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      Jonny Evans’ Man Utd return didn’t break internet like Cristiano Ronaldo’s but this free transfer may be a masterstroke

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      WHEN Manchester United re-signed Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo, the sheer weight of social-media traffic almost broke the internet.When they re-signed Jonny Evans, there was little online except for a few ironic titters.
      Jonny Evans (right) with Man Utd team-mate Bruno FernandesCredit: Getty
      Evans celebrates scoring against Burnley only for the goal to be disallowedCredit: Rex
      Yet Evans has won the Champions League, three Premier Leagues, an FA Cup, two League Cups and more than 100 international caps.
      Unlike Ronaldo or Pogba, he is widely renowned as one of the best blokes in football.
      United spent hundreds of millions on ne’er- do-wells and dross in recent years but their free transfer of Evans, 35, looks a masterstroke.
      The Northern Irishman was magnificent in United’s crucial 1-0 win over Burnley.
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      A gorgeous assist, an unfortunate disallowed goal and a defensive masterclass for a team which had conceded 14 goals in their previous  five matches.
      United were in dire need of a feelgood story.
      And, unless you’re poor old Harry Maguire — shunted down to fifth-choice centre-half — it is difficult to imagine a better one than the re-emergence of Evans.
      Meanwhile, there was a feeling the title race might be more interesting when Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s best player, suffered a long-term injury.
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      Yet Pep Guardiola’s Treble-winners have continued to win every match with Julian Alvarez excelling in the No 10 role.
      Now that Rodri, City’s most regular starter, has been suspended for three matches, including the key trip to Arsenal, people are saying the same thing.
      As if Kalvin Phillips and Mateo Kovacic are somehow not very good at football.
      I wouldn’t believe a word of it.
      Now read Dave Kidd’s brutal view on shambolic Chelsea… More

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      Jude Bellingham’s ‘classy’ gesture spotted by eagle-eyed fans after Real Madrid’s loss to Atletico

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      FOOTIE fans were quick to notice Jude Bellingham’s incredibly classy act after Real Madrid’s first defeat of the season.Los Blancos’ 100 per cent start to the 2022/23 campaign came to an abrupt end at the hands of their local rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday night.
      Jude Bellingham and his Real Madrid team-mates suffered a 3-1 defeat to AtleticoCredit: REX
      Bellingham cut a frustrated figure after Real slumped to their first loss of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Bellingham made sure not to step on Atletico’s crest as he made his way off the pitchCredit: TWITTER@ABRAHAMPROMERO
      Atleti ran out 3-1 winners at the Wandametropolitano Stadium thanks to a first-half brace from Alvaro Morata, which came either side of an Antoine Griezmann strike.
      Bellingham, like the rest of his Real team-mates, cut a dejected figure as he trudged off the pitch.
      But he had the incredible self-awareness not to step on the pristine Atletico crest as he made his way towards the dressing rooms.
      Footie fans were quick to notice the 20-year-old’s actions, with one saying: “Class.”
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      Another said: “That’s respect for the badge.”
      And another said: “Class from Jude.”
      One remarked: “Respect. What a guy!”
      Another chimed in: “Massive respect to Jude Bellingham.”
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      England international Bellingham completed a blockbuster £103million move to the newly revamped Bernabeu from Borussia Dortmund in June.
      The midfielder has been Real’s star man so far this campaign, scoring six goals and providing one assist in seven appearances for the Spaniards.
      But the former Birmingham City midfielder is refusing to get too carried away, telling beIN Sports: “I’m always learning.
      “I’m so lucky to have played with so many great players with my last club and even more so at my new club which is a big boost for me and for my own confidence to play with such great players.
      “I’m just learning all the time really. I’m trying to add more attributes to my game and trying to affect the ones I’ve already got.
      “If I can keep being effective in goal and doing the things that I do well already overall in my game then I think I could be doing well and hopefully have a good season.
      “So it’s important that I keep it up.”
      Bellingham and his Real team-mates will be back in action on Wednesday, welcoming to Las Palmas to the Bernabeu.
      Jude Bellingham has been Real Madrid’s star player so far this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      PSG hit back at Lionel Messi over claims they did not celebrate his World Cup success with Argentina

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has hit back at Lionel Messi’s claim that the club did not appropriately celebrate Argentina’s World Cup success.Messi, who left PSG for Inter Miami this summer, said he felt like the only player “who didn’t have recognition in his club” for his nation’s triumph in Qatar.
      Lionel Messi said he felt like the only player ‘who didn’t have recognition in his club’ after winning the World CupCredit: Getty
      Nasser Al-Khelaifi has hit back at the claimsCredit: Getty
      But Al-Khelaifi has refuted that accusation – and pointed out that PSG is French, whom Argentina defeated on penalties in the final.
      The supremo said: “There’s a lot of talk outside, I don’t know what he did or didn’t say. 
      “As everyone saw – we even published a video – we celebrated Messi at training (when he won the World Cup), and we also recognized it privately. 
      “But with respect – we’re a French club. It was sensitive of course to celebrate at the stadium. 
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      “We need to respect the country that he defeated – his French team mates, and our fans too. But he was, and is, an amazing player – we were proud to have him here.”
      Messi’s exit was one of many from PSG this summer, with close pal Neymar also leaving for Saudi outfit Al-Hilal.
      Talisman Kylian Mbappe did end up staying after a turbulent few months where it looked as if he would depart too.
      The France superstar was dropped from the squad and put up for sale at one point, after refusing to sign a new deal with his current terms expiring next summer.
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      But he has since been reintegrated into the team and has eight goals in six games already this term.
      Speaking about the 24-year-old, Al-Khelaifi added: “Any issues we had stay in the family and Kylian is family. 
      “I’m proud of what he – and all the squad – are doing. We have the best player in the world and for me he deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
      PSG have dominated Ligue Un during Al-Khelafi’s tenure but a Champions League triumph still eludes them.
      Luis Enrique, who won the competition with Barcelona, has been brought in to see a rebuild after Neymar and Messi’s exits.
      And Al-Khelaifi insisted Europe’s elite club tournament is no longer the be-all and end-all for him and his club.
      He said: “The Champions League is not at all an obsession – that is over. I said that at the first press conference with Luis Enrique. 
      “We are building a new identity; our own style, our own principles of how to play, an offensive play – and a new culture. 
      “That’s what we want – and then the results will follow. We are building a team that is really playing as a team – we want our players to enjoy playing, our staff to enjoy coaching, and for our fans to enjoy it when you watch.” More

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      Newcastle handed unexpected boost as PSG star Kylian Mbappe could MISS Champions League clash

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      NEWCASTLE have been handed a huge boost ahead of their upcoming Champions League group stage match against Paris Saint-Germain.PSG frontman Kylian Mbappe was forced off with a suspected ankle injury during the club’s 4-0 win over Olympique de Marseille on Sunday.
      Kylian Mbappe suffered an ankle injury against MarseilleCredit: Getty
      The striker was forced off with the issueCredit: Getty
      He could now be a doubt for the Parisians’ trip to St James’ Park next week.
      Mbappe was substituted just 32 minutes into Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash after twisting his ankle.
      He was replaced by Goncalo Ramos, who went on to score twice during the second half.
      Achraf Hakimi gave Luis Enrique’s side an early lead in the eighth minute after scoring an outstanding free kick.
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      Randal Kolo Muani then doubled the advantage before half time and Ramos sealed the three points after the break.
      PSG now sit third in the Ligue 1 table behind Stade Brestois and OGC Nice.
      But they could be facing a number of weeks without star striker Mbappe, depending on the severity of his injury.
      The Parisians face Clermont Foot on Saturday before travelling to Newcastle to take on Eddie Howe’s Magpies next Tuesday.
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      In-form Newcastle refused to be hit by the Champions League hangover on Sunday when they cruised to an impressive 8-0 victory over Sheffield United.
      Eight different players got on the scoresheet as the Magpies claimed their largest-ever away win in the Premier League. More

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      Why Aston Villa can qualify for Champions League – from Emery’s nous to Emi Martinez’s big game antics and new Uefa rule

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      ENGLAND could have five representatives in the Champions’ League next season – yet no one appears to believe Aston Villa could be one of them.Current holders Manchester City’s impressive start to the season has already marked Pep Guardiola’s men out as red hot favourites to win a fourth successive title.
      Unai emery can lead Aston Villa to the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Behind them, Arsenal look to be the main challengers again as they continue to progress under Mikel Arteta.
      Jurgen Klopp has managed to help Liverpool rediscover their mojo and there are signs that if City do slip up and take their eye off the ball, the Anfield club could realistically mount a title challenge.
      A few years ago the idea of Brighton playing in Europe would have seemed far-fetched. But now Roberto De Zerbi’s team are EVERYONE’S favourite ‘other team,’ and are being widely tipped for a top four finish.
      A rejuvenated Spurs will fancy their chances of grabbing a Champions’ League place too under Ange Postecoglou and they will look to make a statement in the North London derby this weekend.

      Meanwhile, Newcastle have proved they can put together a run and will be in no mood to relinquish the fourth place they fought so hard to achieve last season under Eddie Howe.
      And we haven’t even mentioned Manchester United yet!
      Erik ten Hag led the Red Devils to a respectable third place finish last season and two cup finals – beating Newcastle United to win the Carabao Cup.
      Ten Hag doesn’t have his problems to seek right now as his squad continues to crumble around him but once Raphael Verane returns from injury, United fans will hope their team starts to climb the table again.
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      However, Unai Emery’s Villa continue to go under the radar and that could make them a major threat to the rest if they take their eye off the ball.
      Here’s why our Midlands reporter Graeme Bryce believes Emery’s men are good enough to finish in the top five this season – despite facing the distraction of competing in Europe.
      THE MANAGER 
      Emery has won four Europa League titlesCredit: Getty
      Unai Emery is the real deal. 
      Arsenal may not remember his time at the Emirates with any particular fondness.
      But the Spaniard has improved every other club he’s ever been at and Villa fans adore their workaholic boss.
      He took charge of a shambles last season yet won 15 out of 25 league games as Villa clinched European football on the last day of the season – by beating De Zerbi’s Brighton.
      Emery has every player in his squad believing they are capable of beating anyone on their day – including in Europe where Emery’s record is exceptional.
      In the last 16 years Emery has competed in Europe every season, reaching eight quarter-finals in that time, seven semi-finals and five finals.
      Remarkably, he has won four Europa Leagues, only failing to beat Chelsea during his unhappy time at Arsenal.
      His attention to detail is legendary and he has transformed Villa into a slick passing outfit, capable of beating most opponents on their day. 
      THE GOALKEEPER 
      Emiliano Martinez was one of the world’s best goalkeepers last yearCredit: Rex
      Emi Martinez was already a Villa favourite when he performed heroics during an impressive debut season following his £20million move from Arsenal in September 2020.
      However, the ‘keeper took his game to a new level when he helped Argentina capture the World Cup in Qatar last year.
      Now widely regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in world football, the 31-year-old was even nominated for this season’s Ballon D’Or award.
      He rarely makes a blunder and his big saves have had Villa fans singing his praises since he arrived from the Gunners.
      HOME FORM 
      Villa Park has becoem a fortressCredit: Getty
      Any team with ambitions of qualifying for the Champions’ League has to be able to win in front of their own fans.
      Emery has transformed Villa’s home form with Saturday’s stunning three-goal comeback to beat Crystal Palace the latest example of Villa’s power on home turf.
      Villa have won 10 consecutive home games in all competitions for the first time since a run of 11 from October 1989 to January 1990.
      Douglas Luiz is loving life at Villa Park after scoring in four home matches on the spin with his penalty against Palace.
      Villa will attempt to match that 33-year record in midweek when they host Everton in the Carabao Cup.
      Sean Dyche’s men are likely to discover no-one finds it easy to come away from Villa Park with anything other than disappointment these days under Emery.
      THE OWNERS
      Nassef Sawiris and Wes Eden are both billionairesCredit: Aston Villa
      Aston Villa are in the fortunate position when it comes to billionaire owners.
      They don’t have just one – they have TWO!
      Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens took over the club after they failed to win promotion in the Play-Off final of 2018 against Fulham.
      They took Villa from the brink of administration under Dr Tony Xia and ploughed in the necessary cash to solve Villa’s financial woes.
      The pair are big-time operators who are hugely ambitious and have carried out extensive work on and off the park at Villa Park.
      They took Villa into Europe ahead of schedule and won’t rest until the Champions’ League anthem is being played at Villa Park.  
      RESULTS 
      The Villans have started the season very wellCredit: Getty
      The stats don’t lie.
      Only Manchester City and Arsenal have collected more points than Villa’s 52 in 2023.
      Yes, despite Brighton being brilliant under De Zerbi.
      And despite Newcastle and Liverpool stuffing Villa this season, overall Villa have the third-best points tally in the Prem this year.
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      That makes them too dangerous to write off in my opinion as Emery continues his impressive work at Villa Park.
      No one is talking about Villa as potential Champions’ League qualifiers and I suspect wily old fox Emery hopes it stays that way until the final weeks of the season! More

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      Alan Shearer calls his son a ‘bloody idiot’ as shocked Newcastle legend receives video of what he did in Milan

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      ALAN SHEARER has blasted his own son after finding out what he did in Milan.Newcastle made their return to the Champions League by paying a visit to AC Milan after a two-decade absence from the competition.
      Alan Shearer blasted him son after being sent a video of his son in MilanCredit: Getty
      Shearer revealed his son was goading AC Milan fansCredit: Rex
      Newcastle drew the Champions League clash 0-0Credit: Getty
      Eddie Howe’s side managed to draw the match 0-0 despite being under intense pressure from the home side throughout.
      However, what caught the eye of the Toon legend was an incident away from the San Siro involving his son.
      Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said he had received a video of his son goading Milan fans outside of the club’s official hotel while wearing a Newcastle shirt.
      Shearer, 53, revealed: “I said to my son as I always do when he goes to away games, ‘just don’t do anything stupid, be sensible, go and have a laugh with your mates and enjoy the atmosphere’.
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      “His mate sent me a video, they were outside of the Milan players’ hotel, all the Milan players were coming out and getting onto the bus ready to go to the game.
      “You can imagine there are 700-800 Milan fans.”
      He jokingly, continued: “There’s my stupid f***ing son with his Newcastle shirt on. Him and his three mates.
      “I said: ‘What on earth are you playing at? I told you to just be sensible’.
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      “My god honestly. He’s 23 the bloody idiot.
      “He was fine, he had a great time.”
      On the game itself, Shearer said he was happy with the Magpies and praised them for earning an “unbelievable point”.
      He added: “Newcastle went to Milan on Tuesday and it was hard work for them. You could tell the last 20 minutes, they were absolutely shattered.
      “I get and understand that, because it’s the mentality, it’s the travelling and it can get to you.
      “Certainly looking at Newcastle it was hard work for them. It was an unbelievable point.
      “They’d have snapped your hand off if you’d have said that to them before the game. I don’t think they played particularly well.” More

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      Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd send scouts to watch £30m-rated transfer target dubbed ‘the next Neymar’

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      ARSENAL and Manchester United have reportedly joined Chelsea in eyeing “the next Neymar”.Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Marseille are also among at least TWENTY clubs understood to be keen on £30million-rated Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa.
      Antonio Nusa is already a main man for Club Brugge, who he joined in 2021Credit: Rex
      Nusa made his second Norway appearance in a 2-1 Euro qualifier win vs Georgia in September, having scored on his debut in a 6-0 friendly success vs JordanCredit: EPA
      The Norwegian, 18, became the second youngest Champions League scorer ever in September 2022 during a 4-0 group win over Porto.
      But scouts were disappointed when Brugge left Nusa out of the squad for Thursday’s 1-1 Europa Conference League draw at home to Besiktas.
      Chelsea had a £26million deadline-day bid rejected for the two-footed teen who already has one two full caps
      However, the Evening Standard reckon he would only have stepped straight into Mauricio Pochettino’s first-team squad had wideman Ian Maatsen or midfielder Conor Gallagher been sold.
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      Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard is among the biggest admirers of his fellow countryman.
      The playmaker told Norway’s TV2: “Fantastic! He’s an incredibly exciting player.
      “Every time he gets the ball, it’s exciting. He is still young and will get even better. It was cool to see him.”
      Ex-Mats Solheim, who played with Nusa at Norwegian top-flight club Stabaek from 2020-21, went even further with his praise.
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      Th ex-defender, 35, said: “I can see similarities to Neymar in Nusa’s movements and in the way he uses the ball.
      “There is still a small gap between them, but he can get there.” More

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      I saw the worst match in history of the Champions League this week… it was disgusting, slams Arturo Vidal

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      ARTURO VIDAL has claimed he watched the worst match in the history of the Champions League this week as he labelled it “disgusting”. With 83 Champions League appearances it’s safe to say Arturo Vidal know a lot about playing amongst Europe’s elite.
      Arturo Vidal has slammed one specific Champions League matchCredit: AFP
      He claimed that Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with AC Milan is the worst Champions League game he’s ever seenCredit: Getty
      And the Chilean international slammed Newcastle’s clash with AC Milan on Tuesday night.
      The game, which ended 0-0, was lambasted by Vidal during a live stream on Twitch for Red Gol.
      He said: “I saw the worst match in the history of the Champions League, the one between Milan and Newcastle.
      “But those idiots from Milan against Newcastle left me disappointed. They are lucky because they only know how to run, otherwise they wouldn’t be there.”
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      The former Inter Milan star was less than impressed with Newcastle’s performance, especially given their success in the Premier League last term.
      And it appeared he wanted to see more ambition from the Magpies as they lined up for their first Champions League game in over 20 years.
      “I don’t understand Newcastle, they finish fourth in the league, but it doesn’t matter, it’s disgusting.” He explained.
      “They have to risk their lives, if it’s their first match, show something more, they made me mad as hell.”
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      Vidal also took issue with Man City’s win over Red Star Belgrade, labelling the Champions League holders as “boring”Credit: PA
      And it wasn’t just Newcastle that Vidal took aim at with the ex-Bayern Munich midfielder slamming Pep Guardiola’s Man City side for being “boring”.
      He said: “Porto vs Shakhtar was great . [Man] City, on the other hand, are boring, as always.
      “And that [game] between PSG and Borussia [Dortmund], I only liked the second half but in the first one I fell asleep.”
      The Cityzens fought back from a one goal deficit at half time against Red Star Belgrade to wind up as 3-1 victors.
      Vidal has played in some memorable Champions League nights across his career with spells at Inter, Bayern, Barcelona and Juventus.
      And he suffered the ultimate heartbreak in 2015 when The Old Lady got all the way to the final, only to fall at the last hurdle losing 3-1 to his future employers Barcelona.
      He now plies his trade in the Brazilian first division where he plays for Athletico Paranaense after joining the side this summer.
      Vidal and Juventus lost out in the Champions League final against Barcelona in 2015Credit: Getty More