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      ‘He knows ball’ say fans as Bruno Fernandes reveals ‘underrated’ Man Utd legend he wishes he’d played with

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has expressed his dream to have played alongside underrated Manchester United legend Michael Carrick.Carrick, who is now manager at Championship side Middlesbrough, retired from football at Old Trafford in 2018 – two years before Fernandes’ arrival.
      Bruno Fernandes said he wished he had the chance to play with Michael CarrickCredit: Rex
      Carrick retired from football at Man Utd in 2018 two years before Fernandes’ arrivalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Carrick is now the manager at Championship side MiddlesbroughCredit: PA
      United’s captain Fernandes joined the club in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth £67million.
      And while Carrick was in charge of the Portuguese midfielder for three games as caretaker manager – after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure in 2021 – they never played alongside each other.
      When Fernandes was asked what United legend he wanted to play with he said: “Michael Carrick, because I loved him. I love the way he plays.
      “I think as a No6, someone that gives a lot of balls to the players playing up front, like between the lines.
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      “He was a player that was not much in the spotlight, but he was really important for the club.”
      Carrick is one of England’s most decorated players of all time.
      During his 12 years at United, he was used as an emergency centre-back under Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. 
      And won five Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, one Champions League and three EFL Cups.
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      In January 2018, Carrick accepted an offer to join the club’s first-team coaching staff after his retirement at the end of the 2017–18 season – after making 464 appearances for United.
      In December 2021 he left United with immediate effect after the club appointed an interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
      Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes reveals you’ve been saying his name all wrong in amazing video
      The Englishman then went on to become Middlesbrough boss ten months later when the Championship side were 21st in the league on the brink of relegation.
      But Carrick would win 16 of his first 23 games as the club began to climb the table.
      He then guided his side to a 4th-place finish but Middlesbrough lost in the play-off semi-finals to Coventry.
      And this season Carrick led Middlesbrough to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup for the first time since 2004.
      The Yorkshire side were victorious in the first leg against Chelsea winning 1-0.
      However, they were thrashed 6-1 at Stamford Bridge in the second leg leading them to crash out of the competition. More

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      ‘Strangest straight red card ever seen’ handed to West Brom manager Carlos Corberan after ‘utterly bizarre’ moment

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      CARLOS CORBERAN sending off against Southampton has been dubbed “utterly bizarre”.The West Brom manager was shown a straight red card during Friday’s match at the Hawthorns.
      Carlos Corberan was sent off after just six minutes against SouthamptonCredit: Sky Sports
      Referee Sam Allison showed the West Brom boss a straight red card for interfering with playCredit: Sky Sports
      West Brom manager Carlos Corberán is SENT OFF within 6 minutes 🔴😱A moment of madness as the Baggies boss kicks the ball while it is still in play 🤯 pic.twitter.com/oPZCkjXBW8— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 16, 2024

      Referee Sam Allison dismissed the Baggies boss after he was deemed to have touched the ball before it went out of play.
      The incident occurred just six minutes into the Championship clash.
      Corberan’s moment of madness came as the ball appeared to be rolling out of play along the touchline nearest to the dugouts.
      He stepped forward and kicked it towards one of his players to take a quick throw-in, only for the ball to have not yet gone out.
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      As a result, he was seen as interfering with play by the officials and sent off by Allison.
      Reacting on social media, one fan wrote: “One of the strangest red cards I’ve ever seen.”

      Another simply dubbed the incident: “Utterly bizarre.”
      A third fan was more sympathetic, commenting: “Bit harsh to send him off.”
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      It soon went from bad to worse for the Baggies against their promotion-chasing opponents.
      Just eight minutes later, Ryan Fraser put the Saints in front with his sixth league goal of the season.
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      Corberan has been in charge of West Brom since October 2022 after replacing Steve Bruce as manager.
      After guiding the club to a ninth place finish last season, he currently has his side in the play-off places this term. More

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      Champions League to non-league and South Korea… where Nottingham Forest’s team that started 2022/23 season are now

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST ended their 23-year absence from top-flight football at the City Ground last season with a 1-0 victory over West Ham.And on Saturday, 18 months later, David Moyes Hammers returns.
      Nottingham Forest will next take on West Ham on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      But the side the East Enders will face is unrecognisable from the one they lost out to on Forest’s homecoming.
      For a start, Nuno Espirito Santo has replaced Steve Cooper in the home dugout.
      Yet incredibly, of the 20 players Cooper stripped for action that day – only four have any chance of featuring this time.
      Forest’s reserve goalkeeper in 2022 was Wayne Hennessey, who has now dropped to fourth choice behind Matz Sels, Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
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      That leaves goalscoring matchwinner Taiwo Awoniyi, full-backs Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo, and Moussa Niakhate as the four survivors who could feature again.
      That means a staggering 15 players who were on duty to face the Hammers last time around are no longer with Forest.
      Here SunSport reveals where they have all disappeared to.
      DEAN HENDERSON (CRYSTAL PALACE)
      Was the hero of the day, along with Awoniyi against West Ham, when he saved Declan Rice’s penalty.
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      Signed on loan from Manchester United to make the deal permanent, fate saw Henderson suffer a season-ending thigh injury against Leicester City in January.
      He returned to United who sold him to Palace for £20million in August.
      Everton and Nottingham Forest CHARGED by Premier League and face six point deduction
      JOE WORRALL (BESIKTAS)
      Captained Forest on their return to the Prem but fell out of favour with Cooper towards the end of his time at the City Ground.
      Failed to find a permanent place under Nuno and joined Turkish side Besiktas on loan earlier this month.
      SCOTT McKENNA (FC COPENHAGEN)
      Forest’s Player of the Year in their promotion-winning season, the Scotland defender missed large chunks of their first Premier season due to hamstring and collarbone injuries.
      Fell out of Cooper’s plans this season. Joined FC Copenhagen on loan in January and played against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.
      Scott McKenna is now playing in the Champions League for CopenhagenCredit: Zuma Press
      OREL MANGALA (FC LYON)
      The Belgian midfielder joined the Reds from Stuttgart in July 2022 and made 53 appearances for Forest.
      But he was allowed to leave for Lyon on loan for the remainder of the season on deadline day, as Forest tried to balance the books for Profit and Sustainability purposes.
      LEWIS O’BRIEN (MIDDLESBROUGH)
      Joined the club with Harry Toffolo from Huddersfield after Forest had beaten them at Wembley in the Play-Off final.
      Started last season but lost his place and was due to join Blackburn on loan, only to miss out because of the late submission of paperwork.
      Moved on loan to MLS side DC United, now on loan at Boro.
      JESSE LINGARD ( FC SEOUL)
      Arrived to much fanfare and a bumper pay packet from Manchester United on a free transfer in July 2022.
      But failed to score or provide an assist in his 17 league appearances and was released at the end of a disappointing debut season.
      Has just signed a two-year deal with Korean K League club FC Seoul.
      Jesse Lingard has signed for Korean K League club FC SeoulCredit: AP
      BRENNAN JOHNSON (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)
      The homegrown hero started last season by signing a new four-year-deal for Forest and ended it by signing for Spurs in a £47.5million deal.
      Forest were forced to cash in on their star forward to help ease PSR pressures amid threats of a points deduction.
      GIULIAN BIANCONE (OLYMPIACOS)
      The 23-year-old French right-back arrived from Ligue 1 club Troyes on a three-year contract but never started a Prem game.
      Managed 12 minutes as a sub in a 6-0 thrashing at Manchester City and four minutes of a 0-0 draw with Brighton.
      Flogged to Olympiacos for an undisclosed fee in September.
      STEVE COOK (QPR)
      The experienced centre-back helped Forest win promotion and played 14 games in all competitions on their return to the Prem.
      Signed for QPR in August.
      LOIC MBE SOH (ALMERE CITY)
      The Cameroonian centre-back cost £4.5million from Paris Saint-Germain in September 2020 and made 13 appearances for Forest – none of them in the Premier League.
      The 22-year-old spent much of last season on loan at Guingamp. Now on loan with Almere City in the Dutch Eredivisie.
      SAM SURRIDGE (NASHVILLE SC)
      Signed from Stoke City for £2.2million and scored seven goals in 20 appearances to help Forest win promotion.
      Spent most of his time on the bench in the Prem, however, starting just one of his 20 league appearances.
      Sold to MLS side Nashville for £5million in July.
      ALEX MIGHTEN (PORT VALE)
      USA-born but Nottingham-bred youngster who came through the club’s Academy.
      Has made more than 50 appearances for the club but a brief seven-minute appearance against Newcastle United on their return to the top flight was his only taste of the Premier League.
      The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Port Vale.
      CAFU (ROTHERHAM UNITED)
      The Portuguese midfielder joined Forest from their sister club Olympiacos in 2020 and helped them win promotion.
      But he only managed six minutes of Premier League football, coming on for Orel Mangala in that game against West Ham.
      Released at the end of last season and joined Rotherham.
      LYLE TAYLOR (CAMBRIDGE UNITED)
      Signed on a free transfer from Charlton Athletic in 2020 and scored eight goals in 33 appearances during Forest’s promotion season.
      But the striker never played a minute in the Prem last season and was loaned out to Birmingham City and Wycombe before joining Cambridge.

      Lyle Taylor is now out on loan at CambridgeCredit: Alamy
      OLIVER HAMMOND (OLDHAM ATHLETIC)
      The Academy graduate was on the bench for the Hammers game but moved on loan to Cheltenham Town shortly afterwards.
      Signed for National League Oldham last month. More

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      Championship club announce £60million takeover as American businessman strikes agreement

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      FLORIDA entrepreneur Shilen Patel and his father Dr Kiran C. Patel have reached an agreement to acquire an 87.8 per cent shareholding in West Bromwich Albion Group Limited.That is the parent company of West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
      An American businessman has reached an agreement to take over West BromCredit: PA
      Shilen Patel will also be named Chairman of West BromCredit: Rex
      The takeover has been approved by the EFL – and completion is to take place next week.
      Shilen Patel, who will also be named Chairman of, is described as a serial investor across five continents.
      He has owned a minority shareholding in Serie A club Bologna since 2014.
      Shilen Patel said: “I am thrilled and grateful to have reached an agreement to become the custodian of West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
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      “The club’s exceptional history, support, and potential set it apart even here in the cradle of football.
      “My goal is to help the club achieve a future worthy of its history as a pioneering top-flight club that marshals the pride and passion that have defined the Albion for generations.
      “I am excited to get started at The Hawthorns and look forward to the deal completing next week.”
      Patel will replace Guochuan Lia, who purchased the Baggies in 2016.
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      He spent £175million to replace Jeremy Peace at the Midlands club.
      Reports claim Patel’s deal could be worth £60million.
      West Brom star Kyle Bartley forced to drag children away from mass brawl at Black Country derby
      Of that, £28m would be for West Brom itself.
      And the rest covers the debts left over from the previous regime.
      The Baggies currently sit fifth in the Championship with 15 wins from 31 games.
      They are 14 points off the automatic promotion spots.
      And fans will be hoping that Patel can return them to the Premier League following relegation in 2021. More

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      Championship giants confirm safe standing area in stadium will be introduced THIS YEAR in huge boost to fans

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      NORWICH have confirmed they are introducing safe standing at Carrow Road this summer.The Championship club will install the areas to their ground ahead of the 2024/25 season.
      Norwich are set to introduce safe standing areas ahead of the 2024/25 seasonCredit: Rex
      Clubs have been permitted to install safe standing since receiving government approval in 2022Credit: PA
      Providers Ferco are set to carry out work in the Lower Barclay, Thorpe Corner and a section of the away fans area in the coming months.
      Ferco previously installed safe standing areas at both Celtic Park and Loftus Road.
      The Canaries revealed the decision was made after consulting with their supporter panel, fan groups and the Sports Ground Safety Authority.
      Executive director Zoe Webber told the club website: “Safe standing is something we’ve been keen to implement at Carrow Road for some time, but it was important that we properly consulted our wider fanbase and the relevant safety authorities.
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      “We’ve had some very engaging conversations with supporter groups and official supporter panel, as well as some important feedback from season ticket holders.
      “We’d like to thank all of those that have engaged with the club throughout this process.
      “We also understand that safe standing may not be for everyone and we’ll do our utmost to accommodate supporters in other areas of the ground should they wish.”
      Premier League and EFL clubs have been able to implement safe standing since 2022 after receiving government approval following a series of trials.
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      Norwich are currently in their second season back in the Championship following relegation two years ago.
      David Wagner’s side are seventh in the table and only outside the play-offs on goal difference after their 4-2 win over Watford on Tuesday.
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      Ex-Premier League cult hero Yannick Bolasie agrees bizarre return to football after being left unemployed by Swansea

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      YANNICK BOLASIE is on the verge of joining Brazilian side Criciuma, according to reports.The former Premier League star has been without a club since leaving Swansea at the end of his short-term contract last month.
      Yannick Bolasie had a brief spell at Swansea earlier this seasonCredit: Getty
      The winger became a Prem cult hero with Crystal PalaceCredit: AFP or licensors
      Bolasie, 34, made 10 Championship appearances for the Swans, but left after Luke Williams took over from sacked former boss Michael Duff.
      According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bolasie has agreed a pre-contract with Criciuma.
      He adds that the winger is set to fly out to Brazil to complete the deal next week, should the final details of the transfer be sorted.
      Criciuma came third in Serie B last year, earning promotion back to the top flight.
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      They boast 26-cap former Italy striker Eder among their ranks.
      Upon Bolasie’s Swansea departure, boss Williams complimented his attitude.
      The former Notts County boss said: “Yannick has been great to work with during his time at the club.
      “He has been a real professional and we wish him well in whatever is next for him.”
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      Bolasie began his career with Hillingdon Borough and Maltese side Floriana before joining Plymouth Argyle in 2008.
      He went on to have spells at Rushden & Diamonds, Barnet and Bristol City, before really making his name with Crystal Palace.
      The Biggest January Flop Signings In Premier League History
      After four years at Selhurst Park, during which he helped Palace earn promotion to the Premier League, he joined Everton for £25million.
      Bolasie suffered from numerous injury issues at Goodison Park, and went on to embark on loan spells at Aston Villa, Anderlecht, Sporting Lisbon and Middlesbrough.
      He left the Toffees in 2021 after making just 32 appearances for them in five years, going on to join Turkish side Caykur Rizespor in 2021.
      His brief stint with Swansea followed, ahead of his mooted move to Brazil. More

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      Roy Hodgson set to be sacked before end of season over horror run with Championship boss and Bundesliga gaffer in frame

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      ROY HODGSON is set to be sacked by Crystal Palace following a horror run of games.Palace’s awful form has seen them plunge into a relegation scrap – and they currently sit in 15th place just five points above the drop.
      Roy Hodgson is set to be sacked by Crystal Palace following a horror run of gamesCredit: Rex
      Their most recent 3-1 defeat at home to Chelsea was the club’s 12th of the season and a number of protests by Eagles fans have taken place in recent weeks.
      According to the Daily Mail, Palace have decided to act by sacking Hodgson for a second time.
      It remains to be seen if he will leave before Monday’s game against Everton.
      But the call is believed to have been made to make the change before the end of the season.
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      Chairman Steve Parish is said to have wanted to stick with Hodgson until the summer.
      But the veteran manager’s position at Selhurst Park has been in doubt amid the club’s poor form.
      Talks are now underway over who will replace Hodgson, with former Eintracht Frankfurt head coach Oliver Glasner in the running.
      Glasner spoke with Palace last summer but was Hodgson eventually given a new 12 month contract.
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      The Austrian has been out of work since leaving Frankfurt at the end of last season.
      SunSport understands that Palace are also lining up Kieran McKenna, whose Ipswich side sit fourth in the Championship.
      Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui also join McKenna on Palace’s shortlist.
      Conor Gallagher apologises live on Sky Sports in interview after Chelsea’s win over Crystal Palace
      But the trio are believed to be reluctant to take the role at the moment as the Eagles look to have a relegation battle on their hands.
      Parish has, though, spoken to fellow owners to discuss Hodgson’s future and potential replacements.
      Oliver Glasner previously held talks with PalaceCredit: EPA
      Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna is on Palace’s wishlistCredit: PA More

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      I’ve gone from non-league to the top flight in just ten months ahead of my Premier League debut this weekend

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      LEWIS Smith will complete a remarkable refereeing story on Saturday as he leaps from the National League to the Prem in just 10 months.Smith, 30, will become the youngest rookie ref in the top flight since Michael Oliver, who was 25 when he made his bow in 2010.
      Lewis Smith has leaped from the National League to the Premier League in the space of ten monthsCredit: Rex
      Smith is the youngest rookie ref since Michael Oliver in 2010Credit: Rex
      But the Wigan whistler has been catapulted through the ranks from the fifth tier to taking charge of Fulham’s clash with Aston Villa.
      Smith had his first EFL appointments last season but was still taking charge of National League matches until April.
      He was then promoted to the EFL full-time panel at the start of this season, making his Championship bow when he took charge of Plymouth’s game with Swansea in October.
      Smith will become the fifth new refereeing face in the Prem this season after Sam Allison, Sam Barrott, Josh Smith and Rebecca Welch.
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      But his rapid rise is viewed as a positive result of both his performances and the ability of refs’ chief’s Howard Webb’s development group to identify the cream of the next generation of officials.
      Smith’s career began in September 2016 when he led the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton.
      He would remain taking charge the lower and youth divisions before making his way to the FA Cup first-round between Banbury and Canvey Island the 2020-21 season.
      Then in the 2022-23 season Smith led one Championship clash against Watford and Stoke City plus five games in League One and seven in League Two.
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      Now this term the Englishman has officiated four FA Cup and three EFL Cup games for Championship teams.
      Saturday at Craven Cottage will mark his 198th match in the role as Smith looks to become a regular in top-flight English football.
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      Sam Barrott is the only other 30-year-old to take charge of a Premier League match this season.
      While Rebecca Welch became the first woman to referee a Premier League match – officiating Fulham and Burnley in December last year. More