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      What happened to players called the ‘Next Messi’, from youngest LaLiga star Romero to ex-Man City ace Patrick Roberts

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      MORE than a dozen players have been dubbed the ‘Next Messi’ over the years.But none have ever reached the heights scaled by PSG and Argentina star Lionel Messi… not even close.
      The ‘Next Messis’ from all around the world
      Luka Romero, the ‘Mexican Messi’, made his debut for Mallorca age 15Credit: EPA
      Last year, the new ‘Mexican Messi’ (we’ve had one before in Diego Lainez) Luka Romero made LaLiga history.
      At just 15, the diminutive teen came on as a sub against Real Madrid in June 2020 and became the youngest player to play in the Spanish top-flight, also showing fans what the fuss is all about with some neat touches, before signing for Lazio this summer.
      While, Arsenal were once linked with what was then the latest ‘Next Messi’ – Iranian Zenit St Petersburg star Sardar Azmoun.
      In the summer of 2019, Manchester United were said to be monitoring Trabzonspor teenager Abdulkadir Omur, the ‘Turkish Messi’.
      The world map has almost been filled in with different ‘Next Messis’ from around the globe.
      From Peru to South Africa and Japan to Iran, two dozen countries have produced their own version of the little genius.
      Even Scotland had one while England have two.
      Here’s how they got on…
      Lionel Messi is still arguably the best player in the worldCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The English Messi – Patrick Roberts
      Burst on to the scene as a teenager at Fulham and after some impressive performances as a teenager, Man City splashed £12million on him.
      He barely got into the City side before a long loan spell at Celtic.
      Although he won seven trophies under Brendan Rodgers, Roberts had a number of injury issues and did not hit the heights expected of him.
      Another loan spell to Girona last season didn’t really work out – while stints at Norwich and Middlesbrough last term have been uninspiring.
      Roberts went on loan at Derby, who narrowly avoided relegation to League One with a thrilling 3-3 draw on the final day of the Championship season.
      Now, he’s at French side Troyes.
      Mini Messi – Fran Kirby
      One of the players most deserving of the tag, the England and Chelsea star is one of the biggest stars in the women’s game.
      Kirby, who stands at just 5ft 2in, is a former PFA and FWA player of the year and has been a vital player in all of the Lionesses’ recent success.
      In December 2018, Kirby was voted the 13th best player in the world in an extensive newspaper poll.
      England star Fran Kirby has been dubbed Mini Messi – and is one of the best players in the women’s gameCredit: PA:Press Association
      Scottish Messi – Ryan Gauld
      Gauld was 17 when he made his debut for Dundee United and began tearing it up in Scotland, helping The Terrors reach the Scottish Cup final in 2014.
      After being shortlisted for Young Player of the Year, Gauld was snapped up by Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.
      But Gauld only made two league appearances for Sporting, all in 2014 and early 2015, and went on four unsuccessful loan spells.
      He’s now at MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps FC, after a spell at Portuguese second tier side Farense.
      Swiss Messi – Xherdan Shaqiri
      The Messi comparisons are definitely a step too far but Shaqiri – formerly of Liverpool – is quite obviously a talent good enough for most teams in the world.
      He has played at some of the biggest clubs and scored at two World Cups and the European Championship.
      Injuries limited his impact at the Reds, and he moved  to Lyon in the summer.

      Egyptian Messi – Mohamed Salah
      Speaking of whom, there was a time when Salah being compared to Messi would have been impossible to imagine… namely at Chelsea.
      Now thriving at Liverpool, the Egyptian king isn’t quite at Messi’s level – but he’s pretty damn close.
      This was a tag from when the forward was still at Basel and, in all honesty, it’s quite fair.
      Salah is now one of the best players in the world and will soon have players being dubbed the ‘Next Salah’.
      Mohamed Salah is now at the level were other players are dubbed the ‘Next Salah’Credit: AFP or licensors
      Catalan Messi – Gerard Deulofeu
      Certainly has enough natural talent to earn comparisons to one of the best ever.
      But the winger, now at Udinese following stints at Everton and Watford, does not have the consistency or work rate to compare himself to Messi.
      Deulofeu struggled in two spells at Barca but was instrumental to the Hornets getting to the FA Cup final in 2019.
      German Messi – Marko Marin
      Arrived at Chelsea in 2012 with a massive reputation but – like so many other Blues youngsters – never got a fair chance at Stamford Bridge.
      Was sent on four loan spells in three seasons and managed just six Premier League games in West London.
      Marin has since won trophies in Greece, Spain and Serbia.
      Croatian Messi – Alen Halilovic
      Another Barcelona graduate, the diminutive Croatian international has the technique but has struggled with the physicality of senior football.
      Loan spells at Sporting Gijon have brought little success.
      He is currently at Championship side Reading after a spell at AC Milan, in which he failed to play a single Serie A game, instead loaned out to Dutch side Heerenveen after a poor loan spell at Standard Liege, and then Birmingham.
      Norwegian Messi – Martin Odegaard
      One of the most hyped teenagers in Europe, the Norwegian jumped from Stromsgodset to Real Madrid in 2015.
      He initially struggled to live up to the hype and a two-year loan spell at Heerenveen brought inconsistent play.
      But last season on loan at Real Sociedad, Odegaard was excellent – putting himself in the frame to break back into the Madrid first-team.
      The Norwegian signed for Arsenal this summer after a loan spell as he looks to fulfil his promise.
      Martin Odegaard was one of the most hyped teenage players everCredit: EPA
      Irish Messi – Alan Judge
      Definitely a tongue-in-cheek nickname, the winger earned the title while starring for Brentford for five years between 2014 and 2019.
      Judge helped the Bees reach the Championship and stay in the second tier, and was named in the PFA teams of the year in 2013 and 2016.
      He was at Ipswich, helping the Tractor Boys to ninth in League One in 2020-21, before signing for Colchester.
      Peruvian Messi – Raul Ruidiaz
      Actually nicknamed ‘Little Messi’, the Peruvian scored a mountain of goals in Peru and Mexico before moving to MLS in 2018.
      The striker has been sensational for the Seattle Sounders, scoring 58 goals in 89 games.
      Kosovan Messi – Edon Zhergrova
      Edon Zhegrova became a YouTube sensation back in 2014 after compilations of the then 15-year old’s dazzling goals gained thousands of views.
      The Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona moves did not materialise, but a move to Belgium’s Standard Liege and then Genk did, where he is coming through the ranks.
      Basel then decided to take a longer look at him with an 18-month loan deal.
      The No10 has played a handful of games for the club but is expected to play a bigger role in the future.
      Indian Messi – Lallianzuala Chhangte
      The Chennaiyin winger became the youngest Indian international when he made his debut in 2015.
      But, now aged 24, the hype has died down a bit with Chhangte unable to build on that early promise.
      Japanese Messi – Takefusa Kubo
      Still just 20, Kubo has the best chance of any player to live up to the moniker.
      The former FC Tokyo forward even came through the ranks at Barcelona, where he was a youth star, before returning to Japan.
      He would have stayed at La Masia but after Barca’s transfer ban he was no longer eligible to play in competitive matches, so decided to return to his homeland.
      He is the youngest player to play and score in the J.League and has been a regular in the FC Tokyo side.
      Kubo was snapped up by Real Madrid last season, a major coup for Los Blancos – but was quickly loaned to Mallorca before joining Getafe on a short-term deal earlier in 2021.
      Barcelona had wanted the playmaker – but were fooled into thinking he was not available until next January after an error on the Transkfermarkt website.
      Real Madrid knew the correct date his contract was up and swooped.
      Kubo, who was also selected in Japan’s 2019 Copa America squad, is back on loan at Mallorca for this season.
      Takefusa Kubo (left) came through the ranks at Barcelona and is expected to be a big star in JapanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Greek Messi – Giannis Fetfatzidis
      The little winger never lived up to the moniker after coming through at Olympiacos.
      Has since played in Italy and Saudi Arabia, but is now at Qatari side Al-Khor at the age of 31.
      Iranian Messi – Sardar Azmoun
      A number of European clubs were interested in Azmoun a few years ago, including Arsenal, who offered £2m for the rapid forward.
      Now 26, Azmoun is a star in Russia, where he has scored 58 times in just 90 games while winning three Russian Premier League titles.
      Iranian Messi Azmoun has been linked to ArsenalCredit: AFP or licensors
      Indonesian Messi – Egy Maulana Vikri
      Aged just 21, Egy is already a full international having been a prodigy at youth level.
      He had scored 15 goals in 16 matches for Indonesia Under-19s, attracting attention from big clubs in Europe.
      Eventually, Maulana chose Lechia Gdansk where he also impressed for the reserves, scoring 12 goals in 14 matches in the Polish fourth tier.
      He made his full debut in 2020 and is now a six-cap senior international for Indonesia.
      Another Mexican Messi – Diego Lainez
      The 21-year-old has the potential to be a big star and has consistently been named as one of the players to keep an eye on in the coming years.
      The teenager is already a full international for El Tri and was signed by Real Betis for £9m in January 2019.
      He has since been a regular from the bench for Los Verdiblancos.
      Diego Lainez, 21, is already a full Mexican international and moved to Real Betis for £9mCredit: Getty – Contributor
      South Korean Messi – Lee Seung-woo
      Lee was once hailed as South Korea’s great hope of the future and was another graduate of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
      He moved to Catalonia in 2011, but managed just one appearance for Barcelona B, before moving to Hellas Verona in 2017.
      Now 23, the winger has quit the Italian side to join Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden but became a national hero for his exploits in the Asian Games.
      Lee provided the assist for Tottenham’s Son Heung-min to score a winner – the goal also meant the Spurs man would avoid national service.
      Malaysian Messi – Faiz Nasir
      One of the smallest players in world football, Nasir stands at just 5ft.
      But there is plenty of talent in those little legs, with the Terengganu FC star scoring on his international debut last year.
      Nigerian Messi – Stanley Okoro
      Nicknamed ‘Little Messi’, Okoro spent time in Spain with Almeria but struggled to make a breakthrough.
      Now playing in his native Nigeria, he certainly likes the nickname, however, stating: “I don’t mind when people call me Little Messi.
      “It’s a pleasant thing to be compared with the best footballer in the world – I don’t have a problem with that.”
      Thai Messi – Chanathip Songkrasin
      Songkrasin is known as ‘Messi Jay'”or just ‘Jay’ but actually took inspiration from another Argentine legend.
      His father apparently trained him with the intention of copying Diego Maradona.
      He became a fans’ favourite across Thailand for his dribbling skills, with 56 international caps so far, and now plays in Japan.
      South African Messi – Tebogo Tlolane
      The winger was nicknamed Messi from a young age because of his dribbling skills.
      He even managed a two week trial at Barcelona but failed to make the grade – Tlolane is now back in South Africa with Maritzburg United where he has been converted to a left-back.
      Man City keen on Lionel Messi AND Erling Haaland as Pep Guardiola eyes superstar transfer in summer More

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      Man Utd’s wage bill soars by £39m to £323m after qualifying for Champions League and triggering stars’ bonuses

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      MANCHESTER UNITED wage bill has increased by nearly £39MILLION during the last 12 months due to incentives and bonuses.The clubs end-of-year financial reports suggest several high-profile stars were given generous pay rises after qualifying for the Champions League.
      Ed Woodward has clarified Man Utd’s accounts
      United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward unveiled figures that showed United lost £92.2m in the financial year to the end of June.
      He confirmed Champions League participation bonuses boosted player salaries as United’s wage bill rose £38.6m to £322.6m – up 13.6 per cent.
      Woodward conceded: “There is little doubt that those 12 months were among the most challenging in the history of Manchester United.”
      United note that much of that loss was due to a change in UK corporation tax rates, with an operating loss of £36.9m.
      But the figures show commercial and sponsorship revenue was hit as a result of the pandemic, with almost £47m less coming into the club.
      Gates receipts were impacted more than anything, with the club taking just £7.1m at Old Trafford compared to £89.8m in the 12 months to June 2020.

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      United’s UCL return helped broadcasting revenue leap from £114.6m to £254.8m – but the long-term closure of the club’s Megastore also took a toll.
      Woodward, though, in remarks made to investors and analysts added: “Everyone associated with the club can be proud of the resilience we have shown through these most testing of times.
      “We said during the depths of the pandemic that the club would emerge in a stronger relative position, and I believe we are now seeing that borne out as we build towards recovery from a very solid foundation.
      “The most important part of this recovery is the return of fans to Old Trafford and it has been fantastic to see and hear the stadium full for the first time in almost 18 months. 
      “The amazing atmosphere during the opening home games of the season demonstrates that fans are the lifeblood of the game, and we’re so glad to have them back. 
      “On the pitch, the team has made a strong start in the league, and everyone at the club is feeling excited about the rest of the campaign.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo will become Manchester United’s highest earner on £480k-a-week
      Woodward also highlighted the importance of bringing high-profile players to the club, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.
      He added: “These signings have demonstrated our continued ability to attract some of the world’s best footballers to Old Trafford, and our firm commitment to helping Ole deliver success on the pitch. 
      “Furthermore, we recently sold Dan James to Leeds for a fee of £25 million, plus add-ons.
      “We have been clear in our strategy to build a squad with a blend of top-class recruits and homegrown talent, comprising a balance of youth and experience, with the aim of winning trophies and playing attacking football the Manchester United way. 
      “As part of this, we have continued to strengthen our recruitment and scouting processes, and we have also increased our investment in the Academy, to ensure that this success is sustainable. 
      “While squad-building is a constant process, we are more confident than ever that we are on the right track.”

      But Woodward sought to sidestep the European Super League controversy that dominated headlines in April.
      Man Utd played a key role alongside Real Madrid and Liverpool in driving the failed £4.6billion breakaway scheme.
      Woodward didn’t mention the ESL, although he did seem to accept the club was wrong to push on with a scheme met with a universal backlash.
      He continued: “It remains clear that football as a whole faces major financial challenges caused by years of material inflation in wages and transfer fees, exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic. 
      “We are committed to working within the Premier League, the ECA and Uefa to promote greater financial sustainability at all levels of the game.
      “But no club can succeed on its own. 
      “We want to be part of healthy, vibrant domestic and European football pyramids, working together with our governing bodies and, most importantly, the fans, to preserve and enhance the magic of our game. 
      “As a club, we are committed to those objectives and we look forward to pursuing them in the months and years ahead.”
      ED Woodward resigns from Man Utd over the European Super League fiasco More

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      Jordan Henderson says Liverpool must learn from sloppy spell during Champions League win over AC Milan

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      JORDAN HENDERSON has demanded Liverpool players to learn from their lapse in focus against AC Milan.The Reds made hard work of their 3-2 win against the Italian side after conceding two goals in TWO minutes in the first half.
      Jordan Henderson netted the winner as Liverpool went onto win 3-2Credit: Reuters
      And after scoring his first Champions League goal in seven years to seal the victory, skipper Henderson wants his side to limit their errors.
      The 31-year-old said: “It was a bit of a roller coaster and I’m sure it was very good to watch as a neutral.
      “For the majority of the game our performance level was really good, obviously we had a spell towards the end of the first half, the last 10 to 15 minutes, where we weren’t quite at it and we were a little bit sloppy and we got punished with two goals.
      “The performance level for 70-75 minutes was very good and we just need to learn about that 10 to 15-minute spell and make sure that doesn’t happen too often otherwise you’ll get punished at this level.
      “We made hard work of the game but you’ve got to give credit to Milan. They’re a good side, good players.
      “But I thought the boys reacted so well in the second half. We kept going, kept fighting and managed to find a couple of goals to win the game, so overall delighted with the result.”

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      Boss Jurgen Klopp made four changes to his side for the clash, including bringing in Belgium international Divock Origi.
      And the German revealed he was relieved he could finally give the striker his first minutes of the season.
      Klopp, 54, said: “To be 100 per cent honest I thought he would maybe leave in the summer, but the football world is a crazy place and people obviously forgot how good he is.
      “I’m really happy I could give him the opportunity and that he used it like he did.”
      Jordan Henderson signs new long term deal with Liverpool More

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      Man Utd, Liverpool and City interested in Jude Bellingham transfer next summer after shining for Borussia Dortmund

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was basking in more acclaim after outshining even Erling Haaland in Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League opener.Teenager Bellingham was the star of the show by scoring the opener and then setting up Haaland’s strike as Dortmund withstood an ordeal by Turkish fire to beat Besiktas 2-1 in Istanbul.
      Jude Bellingham became the youngest player to score in consecutive Champions League games
      Jude Bellingham was voted as Uefa’s Player of the Match after the matchCredit: Getty
      It was further evidence of the 18-year-old’s remarkable maturity and ability to make himself a mainstay of a major side at such a tender age.
      Bellingham celebrated his man of the match display by interrupting Haaland’s post-match TV interview – and planting a smacker on the Norwegian’s cheek.
      The pair have become Dortmund’s new dynamic duo, with Haaland telling the cameras: “He’s just unbelievable.
      “And he’s three years younger than me. It’s crazy!”
      It is not just Haaland and the Dortmund fans who have taken a shine to Bellingham, who became the youngest player to score back to back Champions League goals with his strike in Turkey.
      Bellingham, with a cheeky smile, said: “Now I want to be the youngest player to score in three straight games.”

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      But it was as much the other aspects of his performance that explained why Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City – among others – will be out to try to lure him back to England when Dortmund are prepared to sell.
      That is unlikely to be next summer, with Haaland also certain to go when his £75m buy-out clause is triggered.
      Having lost Jadon Sancho to United this summer, Dortmund will be desperate to hold on to Bellingham for at least another 12 months.
      But his displays have seen Germany’s biggest-selling paper Bild predict: “He will be Dortmund’s upcoming £100m transfer in the next few years.”
      Bellingham is keeping Belgian star Axel Witsel on the bench and coach Marco Rose said: “Jude is just a great guy. In every single way.
      “His mentality, the willingness to work for the team, the intensity with which he plays football, the will to win and of course the solutions he finds on the football pitch.
      “The way he assisted the second goal and scored the first himself is extraordinary. That’s why we’re glad to have such a boy with us.”

      Bellingham is the future of the England midfield, too, even though he is currently one of the understudies to Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips.
      Yet if the former Birmingam starlet continues his rapid ascent, it is hard to see Gareth Southgate not wanting him as part of his midfield axis when the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar in November 2022.
      But while Bellingham’s future in the Prem is assured, one man who is set to stay in the Bundesliga is Leon Goretzka.
      United were keen on landing the midfielder this summer but Bayern Munich refused to listen to any offers and have now agreed a new contract for the Germany star to stay in Bavaria until 2026.
      Jude Bellingham kisses Erling Haaland after gatecrashing interview as Dortmund star hails ‘amazing’ England ace More

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      Pep Guardiola told to stick to team tactics by angry Man City supporters’ club after ‘uncalled for’ comments

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has been told to stick to coaching by his own fans after pleading with Manchester City supporters to come to home matches. City only sold 38,062 tickets for the 6-3 win over RB Leipzig – leaving just under 17,000 empty seats in the 55,000-capacity stadium. 
      Only 38,062 fans watched Man City’s nine-goal thriller against RB LeipzigCredit: PA:Press Association
      Pep Guardiola pleaded with fans to come in their numbers against Southampton on Saturday
      And the Spaniard called on fans to turn out in their numbers for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Southampton after the poor Champions League turnout. 
      But City’s Official Supporters’ Club Representative Kevin Parker fumed: “I’m not sure what that’s got to do with him.
      “He doesn’t understand the difficulties that some people might have getting to a game at the Etihad on a Wednesday evening at 8pm.
      “They’ve got kids to think of, they might not be able to afford it, there are still some Covid issues about… I don’t see why he comments on it.
      “He’s absolutely the best coach in the world but, in the nicest possible way, I think maybe he should stick to that.
      “It just takes the edge off what was a good night. People are talking more about Pep’s comments than a fantastic game.

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      “To question the support, which is effectively what he is doing, is disappointing and uncalled for.
      “It does also play into the hands of supporters from other teams who want to take every opportunity to have a go at City for what they think are the poor attendances.
      “People refer to the Etihad as the ‘Emptyhad’. It’s a little bit of fun by the opposition supporters but there’s no justification for it. It’s not factual. Our attendances are generally excellent.”
      He’s absolutely the best coach in the world but, in the nicest possible way, I think maybe he should stick to that.Kevin Parker, City Support’s Club Representative
      Guardiola, 50, said after the nine-goal thriller last night: “The last three games we’ve played here we’ve scored 16 goals.
      “I would like more people to come to the next game on Saturday.
      “We need the people, please, because we will be tired.
      “I know the team from Ralph (Hasenhuttl) is quite similar, they way they play. They’re so dangerous and it’s a really important game.
      “So I invite all our people to come next Saturday at 3pm to watch.”
      City had the fifth-highest average attendance in the last full season with fans
      Guardiola sends public plea for Man City fans to fill Etihad for Southampton after 17,000 empty seats vs RB Leipzig More

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      Watch Jude Bellingham kiss Erling Haaland after gatecrashing interview as Dortmund star hails ‘amazing’ England ace

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM comically showed his admiration for Erling Haaland’s Champions League efforts by giving the striker a quick peck on the cheek.And the Norway ace cracked a smile when the England starlet planted a post-match smacker on him after Dortmund’s win against Besiktas. 
      Jude Bellingham interrupted Erling Haaland’s interview with a kiss following Dortmund’s defeat of Besiktas
      Bellingham was in fine form against Besiktas netting Dortmund’s second goal
      The Borussia Dortmund aces were both on target with first-half goals for the German giants in their first Champions League group game this term.
      And Haaland, 21, was singing the praises of his highly-rated Birmingham team-mate shortly after being on the receiving end of a swift kiss. 
      Haaland said: “He’s amazing. He’s 18, three years younger than me and it’s crazy. “What I can say. He is amazing.

      Of the defeat of Besiktas, Haaland said: “We fight and we did good, so I’m happy for the win.” 
      Bellingham and Haaland’s efforts in Dortmund’s attack has earned plaudits from supporters and pundits.
      The duo have racked up 11 goals in seven games for Dortmund this term. 
      And this includes Bellingham’s stunning volley against Besiktas in this term’s Champions League

      And Bellingham’s affectionate post-match pecker prompted praise from fans for the Dortmund pair on social media. 
      One Twitter account described the Three Lions ace and his team-mate as “two of the best youngsters in the world”. 
      Another complimented Bellingham for “being on fire” for the German giants. 

      A third account posted the words ‘Hey Jude’ with a laughter emoji whilst another described Bellingham’s kiss as “class”. 
      Bellingham and his Dortmund teammates, who are third in Germany’s top-flight, will face Union Berlin in the Bundesliga next. 
      And a clash with Sporting Lisbon awaits them in their second Champions League group game on September 28.  

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      Jesse Lingard breaks silence after costing Man Utd with gaffe against Young Boys with grovelling apology to fans

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      JESSE LINGARD has apologised to Manchester United fans for his gaffe that cost them a Champions League point at Young Boys.The midfielder’s woeful backpass played Theoson Siebatcheu in to make it 2-1 to the hosts in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.
      Jesse Lingard has broken his silence after his gaffe handed Young Boys a Champions League win over Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The midfielder posted a statement on social media
      Lingard, 28, came in for criticism from all angles after the error and has fronted up to it on social media.
      He posted a picture of himself looking glum after the final whistle on Twitter and Instagram.
      And the former West Ham loanee wrote: “Last night hurt. Every time I pull on the United shirt, I hope people understand what it means to me.
      “I always go out wanting to do the best for the club, the team and especially the fans. I’m upset for my part in the defeat.
      “I never want to lose any game but mistakes happen in football and we now push on together.
      “We will all pick ourselves up and I can’t wait for Sunday.”

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      Cristiano Ronaldo gave the Red Devils the lead after just 13 minutes in Switzerland on what looked set to be an easy opening night outing in the Champions League.
      But United fell apart following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s red card for an ankle-high first half challenge.
      Young Boys levelled before sub Lingard’s nightmare pass allowed the hosts to grab the winner.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

      Rio Ferdinand, 42, went in two-footed as he assessed the game for BT Sport and compared it to last season’s embarrassing defeat in the same competition away to Istanbul Basaksehir.
      He said: “This is Basaksehir all over again. It’s a big mistake from Jesse.
      “Wherever you go in Europe you’ve got to be on your game.”

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      Cristiano Ronaldo comforts steward he KOd with ball during Man Utd warm-up as he translates for medics More

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      Club Brugge 1 PSG 1: Lionel Messi, Neymar and Mbappe flop on first start together as PSG draw at Belgian minnows

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      LIONEL MESSI was unable to perform his usual Champions League magic on his full Paris Saint-Germain debut.After making a sensational summer switch from Barcelona, the Argentine fired a blank as the Parisians were left frustrated against Club Brugge.
      Lionel Messi and Neymar played together with Kylian Mbappe for the first time in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP
      But the trio didn’t have enough to overcome Belgian minnows Club BruggeCredit: AFP
      The 34-year-old was making his 150th Champions League appearance but it was the first time he walked out to the famous anthem not wearing Catalan colours.
      With Cristiano Ronaldo already hitting three in his opening two games for Manchester United, Messi would have been itching to get on the score sheet for his new club.
      And as former United midfielder Ander Herrera’s opener was quickly cancelled out by Hans Vanaken, Messi hit the bar, had an effort saved from close range and even fired into row Z as he tried his best to find the winner.
      But after seeing his former side thrashed 3-0 by Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, even he would have felt lucky to be lining up alongside Kylian Mbappe and old Barca pal Neymar for the first time.
      Yet it was PSG’s unexpected top scorer this season who carried on his hot streak.
      Herrera fired in his FOURTH of the campaign after rifling past former Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet on 15 minutes.

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      Yet the Belgian side did not feel intimidated by PSG’s star studded line up.
      Brugge skipper Vanaken immediately hit back when he stabbed home after being left unmarked in the penalty area.
      Messi nearly restored the lead in trademark style seconds later by smacking the bar with a left-footed curler from 25-yards.
      But if it wasn’t for Keylor Navas Brugge would have been ahead before the break after the Costa Rican keeper pulled off a spectacular save to deny Eder Balanta.
      Ander Herrera put PSG 1-0 up after 15 minutesCredit: Getty
      But Hans Vanaken equalised for Brugge just 12 minutes laterCredit: Rex
      Messi came close again on the hour mark as he wiggled his way into the six yard box only to be denied by Mingolet.
      And even as Brugge’s players started to look leggy late on Mauricio Pochettino’s men failed to find a breakthrough.
      Manchester City’s 6-3 win against RB Leipzig meant they went top of Group A with PSG sitting second.

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