsea manager coming to an end in April – a mere seven months after his appointment.
      Paddy Power have the former Brighton boss at 10/1 to take charge of the Old Trafford helm.
      Potter’s replacement at the Amex Stadium – Roberto De Zerbi – is at shorter odds to succeed Ten Hag, with Paddy Power pricing him at 15/2.
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      England boss Gareth Southgate is also one of the big names favoured to replace Ten HagCredit: GETTY
      Julian Nagelsmann, who has been out of work since being axed by Bayern Munich in March, is 5/1 to take the job after Ten Hag.
      Zinedine Zidane, who won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid, is their favourite to take charge of the struggling Red Devils.
      Paddy Power have Zizou at 4/1 to be Ten Hag’s successor at the Theatre of Dreams.
      Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick – who is currently in charge of Middlesborough – is an outside bet at 12/1.
      And England boss Gareth Southgate is 16/1 to be in the Old Trafford dugout after Ten Hag.
      Despite results on the pitch not being worthy of his £200million summer spending spree, Ten Hag insists he’s not feeling the heat.
      He said: “Last season: brilliant, terrific, more than we could expect but also when we went into this project we knew there would be common gaps and in this moment we are in a very difficult period, as everyone can see.
      “But we come out together, we are fighting together, we are sticking together, behind each other.
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      “It’s me, the directors, the team, all together, we will fight and this is not us.
      “We know we have to do better and in togetherness we will come out.”
      Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is the favourite to replace Erik ten HagCredit: Getty More

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      Carlo Ancelotti boasts ‘I am very handsome’ as Real Madrid boss launches bizarre defence of Kepa after blunder

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI claimed he is “very handsome” but not “perfect” as he launched a bizarre defence of Real Madrid goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.The Real Madrid boss gave a hilarious verdict on the Chelsea loanee after he made a slip-up in the Champions League clash with Napoli on Tuesday night.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga made an error in Real Madrid’s Tuesday night Champions League game against NapoliCredit: Getty
      Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was quick to defend the goalkeeperCredit: AFP
      Kepa is standing in for Thibaut Courtois this season after the Belgian was sidelined with a serious knee injury.
      He had enjoyed a calamity-free start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu, sitting top of La Liga after eight games as well as their Champions League group.
      But Kepa was criticised after flapping at a cross against Napoli on Tuesday night and allowing the Italians to take the lead.
      Los Blancos managed to recover and went on to win 3-2, but there were questions over the keeper’s performances after the match.
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      Boss Ancelotti, however, was quick to defend his player from criticism – bizarrely referencing his own “handsome” looks.
      He said: “Kepa suffers in aerial balls but it is normal, he is not two metres tall, no one is perfect.
      “I am very handsome and I am not perfect either.”
      The 6ft 2in shot-stopper cost the Blues a record-breaking £71.6million in 2018, joining from Athletic Bilbao.
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      But some high-profile mistakes saw former boss Frank Lampard sign Edouard Mendy to replace him in 2020.
      The battle for Chelsea’s number one spot between the two ended this summer as Mendy left for Saudi Arabia.
      However, Kepa soon also found himself departing Stamford Bridge as new No 1 Robert Sanchez joined from Brighton.
      And his future remains up in the air beyond this season with Courtois sure to reclaim his starting spot at the Bernabeu. More