Champions League

PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino and his star-studded squad flew back to France following their Champions League defeat to Manchester City.Second half goals from Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus handed Pep Guardiola’s side a 2-1 victory over the Ligue 1 leaders as they booked their place in the last 16 as group winners.
Pochettino gave a brief wave to those at the airport before flying back homeCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
The PSG man took the time to sign an autograph amid speculation over his futureCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Mbappe was one of the PSG player snapped at the airportCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Messi also boarded the flight after a disappointing trip to ManchesterCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Pochettino was visiting Manchester for the first time since being heavily linked as the long-term successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.
But the Argentine did not entertain any form of speculation at the airport as he signed an autograph before boarding the plane back to the French capital.
Scorer Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Sergio Ramos were all in attendance for the flight home as they wore disappointed looks following the defeat.
The loss leaves PSG four points behind Man City with just one round of Champions League fixtures remaining.
It means they are set to receive a difficult tie in the last 16 as they will be drawn against one of the eight group winners.
Meanwhile, rumours continue to swirl around Pochettino’s future at the club as talk of a Man Utd move ramps up.

Ramos was included in PSG’s squad for the game but was an unused substituteCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Neymar looked totally dejected as he boarded the plane homeCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Ex-Man Utd man Ander Herrera was another player snapped at the airportCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
The Red Devils have already had an approach for Pochettino knocked back by PSG and they are now prepared to wait until the summer before going in for him again.
The ex-Tottenham boss was spotted signing a Man Utd shirt ahead of PSG’s clash with City on Wednesday night.
But Poch insisted in the build-up to the game that he was not paying any attention to the speculation.
He said: “I’m not a child, I’ve spent my whole life playing football and spent 12 years as a coach – I know rumours will always be there.
“Sometimes positive and negative. But they cannot distract you. That’s football.
“We are focused 100 per cent to get the best result we can. So we can’t talk about that.
“I respect my club, PSG. What other clubs are doing is not my problem. I need to focus on PSG.
“I was a player here and love the club and fans. It’s a fantastic time to be at the club.
“Football is today, not tomorrow. Football is about results… two years ago, we left Tottenham and a few weeks before there were a lot of rumours about us and look what happened.

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“It’s about winning. It’s about the results. My contract is until 2023 – this season and one more. I don’t say anything different.
“I’m happy in Paris – that’s a fact. I’m happy in Paris.”
Man Utd have been linked with a number of managers to take charge until the end of the season including former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde and ex-Lyon coach Rudi Garcia. More

WE’RE giving away free 2020/21 UEFA Champions League stickers from TOPPS in The Sun and The Sun on Sunday this weekend.You’ll find stickers inside Saturday’s paper, and then a voucher on Sunday for even more.
Six stickers free – both on Saturday and Sunday
Collect the superstars of European football with the new UEFA Champions League sticker collection from TOPPS.
Featuring all 32 teams from the world’s biggest and most prestigious club competition, the collection includes all the latest new signings.
You’ll find Lionel Messi at new club PSG, Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, Memphis Depay at Barcelona and Jack Grealish at Manchester City.
With incredible new shield designs, plus hotshots stickers of the stars to watch and Limited Edition sticker cards, the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League stickers are perfect for football fans of all ages.

HOW TO GET YOURS
Saturday 27 November – Find your pack inside Saturday’s newspaper with your mags. Plus, make sure to pick up the Sun on Sunday to get a voucher for another FREE pack!
Sunday 28 November – To claim your FREE packet all you need to do is cut out the voucher and take it to your nearest Co-Op, WHSmith High Street, McColls, One Stop store or Easons. Valid until store closes on Sunday 28 November. More

FORMER Arsenal boss Unai Emery is the latest addition to the list of candidates being considered for the Manchester United manager’s job. According to German paper Bild, the Villarreal boss is in contention to replace recently sacked United manager Ole Gunnar Solkjaer at Old Trafford.
Caretaker manager Michael Carrick led Man Utd to a 2-0 victory over Emery’s Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday nightCredit: EPA
But there has so far been no contact between United and Emery, with the two clubs going head to head in a Champions League crunch tie on Tuesday night.
The Red Devils triumphed 2-0 away against Villarreal under new caretaker boss Michael Carrick with a disciplined defensive performance.
United also sealed their qualification to the last 16 with the victory, with goals coming from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.
In doing so, they avenged their Europa League final defeat against the Spanish side last season, losing 11-10 in a sensational penalty shootout.
David de Gea made amends for his penalty shootout miss in the final back in May with some impressive first-half saves to keep his side level.
And second half goals from Ronaldo and Sancho meant that United will top the group and have guaranteed their qualification with a game to spare.

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Emery previously managed Arsenal between May 2018 and November 2019, but struggled to win over Gunners fans in his 16-month tenure in North London.
He got off to a solid start at the Emirates by taking them on a 22-game unbeaten run, but they then drastically fell apart towards the end of the season.
They missed out on Champions League qualification after winning just four points from their last five league matches and also lost the Europa League final.
They were beaten 4-1 in a humiliating defeat by rivals Chelsea, then went on a winless run of seven games at the start of the following season.
Emery has since restored his reputation after being sacked by Arsenal, having led Villarreal to their first ever major trophy in the Europa League last season.
The 50-year-old Spaniard was recently linked with the Newcastle job following their £300m takeover, but reportedly turned it down to stay at Villarreal.
He claimed: “I am grateful for the interest of a great club, but even more grateful to be here”.
Reports suggest that the Red Devils have selected Mauricio Pochettino as their preferred option for the manager’s job, but a deal is far from being agreed.
They would have to pay PSG a fee of around £10m in compensation to secure his services now – which will half if they wait until summer.
Other managers reported to be in consideration are Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, Ajax’s Erik ten Hag and former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde.
And Emery’s loyalty to Villarreal will tested once again if United do come calling for his services – whether it be on an interim or permanent basis.
⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
Emery was sacked after just 16-months as Arsenal manager, before going on to be replaced by Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty
Man Utd caretaker Carrick dedicates Villarreal win to Solskjaer after legend’s emotional exit More