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    Solskjaer watched Man Utd’s win over Villarreal and was ‘absolutely buzzing’ at fans for chanting his name

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER was ‘absolutely buzzing’ as Manchester United fans chanted his name during Tuesday’s win over Villarreal.Despite being sacked just two days earlier, the Norwegian sat down to watch his former players take on the Europa League champions.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s name was chanted during Manchester United’s win over VillarrealCredit: Getty
    Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo were on target in the 2-0 win in SpainCredit: Rex
    Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho got the all-important goals as United booked their place in the last 16.
    And even though Michael Carrick took temporary charge, the supporters in Spain still made a conscious effort to give the dismissed gaffer a respectful send-off.
    According to journalist Andy Mitten, this had a deep impact on Solskjaer as he took in the action.
    And the classy former striker sent public and private messages of support to the Red Devils players and Carrick before the crunch tie.
    Solskjaer said: “As I’ve said to them this morning as well, trust yourselves, you know we’re better than this.
    “We’ve not been able to show it but go out, chest out, enjoy being a Manchester United player, in the Champions League, on the biggest stage.

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    “If and when you win the game, you’re through to the next round, Michael is going to be in charge.
    “Michael, I have the utmost respect [for], I love Michael to bits. I’m becoming emotional now because he’s top.
    “They’ll be fine. I’ll watch them and support them.”
    In response, Carrick dedicated the victory to his ex-boss.
    He said: “I enjoyed it. It’s not been an easy couple of days for everyone at the club and I can enjoy it so much.
    “But it feels like that result is for Ole and I can’t get away from that.
    “We had a job to do and thankfully it all went to plan.”
    Carrick looks set to stay in charge for Sunday’s trip to Chelsea before Ralf Rangnick takes over as interim boss until the end of the season.
    After that, the Red Devils will appoint a permanent successor to Solskjer, with Mauricio Pochettino and Brendan Rodgers among the favourites.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Solskjaer fights back tears in emotional first interview since Man Utd axe More

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    Watch RB Leipzig star Gvardiol wildly head a cup of beer thrown at him during 5-0 rout over FC Brugge

    THIS IS the moment an RB Leipzig player showed off his heading talents by leaping to meet a cup of beer as it was thrown at him by a Brugge fan. A video shows 19-year-old Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol nutting the beer away in delight during celebrations in his side’s 5-0 Champions League win at Brugge.

    The incident occurred after the first Leipzig goal, scored by Christopher Nkunku in the 12th minute.
    The Leipzig players were busy celebrating near the corner flag when the beer flew Gvardiol’s way.
    The defender cheekily met the beer with a powerful header – spraying the booze everywhere.
    It was Gvardiol and his Leipzig team-mates who continued to celebrate by notching four more goals.
    Swedish international Emil Forsberg got on the score sheet twice in the first half.
    Andre Silva snatched another before half time – and Nkunku bookended the goals with his second in stoppage time.

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    Gvardiol heads a beer thrown from the crowd
    The result puts both teams on four points with one game to play.
    Neither can catch Man City or PSG but will be hoping to clinch third place and a spot in the Europa League.
    Unfortunately for Club Brugge, the hammering last night puts them ELEVEN goals behind Leipzig on goal difference.
    MISSILE ATTACKS
    While Gvardiol’s reaction painted the incident in a humorous light – it continues a worrying trend of missiles being launched onto football pitches.
    Lyon vs Marseille was suspended after just five minutes as a water bottle struck Dimitri Payet in the face.
    The object was thrown by the Lyon crowd as Payet went to take a corner.
    The 33-year-old, formally of West Ham, required medical attention but was thankfully able to walk off the pitch unaided.
    The match was suspended for an hour and a half before Lyon tweeted pictures of their players warming up again.
    But two hours after the incident, they took to social media again to confirm the game would not be restarting. More

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    Pochettino and glum PSG stars fly home from Manchester after City loss but will Man Utd target return in summer?

    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

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    When is Champions League last-16 draw? Date, UK start time, live stream as Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool in hat

    THE Champions League group stages are nearly at their end and Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are already thinking ahead.The Reds, Blues and United have already qualified for the knockout stages of Europe’s top competition and can start planning for the ties in the new year.
    Chelsea legend Branislav Ivanovic was at the group stage draw back in SeptemberCredit: Reuters
    What date is the Champions League last 16 draw and what time does it start?
    The Champions League last 16 draw takes place on Monday, December 13.
    Expect the draw to kick off at 11am UK time.
    There could well be some preamble and chats with former Champions League stars who tend to draw the balls out of the pot.
    Is the Champions League last 16 draw on TV and can I live stream it?
    The balls will be drawn live on BT Sport, who are the Champions League broadcasters in the UK.
    Fans can also watch the draw on Uefa.com and YouTube for FREE.
    What dates are the Champions League round of 16 ties being played?
    The eight first legs will be played on February 15, 16, 22 and 23, 2022 with two games on each night.
    Second legs will take place on March 8, 9, 15 and 16, 2022, with two ties again being played each night.
    Which clubs have qualified so far?

    Two pots of eight teams will be created from seeded group winners and runners up.
    When are the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final?
    Quarter finals
    First legs – April 5 and 6, 2022
    Second legs – April 12 and 13, 2022

    Semi-finals
    First legs – April 26 and 27, 2022
    Second legs – May 3 and 4, 2022
    Final – Gazprom Arena, St Petersburg
    May 28, 2022 More

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    Free TOPPS Champions League stickers in The Sun and Sun on Sunday

    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

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    Arsenal flop Unai Emery on shortlist to become new Man Utd boss as Villarreal wait for approach

    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

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    ‘He is really s***’ – Man Utd star Harry Maguire slammed for performances by Tottenham hero Rafael van der Vaart

    RAFAEL VAN DER VAART has branded Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire ‘really s***’ on live television.And the Tottenham hero admitted he was staggered the Red Devils coughed up £80million for the England defender.
    Harry Maguire kept the captain’s armband against VillarrealCredit: Getty
    Rafael van der Vaart in not a fan of MaguireCredit: Getty
    Maguire has been in the firing line for recent performances – including the low-point of being sent-off in the 4-1 defeat by Watford that saw boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked.
    Van der Vaart let rip at the centre-back as he previewed United’s Champions League clash with Villarreal for Dutch TV channel Ziggo Sport.
    He said: “I talk about Harry Maguire so much, so I try to avoid him. But he is really s**t. I have said this so often.
    “I can’t get away from the fact United have paid €90m for him. That’s how much he cost!
    “Where did they look for him? You’ll find players like him at any amateur club in Holland.
    “I think it is unbelievable. He is no top-class defender – and he demonstrates this every week.

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    “If you go out and sign players like him, I can understand why you end up having financial problems.”
    Van der Vaart is not the only TV pundit to have had a pop at Maguire in recent weeks.
    United legend Roy Keane was accused of bullying the 28-year-old as he tore into him for his efforts in the 5-0 defeat by Liverpool and his subsequent celebration for England.
    Maguire skippered United to victory in their first game under caretaker Michael Carrick.
    The underperforming stars overcame Champions League opponents Villarreal with two late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Steve Bruce ‘very keen’ to become Man Utd’s interim manager and ‘believes he can stabilise club’ after Newcastle sacking More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo is first player EVER to net three late winners in a Champions League season after Villarreal heroics

    CRISTIANO RONALDO became the first player in Champions League history to score three late winners in one season.The Portuguese superstar bailed Manchester United out once more with his classy finish away at Villarreal on Tuesday night.
    Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late Champions League winner for a record third time this seasonCredit: Getty
    The Portugal hero brilliantly lobbed Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli on 78 minutesCredit: Getty
    He broke the deadlock on 78 minutes after Fred’s interception, lofting the ball over goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
    Jadon Sancho blasted in his first Red Devils goal in the 90th minute to make it 2-0.
    But it was Ronaldo who grabbed the winner.
    United have won three of their five Champions League group stage matches so far – enough to book their place in the knockout stages.
    And in all three, Ronaldo has settled it inside the last 15 minutes.
    Against Villarreal at home on September 29, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored a dramatic 95th-minute goal to seal all three points.

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    And then in the home tie with Atalanta on October 20, it was that man again who delivered the goods, that time with an 81st-minute header.
    Opta confirmed: “Ronaldo’s strike against Villarreal was the third time he has scored a match-winning goal in the final 15 minutes of a Champions League match this season – the most by a player in a single season in the competition (excluding extra-time).”
    On top of that, Ronaldo also scored in the matches away at Young Boys and Atalanta.
    In the first match of the campaign, the ex-Real Madrid and Juventus forward opened the scoring in Switzerland after 13 minutes.
    But after being subbed off during the second half, he had to watch on as United conceded a 95th-minute winner.
    In Italy, Ronaldo was the hero again with equalisers in first-half and second-half stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw.
    Cristiano has that cold, calculated mentality to stay calmMichael Carrick
    Those goals – six in five appearances – mean he also became the first player to score in each of an English club’s first five matches of a single European Cup or Champions League campaign, excluding qualifiers.
    Ronaldo – the tournament’s record goalscorer on 140 – said: “Always great to play in Spain, amazing to win in Spain, satisfying to score in Spain, a country where I always felt special.
    “Congrats to the lads for a great victory that puts us where we belong! We are Manchester United and we will never stop fighting for this club! Let’s go, Devils!”
    Interim boss Michael Carrick added: “It’s what he does.
    “In the big games, the big moments, when you need a goal or that something, he’s there to deliver.
    “He has that cold, calculated mentality to stay calm. He doesn’t snatch at chances.
    “I’m delighted to have him and not surprised at all he managed to come up with a goal for us.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    The six pack was out after Ronaldo’s last-gasp winner against Villarreal at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    He was mobbed by his team-mate after completing the turnaround against AtalantaCredit: Getty
    Michael Carrick speaks after Man Utd win their first game with him in charge More