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      Man Utd legend jokingly blames himself for losing Villa sensation Morgan Rogers after watching him down Bayern Munich

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      MICHAEL CARRICK revealed he congratulated Morgan Rogers on his Champions League success – a year after benching him.Boro took a punt on the then Man City youngster when paying £1.2 million for him in July 2023.Morgan Rogers starred as Aston Villa downed Bayern Munich on WednesdayCredit: AlamyMichael Carrick named him on the bench a year ago for Boro against CardiffCredit: RexAfter initially taking a few weeks to find his feet at the Riverside, the 22-year-old attacker’s form soon picked up and he left the North East club after just six months.Aston Villa snapped him up in February in a deal that could rise to £15m and he instantly shone on the Premier League stage to help Unai Emery’s side finish fourth.Now Rogers is starring in the Champions League and was one of Villa’s best performers in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich.It marked a huge 12 month turnaround for the England U21 international as exactly one year to the day earlier he only appeared for the final three minutes of a 2-0 Boro win.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter watching his display against Bayern, his former Boro manager Carrick said: “I actually messaged him and said this time last year you were coming on as sub against Cardiff. It’s probably my fault [he left] for not starting him.“It’s fantastic to see. We’d have loved to have kept him longer, and I told him that at the time, but the way that he’s kicked on is a credit to him.“He was a joy to work with and try and help and he’s gone to a whole new level now. Just watching him on Wednesday, he looks so at home and comfortable in them surroundings.“He’s not fazed by it and he’s getting the recognition he deserves.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs part of the deal that took him to Villa, Boro would receive a further payment if Rogers makes an England appearance.And Carrick backed him to achieve that, saying: “If he keeps doing the right things, for sure.Prince William wildly celebrates historic Aston Villa win against Bayern Munich “I do think that to get in the England squad you have to earn that over time and he’s certainly on track to take that next step as long as he keeps doing the right things. And, at the moment, he’s doing just great.”Carrick is hoping he can lead his current Boro players to the top-flight to play against Rogers.They travel to Watford on Saturday, managed by his ex-Man Utd team-mate Tom Cleverley, on the back of successive victories over Stoke and West Brom.Carrick said: “Of course it’s a test. Every game is a test. I know Tom very well. The work that he’s doing is good.“They’re a good team and we know we’re in for a tough game. But we’re going there confident within reason and we need to be near our best again to try and get the right result.” More

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      Simone Inzaghi ‘REJECTS’ Man Utd offer after Sir Jim Ratcliffe lined up Inter boss to replace Erik ten Hag immediately

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were turned down by Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi after lining him up as under-fire boss Erik ten Hag’s replacement, reports claim.Ten Hag, 54, has been enduring another turbulent campaign in charge of United, who are winless in their last four matches across all competitions.Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi turned down the Manchester United top jobCredit: EPAMan Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe offered the manager’s position to Inzaghi with immediate effectCredit: PAMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag’s position has become increasingly untenableCredit: GettyThe Dutchman suffered a miserable 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford, right after a shocking 1-1 home draw with minnows Twente in the Europa League and a goalless tie at Crystal Palace.And things got even worse on Thursday at Porto where the Red Devils surrendered a 2-0 lead and drew 3-3 thanks to a last-gasp equaliser by Harry Maguire, while Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second time in just four days.Ten Hag’s position is becoming increasingly untenable and transfer insider Tancredi Palmeri revealed the Manchester giants’ chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is holding “frantic talks” regarding the managerial position.Palmeri claims United could move for a new head coach during the upcoming international break, which starts on Monday.Read More on Man UtdAnd the Premier League giants reportedly offered the top job to Inzaghi, who won the Serie A last season and led Inter to the Champions League final the previous term.The Italian tactician was asked to take over with immediate effect but he declined.Palmeri tweeted: “Frantic talks underway at Manchester United to decide whether to proceed with a manager change during the break.”Manchester United in recent days offered the bench to Simone Inzaghi to take over immediately during the break but Inzaghi declined”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInzaghi’s Inter are currently fourth in the Serie A table with only two points separating them from leaders Napoli.The Nerazzurri won three and only lost one of their first six league matches.Erik ten Hag bemoans defensive lapses as Man Utd waste flying start in Porto The Italian champions are also impressing in the Champions League as they drew 0-0 at Manchester City – in an unofficial rematch after losing the 2023 final – and destroyed Red Star Belgrade 4-0.Simone Inzaghi’s managerial careerHere’s Simone Inzaghi’s full managerial career by the numbers:2016-21 LAZIOGames: 244Wins: 131Draws: 43Losses: 70Titles: Coppa Italia (2018-19), Italian Super Cup (2017, 2019)2021- INTER MILANGames: 166Wins: 108Draws: 31Losses: 27Titles: Serie A (2023-24), Coppa Italia (2021-22, 2022-23), Italian Super Cup (2021, 2022, 2023), Champions League final (2022-23)Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Harry Kane blasted: Prem legend slams striker and says he ‘wasn’t brought in to score hat-trick against Darmstadt’

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      HARRY KANE has been criticised in the German media after enduring a difficult week.The former Tottenham striker, 31, was in action as Bayern Munich fell to a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Champions League.Harry Kane was unable to score as Bayern Munich lost 1-0 at Aston VillaCredit: RexHe also featured as Bayern drew 1-1 with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen last weekend.Kane has netted ten times in eight appearances in all competitions so far this season, while also laying on five assists.After going scoreless in the crunch matches against Villa and Leverkusen, however, the England captain has received some scrutiny.In his column for Sky Germany, former Premier League midfielder Dietmar Hamann questioned whether Kane has been a good signing for his former side Bayern.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHamann, who also played for Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle, wrote: “Harry Kane had a personally sobering evening in Birmingham – in addition to the defeat.”I said after the European Championship in the summer that he still has to prove that he is worth the 100 million – even though he scored over 30 goals last year.”Hamann then appeared to suggest that Kane, who was denied by a last-gasp Emi Martinez save at Villa Park, only scores against weaker opposition.The forward bagged four times against Dinamo Zagreb last month, in addition to netting a treble vs Holstein Kiel.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHamann continued: “He wasn’t brought in to score a hat-trick against Darmstadt.Dietmar Hamann has questioned Kane’s big-game recordCredit: Getty”He was brought in to score against Leverkusen and Aston Villa and to score in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.Watch Harry Kane star in awkward advert as he turns hand to acting “He hasn’t done that yet. I remain sceptical about the star striker.”Kane is both Tottenham and England’s all-time leading goalscorer.He scored 280 goals in 435 appearances for Spurs before leaving in the summer of 2023, and has so far plundered 68 in 100 England caps.His scoring record has remained incredible since signing for Bayern, averaging more than a goal a game with 54 in 53 appearances.But Kane’s side failed to win the Bundesliga or DFB Pokal last season, and fell narrowly in the Champions League semi-finals to eventual winners Real Madrid.The forward did score in the tie against the Spanish giants, before having to go off late on in the second-half with a back injury that would continue to bother him during Euro 2024.He also scored as Bayern eliminated Arsenal in the quarter-finals.Despite criticism faced in Germany, an incredible stat shows that Kane DOES score against the big teams.Within the last year, Kane has the most goal involvements across Europe’s five major leagues.He has found the back of the net 38 times and turned provider on 11 occasions.On him allegedly not showing up for the big games, Kane scored eight goals in 12 Champions League matches last season, with four coming in the knockout stages.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in the Bundesliga, he scored eight times against last term’s top four finishers Leverkusen, Stuttgart and RB Leipzig.Kane and Co return to action this Sunday, when they travel to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. More

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      Ten Hag sets yet another horror record as Man Utd manager after Porto draw as he faces one game to save his job

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      ERIK ten Hag’s job is still on the line ahead of Sunday’s clash at Aston Villa despite the last-gasp 3-3 draw at Porto on Thursday night.As stirring as Harry Maguire’s last-gasp rescue was for the 10-man Red Devils at Porto, a crazy 3-3 draw revealed more shocking failings.It might be getting lonelier and lonelier for Man Utd boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThe Dutchman stunned many by taking off Marcus Rashford, right, and later saw key midfielder Bruno Fernandes sent offCredit: ReutersSub Harry Maguire rescued a late draw for the Red Devils at PortoCredit: GettyThe Europa League thriller means no Premier League club has let in three or more goals more often in all competitions than Ten Hag’s men since he took charge at Old Trafford in April 2022. United now visit Aston Villa – buoyant after toppling Bayern Munich in the Champions League – for a make-or-break Prem clash on Sunday.And there will be extra pressure on the Dutchman this Sunday as United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be watching from the stands for the Red Devils’ visit to Villa Park. But despite another night of dodgy defending, Ten Hag insisted he will not only survive but thrive for the long haul.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Dutchman said: “We will get there. Don’t judge us in this moment, judge us at the end of the season.“We are in the process, we will improve. We have two seasons now where we achieve finals – just wait.However, he did add: “You see again that the team is willing, strong character, but the middle part, the defending we have to improve.“We have to be better on the ball and defend better.”Most read in Champions LeagueUnited, free-flowing early on, were deservedly 2-0 up through Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, although Porto keeper Diogo Costa blundered for both goals.Despite claiming he will get it right, Ten Hag looked under pressureCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils at least produced a healthy number of goal attemptsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut goals from Pepe and Samu Omorodion put the Portuguese giants level.Ten Hag took off the flying Rashford for the second period – raising eyebrows by revealing it was purely to rest the striker for the weekend rather than any injury.Sir Alex Ferguson picked on me after a Man Utd game but nearly sacked me for my reaction Spanish forward Omorodion promptly cracked the home side in front.And Porto could easily have exposed more gaps at the back for United – before Ten Hag made another bold decision.Off went central defenders Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs De Ligt, with Maguire and Jonny Evans coming on in a like-for-like gamble.Almost immediately, however, the Red Devils’ star midfielder Bruno Fernandes saw red for the second game in a row, courtesy of a controversial second yellow card late on. Fortunately, Maguire thumped home a point-saving header in stoppage time.Maguire, who was left out of the England squad yesterday, responded to the snub by nodding home in the closing stages of the dramatic draw.When asked if United’s players believe in Ten Hag, Maguire replied: “Yeah definitely. I’ve played for this club for six years and I know how it works.“When you go through a bad spell, players come under pressure but also the manager does.“He’s experienced enough that he’s learned how to deal with it. It’s part and parcel of the privilege you have playing for or managing this club.”United are now languishing in 21st place in the Europa League table.Maguire added: “When you go 2-0 up away from home in a place like this you’ve got to be a little bit more solid and secure.“There were far too many gaps and a lot of crosses coming in. In the first half they ultimately punished us. We played really well with the ball in the first half but really poorly without it.“It’s something of a mental issue that we’ve got to overcome. It probably starts with belief. When we go 2-0 up and then concede, does the belief go a little bit?“We need to be aware of it and make sure that when we concede we regroup and stick together. We’ve got to do that better.“The boys on the pitch have got to realise that it’s happened far too many times. If we want to be successful this season, we can’t concede as often as we have done this season.”Ten Hag took goalscorer Rashford off at half-time for Alejandro Garnacho and claimed: “We have to rotate. Garnacho, we didn’t start him, but he had a great game not only Sunday but the whole season.“We go quickly with a turnaround to Villa and they have had a day longer to recover and we have an away game.”United have now conceded at least three goals in their last four European away days, with just one victory in their past 10 Euro ties.That’s four given away at Bayern, then four, three and three against FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray and Porto respectively.Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second match in a rowCredit: GettyCasemiro had another miserable night in United’s midfieldCredit: RexSurely no team can challenge for a trophy with such forlorn facts ‘n figures.And if you look at the bigger picture – all competitions – the Red Devils also lead the leakers amongst Prem sides.United have surrendered two or more goals 31 times since the start of last season.That’s yet another unwanted tally for which United top the table.No wonder they will travel to Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa with the heat around Ten Hag really starting to prickle.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Red Devils sit just 13th, with just two wins from six games.That matches their worst-ever Prem start to a campaign and leaves fans fearing the pain might deepen before it is eased – unless Ten Hag finds a quick solution that could also the key to his own future. 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      Jhon Duran calls Bayern Munich ‘club of my dreams’ after scoring sensational winner for Aston Villa in Champions League

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      JHON DURAN made a shock revelation after sinking Bayern Munich to maintain his sensational super-sub season.The Aston Villa striker lobbed a glorious Champions League winner just nine minutes after coming off the bench on Wednesday.Jhon Duran celebrated hitting the only goal against BayernCredit: RexAnd after the crazy celebrations at Villa Park – with Prince William losing his voice – Duran claimed his goal fulfilled TWO of his footballing fantasies.The Colombian said: “I feel happy to be able to score, and even more so against a great team like Bayern Munich, which is the club of my dreams.”I am happy to be the man of the match against this team, which was also my dream.”The 20-year-old’s verdict might be taken by some as a hint he has one eye on his long-term future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuran netted eight times in 37 games last term, but mainly as understudy to Ollie Watkins.And his frustration led to transfer talk over the summer.Chelsea pondered swapping the 12-cap star for England midfielder Conor Gallagher, who eventually moved instead to Atletico Madrid.And it’s understood West Ham were keen on a £30million swoop for Duran – but that fell £10m short of Villa’s valuation.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe even whipped social media into a frenzy by sharing a picture of him crossing his arms – a possible nod to the Hammers’ crest.Again this season Villa boss Unai Emery has preferred to start with Watkins in a one-man attack.Jhon Duran ’causes chaos with s—housery’ as Aston Villa ace performs controversial gesture amid West Ham transfer linkBut with Duran netting five more goals off the bench – more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues this campaign – his bid for a regular start could soon be irresistible.Emery said after Wednesday’s epic triumph: “He arrived two years ago, he has huge potential, sometimes passion.“Sometimes I need to speak with him as a person and connect with him and as a player to let him play and put him on the field because his talent is there and his capacity to improve us.“We have two very good strikers and the challenge is to manage both.”Whatever happens, Emery doesn’t shy away from big decisions over his team – such as bringing on and then subbing Leon Bailey against Bayern. More

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      Conor McGregor ‘asked to leave’ Arsenal clash against PSG with UFC star whisked away by security

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      CONOR McGREGOR was asked to leave the Emirates pitch after Arsenal’s win over Paris Saint-Germain.The UFC superstar, 36, was in attendance at the Gunners’ 2-0 victory in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Conor McGregor went onto the pitch for pictures with Declan Rice and Bukayo SakaCredit: Social Media CollectIt is understood he was not an official guest at the matchCredit: Social Media CollectAfter the game he went onto the field and posed for photos with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.He was even seen jokingly practicing some MMA moves on Arsenal and England star Saka.However, The Irish Mirror are now reporting McGregor was not an official guest at the stadium.He had acquired a ticket through a third-party source, before he left his seat and breezed onto the pitch at full-time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter several minutes on the turf, security reportedly told him to get off the field.And McGregor’s presence at the game was made even more bizarre due to the fact he is a Manchester United fan.In 2022, he told The Red Devils’ website: “I was more a player than a watcher back then [when I was a child], but Manchester United was my team.”It was only the other day I came across an old picture of myself wearing that infamous grey United jersey, which I bought with my [First Holy] Communion money at eight years of age.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I see my son when I look at that photo. I’d love to know where it is now. A truly ‘Notorious’ football jersey!”I was attracted to the success and winning mentality of the club and people surrounded by United. Irish legends like Denis Irwin and Roy Keane were dedicated to their craft and had that winning mentality.”Chris Eubank Jr reveals shock talks to fight Conor McGregor and opens up on ‘crazy’ night out with ‘very drunk’ UFC starMcGregor confirmed last month his return to the octagon will come in 2025 – nearly four years since he broke his leg in his last fight against Dustin Poirier.He told DAZN: “It will be 2025. We will see.”My opponent that I had scheduled… it is what it is. I take it on board and rock on.”My job is to go to the gym and be in shape, whenever it is and wherever it is. I will be 100 per cent ready.” More

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      Mo Salah transfer: European giants leading race for Liverpool star on THREE-YEAR deal with forward to snub Saudi switch

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      PARIS ST-GERMAIN plan to step up their bid for Mo Salah – and think the superstar striker still has at least THREE more years at the highest level.The Egyptian icon is out of contract at the end of the season, and recently revealed how Liverpool have yet to offer him a new deal.PSG are set to step up their bid for Mo Salah when his Liverpool contract expiresCredit: GettySalah has started this season in brilliant form with five goalsCredit: GettySalah could find himself playing at the Parc des Princes stadium next yearCredit: AFPReports claim he has received offers to move to Saudi Arabia to join the likes of Cristano Ronaldo and Neymar.But SunSport can reveal Salah, 32, has little interest in moving to the Arab state at this stage in his career.He’d prefer to stay playing at the highest level and it’s understood PSG are willing to offer him a three-year deal to leave Anfield.PSG’s owners are under pressure to secure a marquee signing following the loss of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in recent years.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTheir performance at the Emirates on Tuesday has also created unrest with the French side losing 2-0.And the club’s billionaire owners – who are keen to build a team that can challenge for the Champions League – think Salah can help transform the fortunes of the club.Salah has started the season in brilliant form and smashed in a great goal against Bologna in Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win.He’s believed to have quickly gelled with new manager Arne Slot, who sees Salah as a player to build his strike force around.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Dutchman – who has won eight of his first nine games – will be desperate to retain Salah’s services.But Liverpool are unlikely to be able to match the wages which PSG or clubs in Saudi can offer.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsIt raises the possibility he could leave the club in the summer in what would be a massive blow to Liverpool fans, and to the Premier League.Salah was the subject of interest from Al-ittihad, who reportedly offered £200m for him in the summer of 2023.Liverpool were able to resist the eye-watering sum to hold on to Salah for a least another two seasons.Several reports have linked PSG with Salah since 2021.The winger has scored five goals in nine games in all competitions this season and is Liverpool’s all-time Prem goalscorer.Five Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More

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      Spanish media turns on Jude Bellingham as England star slammed for ‘declining’ after Kylian Mbappe transfer

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has “declined” following Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid, according to a Spanish media outlet.The 21-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Real Madrid, winning both the Champions League and LaLiga.Jude Bellingham has ‘declined’ this season, according to the Spanish mediaCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid in a free transfer this summerCredit: GettyHe managed 36 goal involvements in 42 appearances for Los Blancos, making him one of the club’s most influential players.But Spanish outlet AS claims Bellingham has suffered a “decline” this term.The midfielder has managed just two assists in seven games since the start of the campaign.He is yet to score.Read More in FootballLast season, he scored six goals and assisted two in his first seven matches.With former Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe having joined Real Madrid in a huge free transfer this summer, Bellingham’s role in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has changed.The England star now plays in a slightly deeper position, meaning his attacking impact is limited.But AS suggests it has negatively affected his game.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBellingham’s average stats comparedA recent article from the popular Spanish publication read: “In Bellingham’s case, the decline is much more palpable: he has only two assists, without goals, in seven games played.”Last season, after seven games, he had scored six goals. These figures should not be compared coldly, because his role now, since the arrival of Mbappe, is very different, but the Englishman is still looking for his best version as a midfielder.”Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England starReal Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Lille on Wednesday.New signing Mbappe started the match on the bench and was introduced in the second half.However, he failed to make an impact.At full-time, manager Ancelotti said: “It was complicated, it was not our best game and we have to clean our heads.”It seemed that we were improving, but we took a step back with this match.”Lille have been better than us. We could use a stroke of attention and a little criticism.” More