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    Champions League set to use ‘semi-automated offside’ technology from this season ahead of role at World Cup

    UEFA is to steal a march on Fifa and use the new “semi-automated offside” technology in this season’s Champions League.The system using computer tracking of 29 body parts of each player, combined with a microchip inside the ball, was expected to be debuted at the World Cup in Qatar after being approved by Lawmakers.
    Karim Benzema had this goal ruled out for offside during Real Madrid’s Champions League final win over LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    Fourth officials will soon be aided by semi-automated technologyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    It was not anticipated it would be rolled out globally before next season with England’s opener against Iran on November 21 due to be only the second match to have it in operation.
    But in a surprise move, Uefa announced that it would be deployed in next week’s Super Cup between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt and then in the Champions League when it starts next month.
    And it means Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs will all play with the extra tech in operation.
    The system sees extra VAR officials in charge of calling offsides, with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in an average of 25 seconds.
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    That illustration is then available on stadium giant screens and for TV viewers at home in the next stoppage of play, with the belief that supporters, players and coaches will all have faith in it.
    Uefa ref’s chief Roberto Rosetti said: “We are constantly looking for new technological solutions to improve the game and support the work of the referees. 
    “This innovative system will allow VAR teams to determine offside situations quickly and more accurately, enhancing the flow of the game and the consistency of the decisions.
    “The system is ready to be used in official matches and implemented at each Champions League venue.”
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    Meanwhile, fans of the seven Premier League clubs competing in Europe will be allowed to stand at Uefa games next season.
    Uefa’s ruling executive committee is understood to have agreed to a one season standing “trial” for English, German and French clubs. More

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    Union St-Gilloise 2 Rangers 0: Van Bronckhorst’s side suffer shock Champions League defeat after VAR penalty decision

    RANGERS suffered a disappointing defeat in their opening fixture of their Champions League qualifying campaign. The Gers travelled to Brussels to face Union St-Gilloise in their third round qualifier.
    Union St-Gilloise players celebrate first goalCredit: Getty
    It wasn’t quite the home leg that the Belgians were hoping for after they had to change venue from their Stade Joseph Marien Stadium because it didn’t meet UEFA standards.  
    But they looked right at home in the capital as they beat the Europa League finalists 2-0 on the night.
    It was revealed this morning that the winner of the tie would face either PSV or Monaco in the play-off round.
    But now the Gers will need a major turnaround at Ibrox next week if they stand any chance of meeting the winner of the other fixture in the next stage.
    Giovanni van Bronckhorst provided a hint on his No1 selection as Jon McLaughlin received the nod for the second week in a row after featuring against Livingston at the weekend.  
    Malik Tillman and new signing Rabbi Matondo got their first start as well.  
    Van Bronckhorst rewarded the Bayern Munich loanee after his impressive impact off the bench on Saturday, while the Welshman stepped in for the injured Ryan Kent on the wing.  
    James Sands partnered Connor Goldson at the back as John Souttar didn’t travel with the squad.
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    James Tavernier and Borna Barisic joined the pair in defence.  
    The Dutchman opted for Ryan Jack, John Lundstram and Glen Kamara as the trio in the middle of the park.  
    Hitman Antonio Colak lead the line in attack.  
    And new signings Tom Lawrence, Ben Davies and Ridvan Yilmaz watched from the dugout.  
    The tie started slowly with the Ibrox side controlling possession and staying patient on the ball.  
    The Belgians looked like the away side early doors as they kept 11 men behind the ball and allowed Rangers to set the tempo.  
    It took just seven minutes for the Gers to get their first chance of the game.  
    Barisic lined up to take a dangerous free-kick just inches outside the box after Colak was fouled.  
    The Croatian left-back fired his effort above the wall and on target but Union SG stopper Anthony Moris managed to tip it wide of the post.  
    Sands and Tillman then tried their luck from long range minutes later, but they failed to test the ‘keeper. 
    Twenty minutes went by before the home side finally had their first real opportunity.  
    Lazare Amani did well to beat Barisic on the right wing and he gave the ball to teammate Teddy Teuma, who then drilled the ball into the middle.  
    But his cross was well-cleared by Sands at the back.  
    It gave Union SG confidence though and they should have taken the lead five minutes later.  
    Simon Adingra had space on the left with Tavernier out of position and he fired a cross into the box with Amani and Dante Vanzeir waiting to pounce.  
    It was Amani who got on the end of it, but he couldn’t direct his effort goalwards from six yards and it went out for a goal kick.  
    They didn’t have to wait long before getting another chance though.
    And the Belgians took the lead on the 27th minute through skipper Teuma.  
    Teddy Teuma celebrates opening goal with teammatesCredit: Rex
    The captain was lively up until the goal, and he fired the ball past McLaughlin from inside the box after some scrappy defending from Rangers.  
    It was a well-deserved goal after they began to take control of the tempo around 10 minutes earlier.  
    And Rangers continued to look sloppy at the back until half-time.  
    Sands gifted Union SG in the box with a wayward pass and it could have been another clear-cut chance for Adingra, but Tavernier did brilliantly to dive in and block his shot inside the box.  
    Van Bronckhorst would have been counting down the minutes until the break as his side looked under the cosh.  
    But despite looking second best at the end of the first 45, he opted for no changes at half-time and the same 11 returned for the second half.
    And the second period of play started very much like the first with both teams starting cautiously and getting a feel for possession, but this time it was Union SG in control.  
    It was the Belgian side who had the first chance as well after some quick counter play led to Vanzier with the ball in the Rangers box.  
    He chipped the ball in for Adingra in the middle, but the striker failed to keep his header down and on target.  
    Then right-back Bart Nieuwkoop had a pop from the edge of the box which nearly caused McLaughlin more problems, but he dragged his effort wide of the post.  
    It was approaching the hour mark and there was still no sign of any changes from Van Bronckhorst.  
    The first sub was made on the 66th minute as both Yilmaz and Davies came on for their debuts, with Barisic and Jack making way. 

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    Rangers had their first real chance of the half a couple of minutes later as Colak made space on the edge of the box to drill the ball across the face of goal, but there were no takers and it trickled away out of danger.  
    McLaughlin then had to pull off a fantastic double save as he denied Adingra and Teuma at the other end of the pitch.  
    The incident led to a VAR check as there were appeals that the ball hit Goldson’s hand in the build-up.  
    And after checking the replay on the screen, referee Irfan Peljto awarded a penalty and Vanzeri tucked it away from 12 yards.  
    Van Bronckhorst then quickly replaced Tillman and Matondo with Lawrence and Scott Wright before the restart.  
    Union SG nearly made it three as well.  
    Goldson gifted the ball to Vanzeir at the halfway line and the pacy forward drove through the middle and found himself one-on-one with McLaughlin.  
    But the Gers stopper stood strong and denied the chance to keep his side still in the tie.  
    Tavernier was also called into action late on as he had to clear the ball off the line to deny a clear goalscoring opportunity.
    It ended in disaster for Rangers as the final whistle went and the Belgians ran off in celebration.
    The tie is still all to play for, but the Blues face a mountain of a task in the return leg at Ibrox next week.

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    Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 Rangers LIVE RESULT: Controversial VAR penalty leaves Gers on Champions League brink

    RANGERS are in serious trouble as they look to secure Champions League football for the first time since 2010.A low drive into the bottom corner from Teddy Teuma gave Union Saint-Gilloise a deserved lead in Leuven.
    And in the second half, Rangers were left fuming when VAR gave a controversial penalty after Connor Goldson was adjudged to have hanballed.
    Dante Vanzeir then converted the spot kick to double the hosts’ advantage to give Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men an uphill battle at Ibrox.
    Subtle Sutton
    Ex-Celtic player Chris Sutton couldn’t resist a dig at his rivals after their loss this evening.

    Van Bronckhorst surprised at performance
    In his post-match interview, the Rangers boss discussed his side’s defeat:
    The performance today was really poor. We were never really in the game, key mistakes, giving transitional moments away. Luckily it was only 2-0. I was surprised he gave a penalty, but it was given. We need to change it around on Tuesday and we need to change it around big time. We looked like we weren’t comfortable on the ball and that surprised me. We lost together today. We are still in the tie. Giovanni van Bronckhorst
    The last Mc-Laugh
    Rangers keeper Jon McLaughlin has been blamed for USG’s first goal after Teumo’s shot was straight at him. The 34-year-old appeared to fumble the ball as it bounced off him and into the net.
    However, McLaughlin did make a couple of key saves towards the end of the game that just about keep his side in the tie.
    .Credit: Willie Vass
    VAR from a penalty
    USG’s second goal came from the penalty spot, but the awarding of it has caused plenty of controversy.
    On the replays the ball looks to deflect off a Rangers defender and on to Goldson’s arm from just a yard away.
    VAR under fire again.
    Bronckhorst beaten
    Rangers boss Bronckhorst looked disappointed for large periods of the game this evening.
    His first substitution came in the 67th minute. Fans may point the finger, suggesting he should have made changes sooner.
    The Dutchman has serious work to do if he’s to turn this tie around next week.
    .Credit: Willie Vass
    Well deserved win
    USG didn’t look like a team who had never played Champions League football before. The Belgian side were positive in their play, creating a number of chances which the visitors were unable to keep out.
    On the other hand, Rangers were very flat and never really got going. They lacked bite in attack, whilst looking shaky at the back.
    .Credit: Willie Vass
    FULL TIME – USG 2-0 Rangers
    The referee blows his whistle as USG secure their victory.
    An uphill battle awaits Rangers next week at Ibrox.
    USG 2-0 Rangers
    90+3, Tavernier makes a vital clearance off the line!
    That was very nearly game over for the visitors.
    USG substitutions – USG 2-0 Rangers
    90+2, Goalscorers Vanzeir and Teuma make way to a warm reception.
    Francois and Puertas are on.
    USG 2-0 Rangers
    90, There will be 4 additional minutes here. Rangers need a goal.
    USG change – USG 2-0 Rangers
    85, Adringa strolls off to a standing ovation. Ilyes is on for the last five minutes or so.
    USG 2-0 Rangers
    84, Wright is at it again, running at defenders and this time wins a free kick of Van Der Heyen. The winger has looked positive since coming on.
    USG 2-0 Rangers
    82, Wright drives in field and plays a neat one two with Colack before being shoved off the ball. The substitute waves his arms, appealing for a penalty, but the referee looks disinterested.
    USG 2-0 Rangers
    81, Tavernier’s corner is plucked out of the air by Moris and the home fans celebrate as though they’ve scored. They are loving every second of this.
    USG 2-0 Rangers
    79, Huge save from McLaughlin!
    Goldson gifts the ball back to USG and Vanzeir is set free one on one with the goalkeeper. McLaughlin does brilliantly, spreading himself, and saving Rangers from conceding a third with an outstretched boot.
    Rangers Substitutions – USG 2-0 Rangers
    77, Lawrence and Wright are on to help inspire a dramatic finish here.
    New signings Matondo and Tillman make way. Not the start they would have wanted.
    GOAL! – USG 2-0 Rangers
    75, Vanzeir is the coolest man in the house, sending McLaughlin the wrong way and rolling the ball into the back of the net.
    USG are in dreamland.
    .Credit: Willie Vass
    USG 1-0 Rangers
    73, Penalty to Rangers!
    The referee took his time before pointing to the spot.
    Goldson picks up a yellow for the incident. It looks harsh on the defender who was just a yard or so away from the ball.
    Vanzeir has the chance fro the spot.
    USG 1-0 Rangers
    72, Oooo, VAR are checking for a handball against Goldson in the penalty area.
    The referee has been called over to the screen…
    .Credit: Willie Vass
    USG 1-0 Rangers
    71, Rangers survive.
    USG so nearly double their lead.
    The USG players were lining up to shoot there. McLaughlin is forced into a double save before Adingra slices an effort over the bar.
    .Credit: Willie Vass
    USG 1-0 Rangers
    68, Rangers come close!
    That’s their best move of the match.
    Tavernier combines with Colak. The Croat flashes a deadly ball across goal, but no one in white and was close enough to it.
    Rangers substitutions – USG 1-0 Rangers
    66, Here they are then, the Rangers changes, and it’s a double.
    Debutants Davies and Yilmaz are on. Barisic and Jack make way.
    USG 1-0 Rangers
    65, Rangers are being given no time on the ball. Vanzeir is on to Goldson in a flash, and the Rangers man is lucky to win a free kick.
    Substitutions must be imminent for the visitors. They still look flat.
    USG 1-0 Rangers
    63, Tavernier looks to skip past Lapoussin, but the Madagascan stands his ground.
    Rangers were in a good position from the free kick. Barisic would have been better floating a ball into the area.
    USG 1-0 Rangers
    59, USG come close.
    Nieuwkoop lines one up and shaves the post with a left-footed effort.
    Rangers are living dangerously.
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    Mauricio Pochettino admits not winning the Champions League with PSG was ‘a failure’ in emotional interview after axe

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO admits not winning the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain was “a failure.”The manager made the candid admission in the wake of his exit from the French champs.
    Mauricio Pochettino admits it was a ‘failure’ not to win the Champions League at PSGCredit: AFP
    Pochettino was shown the door by PSG’s super-rich Qatari owners despite reclaiming the Ligue 1 title from Lille.
    PSG looked set to reach the quarter finals last season before a late collapse resulted in defeat by Real Madrid.
    Poch told InfoBae: “In the sporting aspect we have won the Cup, the Super Cup and the League in a year and a half.
    “But it is clear that PSG’s project is to win the Champions League, and everything that is not winning the Champions League can always be thought to have been a failure. 
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    “In any case, it is a failure of 50 years because PSG, especially in the last 10 years with the arrival of the new owners, has the objective of winning the Champions League
    “I think that is going to happen because the resources are there, but sometimes in football it is not what one thinks it can be.”
    It is reckoned club chiefs were left fuming with PSG’s inability to compete in Europe, especially after last summer’s splurge.
    Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes joined the club.
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    But that just added to the pressure on ex-Spurs boss Poch, who is now without a job.
    The French champs have now turned to Christophe Galtier for inspiration.
    And even Kylian Mbappe has been convinced to stay after looking certain to join Real. More

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    BT Sport make huge changes to Premier League coverage with Jake Humphrey replaced by Lynsey Hipgrave this season

    JAKE HUMPHREY has been REPLACED as the presenter of BT Sport’s Premier League coverage. The host has fronted Saturday lunchtime games in recent years with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch and Joe Cole.
    Jake Humphrey, left, will no longer host BT Sport’s Premier League coverageCredit: PA
    Lynsey Hipgrave will take over from this weekendCredit: Getty
    However, the broadcasters decided on a major shake-up this summer.
    And that sees Lynsey Hipgrave take over in Humphrey’s place.
    Her first match of the new Premier League season is this coming weekend at Craven Cottage when Fulham host Liverpool.
    Other highlights on the channel already confirmed include Everton vs Liverpool and the North London derby.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ON THE BOX .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Sky and BT confirm Prem TV games for October – including Liverpool vs Man City
    The Newcastle fan has been doing lots of Europa League coverage in recent seasons – as well as some Ligue 1 too.
    She wrote on Twitter: “After a weekend of dreams coming true for women in football the dreams of a football-mad Geordie lass have also come true…
    “I couldn’t be any prouder to be leading @btsport’s Premier League coverage this season.
    “We KO with Fulham v Liverpool on Saturday at 11.30am BT Sport 1.”
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    Hipgrave, 42, previously worked with BBC Radio 5 Live and got her sports TV break with Al Jazeera.
    She started presenting on BT Sport on 2013 and also does shows for Eurosport, Discovery+, Mola Sport and talkSPORT.
    However, Humphrey will continue fronting BT Sport’s Champions League content this season. More

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    ‘Can’t just walk out’ – Rio Ferdinand warns Man Utd they will be short of goals if Cristiano Ronaldo seals transfer exit

    RIO FERDINAND fears Manchester United will be well short on goals if Cristiano Ronaldo is sold.The wantaway Portugal superstar, 37, is desperate to quit Old Trafford and play in the Champions League this season.
    A year on from his sensational return to Man United, Cristiano Ronaldo is once again dominating conversation in the lead up to the seasonCredit: Rex
    The former United defender answered the big questions hanging over the United squadCredit: PA
    United insist Ronaldo, who has a year left on his contract, is not for sale ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener at home to Brighton.
    And Red Devils legend Ferdinand believes his ex-club would not be able to replace last season’s top goalscorer with 24 in all competitions in the transfer market.
    When asked if Ronaldo will stay, Ferdinand said: “Yes, he stays. Man United can’t afford to let him go. That’s the problem. 
    “Where do Man United find 20 goals now in the transfer market? If they go into the window, who are they going to buy?
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE ON MAN UNITED.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}RED DEVILS LATEST .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}£71m De Jong ‘meeting soon’, Ronaldo admission, Tielemans latest
    “The only reason why Man United don’t let Cristiano Ronaldo go now is because there will be a void of 20-plus goals in the team.
    “You can’t just let that walk out of the door with no reinforcements put back in the place.
    “[Anthony] Martial is coming back but he still has a lot to prove. He was let out to Sevilla last year. 
    “I hope he does come back and fly. We’re in pre-season and he looks good and the front line is looking very lively. But let’s get back in the season when the pressure is on. I want to see the same.”
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    United finished sixth in the Prem last season and scored just 57 goals in 38 league games.
    Marcus Rashford netted only four times in the top-flight, five in all comps, in a below-par campaign.
    But Ferdinand, who won six Prem titles and the Champions League at Old Trafford, reckons new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag can get the best out of the England forward.

    Ferdinand, 43, told the Five podcast: “Marcus, shut everyone up. You have had a pre-season, no injuries now, blast up the Premier League please.
    “Last season his body language was affecting me. He didn’t look happy. I spoke to him about it. Even if you aren’t happy you have to go on the pitch and act. That’s what players do.
    “Sometimes I wasn’t happy with certain things behind the scenes but you wouldn’t know that with the way I played. Marcus, for whatever reason, allowed that to creep into his performances.
    “This season he will be happier. He’s had a pre-season, no injuries and from what I have seen him talk about, he has a manager that he believes in what he is saying.
    “If all three of those things play out this season, Marcus Rashford will come good.” More

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    Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs have been MILES off title pace for five years and that won’t change this season

    HERE’S a little pre-season quiz question for you.During the past five years, what is the closest any London club has come to winning the Premier League?
    Arsenal have had a brilliant pre-season but don’t expect that to continue in the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been far from impressed with his side’s pre-season showingsCredit: Getty
    The answer is NINETEEN points — the distance between Chelsea and champions Manchester City in both of the past two seasons.
    That’s a difference of more than six victories over a 38-game campaign and it’s the best any London team has managed since 2017.
    So when Jurgen Klopp insisted, after Liverpool’s Community Shield victory over City, that we will not witness another two-horse race for the title — and referenced Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal as genuine contenders — you had to chuckle.
    Antonio Conte’s Chelsea beat Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs to the title in 2016-17 but since then, there hasn’t been a sniff of a challenge from the capital.
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    During that time Chelsea have won the Champions League, Spurs have reached the final and Arsenal have managed an FA Cup.
    But the league form of London’s three major clubs has been risible — despite some eye-watering transfer fees over the past five years.
    Take, for instance, the record signings of each club — Romelu Lukaku (£97.5million), Tanguy Ndombele (£54m) and Nicolas Pepe (£72m).
    And, in Chelsea’s case, Kepa Arrizabalaga (£72m) and Alvaro Morata (£59m) as well.
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    They simply don’t spaff bad money like that at Anfield or the Etihad.
    Listen, even though I’m a Londoner, I do know some Northern people. So I’m well aware of the fact that Londoners — and in particular the ‘London-centric media’ — are all ‘up ourselves’.
    We believe the world revolves around our city and that civilisation doesn’t stretch far beyond the M25.
    But while London will provide more than a third of the Premier League’s clubs this season, it has always been an overrated footballing city.
    It only boasts the same number of European Cups as Nottingham and Porto, and half as many as Amsterdam.
    Until Arsene Wenger and Roman Abramovich came to town, the capital hadn’t boasted a truly great team in decades.
    Yet Klopp wasn’t being completely spurious when he mentioned Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs, because all three have made eye-catching summer signings.
    Would you seriously fancy them to finish within ten points of either City or Liverpool?Dave Kidd on London clubs
    After beating Chelsea 4-0 and Sevilla 6-0, Arsenal have clearly won pre-season.
    Well done. Hand them one of those imaginary trophies Wenger used to demand for finishing fourth.
    After choking in last season’s race for the Champions League, Mikel Arteta’s side have made some interesting new additions — especially Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City, and midfielder Fabio Vieira, who has some name to live up to.
    But surely the Gunners cannot even dream of being close to Liverpool or City this term?
    Spurs, under Conte — the last man to bring the title to London — are a seriously good shout to be this season’s ‘best of the rest’.
    Their obsessive, demanding manager has brought in quality and experience and Spurs have broken with tradition in doing business early. Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Clement Lenglet, as well as the youthful Djed Spence, should all improve them.
    But would you seriously fancy them to finish within ten points of either City or Liverpool?
    Chelsea are the most unpredictable of all.
    The post-Abramovich era is heralding a sea change in Thomas Tuchel’s squad — Lukaku has been packed off on loan and half of the club’s defenders are either going or gone.
    Raheem Sterling’s move to Stamford Bridge is perhaps the most fascinating of the summer — and Pep Guardiola’s decision to sell a key player to a ‘rival’ is a potential mis-step from the Catalan.
    Or perhaps Guardiola doesn’t agree with Klopp’s claim that Chelsea are serious title rivals?
    Defender Kalidou Koulibaly is another intriguing signing — not least because no player in history has ever been linked with moves to the Premier League for so long before finally arriving here.
    But Tuchel’s frank admission, after that Stateside hammering by Arsenal, that he cannot guarantee Chelsea’s readiness for the season, and that many of his squad are not showing sufficient commitment, was a stark warning.
    Not many managers last long after a regime change, even those as good as Tuchel. And so a smooth season at the Bridge looks unlikely.
    So us Londoners will surely be looking north again for a title race this season.
    In football as in life, there is precious little evidence of ‘levelling up’.

    Alessia Russo was spotted trying to read a Germany tactics noteCredit: BBC
    NO GOING BACK
    WE ALL enjoyed the inspirational words of England’s Lionesses, an eight-year-old girl going viral by dancing wildly after their semi-final  victory and the family fun-day feel of the  final.
    But the best thing about England’s triumph?
    The sheer potty-mouthed, s**t-housing, cynical dark-artistry of it all.
    Jill Scott screaming ‘F*** off you f***ing p***k!’ at a German player who’d just fouled her.
    Ella Toone and Alessia Russo trying to read the note opposition coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg had passed to her players.
    Lucy Bronze wasting 27 seconds before taking a throw-in and goalscorers Toone and Chloe Kelly spending the final few minutes hogging the ball near the corner flag.
    Good luck telling any of this lot to get back in the kitchen.

    LOUIS ON THE MONEY
    ERIK TEN HAG was warned by Louis van Gaal that he was joining a ‘commercial club not a football club’ when he took over at Manchester United.
    And as everyone connected with United — from fans to the boardroom — bend over backwards not to offend the most commercially-viable footballer on Earth, when he has made it clear he wants to leave, it only confirms Van Gaal’s prognosis.
    Cristiano Ronaldo headed home as soon as he was subbed at half-time during Sunday’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano, making Ten Hag look weak and stupid.
    As the pre-season predictions roll in, you’ll struggle to find anyone believing United are even capable of making the top four.
    They are an entertaining media circus but a footballing irrelevance.

    BOYS DONE GOOD
    LET’S not use the England women’s Euros glory as a stick to beat the men’s set-up.
    As bad as the last round of Nations League fixtures were, Gareth Southgate is the most successful England men’s manager in half  a century, leading the team to a World Cup semi-final and a Euros final.
    And, unlike the paranoid air which surrounded the Three Lions for so long, Southgate’s team are a largely likeable, decent bunch who consistently speak out on wider social issues.
    To suggest otherwise is ludicrous.

    RED, SET, GO
    LIKE every other Football League player, Doncaster midfielder Lee Tomlin would have spent the past month working his wotsits off.
    He would have undergone a sweat-stained pre-season schedule to be fit and ready for last weekend’s big kick-off.
    Punishing hill runs in 90-degree heat, gruelling gym sessions, rigorous assessments from stern-faced sports scientists.
    Then, on the opening day against Bradford, Tomlin received two yellow cards in 18  seconds for obstructing a free-kick and an outrageous dive.
    I don’t know about you but I think this says something profound and beautiful about the human condition.
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    COMM OFF IT
    BEFORE his team out-played champions Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp claimed the Community Shield came too early for his players and should have been rescheduled.
    Yeah, a Community Shield staged the weekend before the Premier League kicks off.
    Looks like the entire world is ganging up against Liverpool again. More

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    Jamie Carragher blames Nuno Tavares for Arsenal’s failure to make Champions League after ‘costing them’ in run-in

    JAMIE CARRAGHER has blamed Nuno Tavares for Arsenal’s failure to finish in the top four last season.The Gunners narrowly missed out to bitter rivals Tottenham as their poor run of form late in the campaign saw them squander Champions League qualification.
    Left-back Tavares has gone out on loan to Marseille this summerCredit: AFP
    Carragher feels Tavares is the reason why Arsenal missed out on the top fourCredit: PA
    Mikel Arteta’s men lost two of their final three matches – a set of results which ultimately cost them dearly.
    But just prior to that, Arsenal were beaten three times in a row at the hands of Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton.
    Tavares, who completed a loan move to Marseille this summer, started the two matches against Palace and Saints following Kieran Tierney’s season-ending injury.
    And he produced a pair of bad performances – particularly at Selhurst Park where he was hooked at half-time.
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    Carragher feels that period of the campaign was crucial, and that a more accomplished left-back could well have seen Arsenal finish in the top four.
    Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “Nuno Tavares has gone out on loan, I saw. I think if they had a better left-back, then you probably would be in the top four now.
    “I don’t like singling one player out, but I just think he cost you in certain games.
    “I remember that game at Crystal Palace last season, it was on Monday Night Football and I said on TV: ‘He has to come off at half-time’.
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    “I think he [Mikel Arteta] put Granit Xhaka at left-back in the end.”
    Arsenal kick off their 2022/23 Premier League campaign away at Palace on Friday night.
    And Gunners fans will be optimistic about their chances this season after a healthy amount of summer transfer business.
    Arteta has already signed five players – Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner. More