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      How Man Utd could line-up at Newcastle following Covid outbreak ripping through Rangnick’s side and Martial wanting out

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have all-but-one of their players available for their trip to Newcastle after their recent Covid outbreak – with just Paul Pogba missing through injury.But Ralf Rangnick will have to decide what to do with Anthony Martial who wants to leave.
      Man Utd have everyone apart from Paul Pogba available for their game at Newcastle
      The Reds kick-off at 8pm at St James’ Park looking to leapfrog West Ham and Tottenham into fifth.
      And Rangnick has 25 players to pick from.
      United had their last two matches postponed because of a Covid outbreak in their squad.
      They also closed their training ground last Thursday.
      But having taken action, Pogba is now the only absentee – missing with a thigh strain.
      The Frenchman is set to be out for another fortnight but Rangnick is pleased with the number of players at his disposal.
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      Ralf Rangnick is expected to play a 4-2-2-2 at St James’ Park and could chop and change
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      He said on Thursday: “As you know, last week the last training session was on Thursday.
      “We had eight fewer players and three goalkeepers and then we closed the training ground for four days in order to break the chain.
      “And today was the third day of training this week, we started on Tuesday, we trained yesterday and today, and today we have 25 outfield players.
      “So apart from Paul Pogba, he’s the only one still missing, everyone else is on board.
      “The development of the last week is extremely positive.
      “We will train tomorrow and there will be a day off for the players on Christmas Day and then we have the last training session here on Sunday and will fly evening to Newcastle.
      “As far as I could see today in training, they’re all in good shape, all the players did their homework, they had their schedule to train at home and all of them stick to that schedule and to that programme.
      “So from what I saw from training today, I can say most of them if not all of them might be available.
      Paul Pogba will be missing against Newcastle againCredit: AP
      ‘DIFFICULT DECISIONS’
      “But I have to take some difficult decisions who will be in the squad and in the starting XI.”
      Last week, Rangnick told Martial ‘Forget about leaving in January because NOBODY wants you.
      He confirmed the French international told him he wants out of Old Trafford.
      But Rangnick says they will only sell the 26-year-old next month if it suits the club.
      United are still fighting in three competitions and seem certain to have a busy end to the season.
      And despite reports of interest from Seville, Rangnick says nobody has made a move for Martial.
      Rangnick said: “Yes we spoke on Wednesday. We spoke at length.
      “He explained to me he’s been at Manchester United now for seven years and he feels it’s the right time for a change, to go somewhere else.
      “In a way this is understandable, I could follow his thoughts but on the other hand, it’s also important to see the situation of the club.
      “We have Covid times, we have three competitions in which we still have high ambitions.
      “I told him as long as there is no club showing interest in him, and it should not only be in the interest of the player it should also be in the interest of the club.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      “So far, as far as I know, there has been no offer from any other club and as long as this is the case he will stay.”
      Martial’s agent Philippe Lamboley irritated Rangnick earlier this month by going public with his client’s desire to leave prior to discussing it with the United boss.
      The striker, who cost £36million from Monaco in 2015 in a deal that could rise to £58m, has started only three matches in all competitions this season with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo limiting his opportunities.
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      Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick reveals he phoned Covid-hit stars with HOMEWORK when training ground shut down amid outbreak

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      RALF RANGNICK said that his Manchester United stars missed some key days of learning due to the Covid outbreak at Carrington — but most of them did their homework.The Old Trafford interim boss had earmarked the week leading up to Christmas with no fixtures as a good time to get ideas into his players.
      Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed he gave his players homework to do when the training ground was shut
      Instead that was extended as the Red Devils were forced to cancel two Prem fixtures and shut their training ground for four days due to the virus.
      But Rangnick spoke regularly with his isolated players to make sure they were keeping in shape while at home.
      He also worked with his coaches to prepare videos for the squad to watch and get a better understanding of what is expected of them under the new regime.
      Rangnick said: “Obviously during those four days we couldn’t do it. I spoke with most of the players who were in isolation or positively tested.
      “I spoke with 16 or 17 players individually over the phone to hear how they are and how they were feeling. But we did a lot of work in between with my coaching staff, preparing video footage.
      “We’ll follow up on that because it’s important that they really know what it’s about, how we should play, how to find the best possible balance of playing offensively.
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      “We must make use of the offensive players we have but at the same time be able to defend and make sure we get further clean sheets in the future.”
      The former Red Bull Leipzig boss was encouraged by the condition of his players when they returned to their HQ on Tuesday.
      And United had an extra day to prepare after their trip to struggling Newcastle was put back 24 hours until tonight for television coverage.
      Rangnick said: “They all had a schedule at home. Physically they look good, they had a very intense training session when they came back.
      “The energy level was high, all the players were fully engaged.
      “It could also happen that we rotate from one game to the next, especially when you play every three days.”
      He said the players have come back in such good shape that he is likely to have a selection headache at St James’ Park.
      He said: “Right now everyone is available apart from Paul Pogba. It will not be so easy to decide on the first XI but also the eight players on the bench.”
      Rangnick has added two coaches to his backroom staff in recent weeks — in Chris Armas and Ewan Sharp — as well as sports psychologist Sascha Lense.
      He confirmed their contracts, like his, are for the remainder of the season — but that their could be scope for them to stay longer at Old Trafford.
      Rangnick said: “Their contracts are until the end of the season but this doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be able to stay beyond that.
      “I’ve worked with all three of them in the past and know how good they are.”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison reposts ‘anti-vax’ message online

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      THE wife of England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has reposted an apparent social media anti-vax message.Megan Davison, 25, who has a children’s studies degree, shared a photo from last week’s Freedom Rally in London, where police faced violence.
      Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison posted an anti-vax message on social media from last week’s Freedom Rally in LondonCredit: The Sun
      The England goalkeeper’s WAG, 25, reposted a snap showing a protester with a placardCredit: Refer to Caption
      It shows a protester with a placard reading: “Even if you’re not conspiracy minded, something in your soul has to say…something is wrong.”
      Megan did not post a comment with the snap.
      And the girlfriend of England defender John Stones, 27, has also posted anti-vax messages.
      Olivia Naylor, 32, said: “Do not get a vaccine so you can travel because that ski trip means nothing and your human rights mean everything.”
      “Even if you are vaccinated, say no to proving it. It’s a severe breach of human rights.”
      It is feared that by reposting the messages Megan and Olivia could dissuade others from having the vaccine.
      Covid booster jabs protect against Omicron and offer the best chance to get through the pandemic, health officials have repeatedly said.
      The Sun’s Jabs Army campaign is helping get the vital extra vaccines in Brits’ arms to ward off the need for any new restrictions.
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      Megan did not post a comment with the snap which read ‘Even if you’re not conspiracy minded, something in your soul has to say…something is wrong’
      Jordan Pickford sings Cher with girlfriend and pals at post-Euros party More

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      Arsenal’s clash with Wolves becomes latest Premier League fixture postponed due to Covid outbreak at Molineux

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      ARSENAL’S Emirates clash with Wolves on Tuesday is the latest Premier League game called off because of Covid-19.An outbreak of cases in Wolves’ squad, combined with several injuries to their players, has seen the fixture pushed back to the new year.
      Arsenal’s game against Wolves on December 28 has been postponed because of Covid cases in the Midlands side’s squadCredit: EPA
      The Premier League has accepted Wolves’ request to postpone the game.
      It’s the second festive Wolves fixture to be pulled after their Boxing Day game vs Watford was also axed because of case numbers in the Hornets’ squad.
      Arsenal said: “We are disappointed to announce our Premier League fixture against Wolves on Tuesday December 28 has been postponed due to a number of the Wolves squad testing positive for Covid-19.
      “This game will be rescheduled in due course and any tickets and/or hospitality packages purchased for this fixture will be valid for the rescheduled date.
      “We apologise to our fans for any disappointment and inconvenience caused.
      “Thank you for your support.”
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      Wolves wrote: “Wolves’ trip to Arsenal on Tuesday 28 December has been postponed, with Bruno Lage having an insufficient number of players available to fulfil the fixture.
      “A combination of positive Covid-19 test results and injuries led to Wolves requesting for the fixture to be postponed, which was accepted early to give supporters a two-day notice period.”
      Hwang Hee-chan, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Willy Boly are all currently out injured.
      And Wolves are also without longer-term stricken stars Pedro Neto, Jonny Castro Otto and Yerson Mosquera.
      The Midlands side haven’t played since a 0-0 draw with Chelsea on December 19.
      Fabio Silva and Mosquera both tested positive before that one.
      But there have been a number of further cases in recent days.
      Bruno Lage’s side’s next scheduled match is Manchester United away on January 3.
      And Mikel Arteta – who said the festive fixture congestion was ‘unfair’ on Boxing Day – see his side host Manchester City on New Tear’s Day.
      LEEDS VS VILLA ALSO CANNED
      It comes after Leeds’ game with Aston Villa was canned on Boxing Day.
      The two sides were due to go head-to-head on Tuesday – but it has now been confirmed the game is off.
      A large number of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad who tested positive prior to the cancelled match with Liverpool due to take place on Boxing Day will not be out of isolation in time to play.
      Leeds confirmed: “We can confirm our Premier League game with Aston Villa on 28th December 2021 has been postponed.
      “Whilst there have been no new Covid cases in the playing squad, the majority of those who tested positive prior to the Liverpool game are not yet out of isolation.
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs
      “Therefore, we still do not have enough recognised first-team players to meet the Premier League requirements for the fixture.”
      A statement from Villa said: “Aston Villa can confirm our Premier League fixture with Leeds United on Tuesday, December 28 has been postponed due to Covid-19 cases in the Leeds squad.
      “Everyone at Aston Villa would like to send our best wishes and a speedy recovery to everyone affected at Leeds United.”
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      San Siro could become amazing monument to Covid victims under stunning plans to plant 35,000 trees inside iconic stadium

      by

      A LEADING Italian architect has devised plans to turn the San Siro into a beautiful memorial in tribute of those who died because of the coronavirus.Currently home to Serie A giants AC Milan and Inter, the clubs recently announced plans for a new state-of-the-art stadium called ‘The Cathedral’.
      Leading Italian architect Angelo Renna wants to turn the San Siro into a Covid memorialCredit: Angelo Renna
      Inspired by Milan’s famous landmarks, Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the 65,000 all-seater stadium should be complete by 2027 – with the two teams continuing to share the space.
      But, to help fund the project, the San Siro is set to be demolished as part of the redevelopment of the area.
      However, draughtsman Angelo Renna has drawn up impressive plans to plant 35,000 cypress trees on the site instead and turn it into a stunning monument that honours those who lost their lives during the pandemic.
      And this will live alongside the new stadium if it gets approved.
      SAVE THE SAN SIRO
      “The main idea is to save the legendary San Siro stadium from demolition, converting the entire structure into a place of commemoration in memory of the victims of Covid-19,” Renna told design magazine Dezeen.
      “Almost 35,000 people have lost their lives in Italy during the past five months during the coronavirus pandemic and Milan has been one of the main epicentres.
      “My hope is to create a spiritual and sacred place in which people will able to reconnect with their beloved ones.”
      Officially known as the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, it’s homed AC Milan since 1927 and Inter from 1947.
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      The decision to destroy it has split fans in Italy, with AC Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis moving to allay their fears.
      “I understand the doubts, because San Siro is a special place, but it’s necessary to have courage,” the former Arsenal CEO said.
      “Feelings exist and cannot be questioned. The memories of San Siro will be there forever, no one will be able to erase them, it’s impossible.
      “Every League in the world that has been successful has done so by building new stadiums, with an incredible and inclusive experience for the fans.
      “We have everything that is needed: the football, the people, fans. I see a brilliant future, you just need to have courage.
      “Creating new stadiums is a fundamental step if we want to be at the top of the football world again.”
      ‘The Cathedral’ is the proposed new AC MIlan and Inter stadiumCredit: POPULOUS
      Set to open in 2027, it will boast 65,000 seatsCredit: POPULOUS
      ‘A SECOND LIFE’
      Renna, though, feels differently to Gazidis.
      His suggestion is the ground needs “a second life” and his idea is a radical but poignant one.
      “My proposal involves the transformation of the existing stadium into something completely different from its current use so that we can give this place a new identity – a second life,” said Renna.
      “Maintaining the body by modifying its use. It may seem like a contrasting choice, but I personally see it more as an opportunity to create something unique and special for those people who have lost their beloved ones.”
      In the proposals, Renna wants to take the roof off the San Siro and remove all the seats.
      Then, the stands will be covered with earth and 35,000 Cypress trees will be planted to represent roughly each death in Italy.
      Renna’s drafted plans allow for 35,000 Cypress trees to be planted where the stands wereCredit: Angelo Renna
      Renna wants to take the roof off the San Siro and remove all the seatsCredit: Angelo Renna
      A grassed area will remain in the middle, with holes created in the stands acting as walkways that will allow access to it.
      Renna explained why Cypress trees were vital to the project.
      “The cypress is a common ornamental tree cultivated for millennia throughout the whole Mediterranean region,” he divulged.
      “The dark green vertical shape of these trees is a highly characteristic signature of cemeteries and sacred spaces, like a symbol of immortality, emblem of life after death.
      “The cypress is also a tree that thanks to its intricate and thick crown provide habitat for many birds, dormice, squirrels, lizards, and many other animals”.
      A GENUINE POSSIBILITY
      With estimated costs of the demolition said to be at the £60million mark, Renna believes his monument idea is a viable option.
      The 35,000 Cypress trees planted will represent the people who lost their lives during the pandemicCredit: Angelo Renna
      A grassed area where the pitch was will be accessible for visitors to walk onCredit: Angelo Renna
      “Absolutely it is possible,” he said.
      “Especially if you consider that the demolition of the existing stadium will cost apparently 70 million euros. They could use the money designed for the demolition to realise this proposal.”
      However, both clubs would have to be on board, as well as local council.
      Renna said: “The biggest challenge would be to convince the municipality and the two Milan teams to avoid the demolition of such historical and symbolic place in favour of a transformation in something new and special.”  More

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      in Soccer

      All sporting events in Wales to be played behind closed doors from Boxing Day to help combat growing Covid cases

      by

      ALL sporting events in Wales will be played behind closed doors from Boxing Day.The continued surge in Covid cases across the country has led the Welsh Government to put in place the blanket ban.
      Cardiff Blues vs Scarlets will be played on Boxing Day with no fans in the stadiumCredit: Getty
      Cardiff fans will not be able to celebrate their team scoring at home for the time beingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The current rate is just under 550 cases per 100,000 people as the Omicron variant causes chaos.
      Economy minister Vaughan Gething said: “Sporting events over the Christmas period are one of the big highlights of the year.
      “Unfortunately, the new Omicron variant is a significant development in the pandemic and could cause a large number of infections.
      “We need to do everything we can to protect people’s health and control the spread of this awful virus.
      “The advice is clear – we need to act now in response to the threat of Omicron. We are giving people as much notice of these decisions as we can.
      “Crowds will come back as soon as possible. We want everyone to be here to enjoy their favourite sports.”
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      A £3million Spectator Sports Fund is being made available to clubs and venues affected by the latest restrictions, which are being reviewed ‘regularly’.
      The ruling, announced at midnight, will affect various sports including football, rugby union and horse racing.
      Cardiff City were due to host Coventry on Boxing Day but that game has already been called off due to Covid cases in the Bluebirds’ squad.
      Similarly, Newport County vs Forest Green Rovers is also off while Swansea fans can make the trip to South London to watch their side take on Millwall.
      But they will not be permitted entry when they host Luton three days later.
      Both Cardiff and Swansea have home ties in the FA Cup third round which will now be played with empty stands.
      The crunch United Rugby Championship clash between Cardiff Blues and Scarlets on Boxing Day is also affected, while the other Welsh derby between Ospreys and Dragons is already off.
      More than 6,000 tickets had been sold for Monday’s Welsh Grand National at Chepstow – but the turnstiles will not open for that, either.

      In England, however, things are continuing as planned for the time being.
      The Premier League clubs voted against a festive circuit breaker on Monday.
      Teams will have to fulfil a fixture as long as they have 13 outfield players and one goalkeeper available for selection – with Under-23s players drafted in as cover if necessary.
      But reports in The Times suggest the top flight could follow Wales’ lead with matches played behind closed doors again soon.
      The Welsh Grand National will have no spectators when the horses set off on MondayCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Leicester vs Tottenham called OFF hours before kick-off after both Covid-hit clubs beg Premier League to delay game

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      LEICESTER CITY’s Premier League clash with Tottenham has been called off due to Covid.Both clubs have been dealing with major outbreaks of the virus in their respective squads.
      Leicester vs Tottenham has been postponedCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers was critical of the Premier League for rejecting the clubs bid to delay the matchCredit: GETTY
      Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers was critical of the Premier League for rejecting the club’s request to postpone the match due to the absence of NINE first-team players.
      But the Northern Irishman has got his wish just hours before this evening’s match at the King Power Stadium.
      Prem chiefs opted to postpone the match this afternoon due to the number of cases in both teams’ squads.
      And just a matter of hours later, the Prem board decided to postpone Manchester United’s clash with Brighton due to another Covid outbreak.
      New dates for both fixtures, however, are currently unknown.
      Spurs’ clash with the Foxes is the latest top-flight match to fall victim to a Covid-enforced postponement.
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      The north Londoners, Manchester United and Watford’s respective trips to Brighton, Brentford and Burnley were all recently postponed due to Covid outbreaks.
      The sharp rise in cases has led to calls for a temporary suspension to the league, which have been led by Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
      He said: “We think we should postpone the full round of Premier League games this weekend.
      “Covid cases are going through the roof at all Premier League clubs, everyone is dealing with it and having problems.
      “To postpone this round and also the Carabao Cup round would give everyone a week at least, or four or five days to clean and do everything at the training ground so everything is clean and you break the chain.”

      Frank reckons a temporary shutdown could save the festive fixture list.
      He added: “We fully respect that we want to play and it is important football keeps going, and this way we can make sure Boxing Day keeps going, I’m 100 per cent sure of that.
      “This Omicron variant is running like wildfire around the world and I think we need to do all we can to protect and avoid it.
      “I think we can do a lot by closing down training grounds for three, four or five days, and then we can go again.”
      Spurs chief Antonio Conte is unsure whether or not Prem bosses will make the call to postpone more fixtures.
      The Italian said: “Honestly it’s very difficult to answer this question.
      Spurs boss Antonio Conte is unsure whether Prem bosses will temporarily shut down the leagueCredit: PA
      “It’s important for us to pay great attention and try to avoid other players and members of the staff getting Covid.
      “I think not one person wants to stop playing. No one of us hopes that or wants to close the stadium to our fans.
      “We play for them and we want to protect the best way this situation. For sure I think that maybe if we bring more attention then it is good for everybody.”
      Postponed matches (weekend of 18/19th)
      Championship
      Millwall vs Preston North End
      Queens Park Rangers vs Swansea City
      Reading vs Luton Town
      League Two
      Crawley Town vs Oldham Athletic
      Swindon Town vs Walsall
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      Arsenal blow over Amazon All or Nothing documentary as TV cameras BANNED from dressing rooms due to Covid surge

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      THE latest ‘All or Nothing’ series on Arsenal is under threat from coronavirus with TV cameras set to be banned from Premier League dressing rooms.Several clubs have reported hikes in positive Covid tests throughout their squad, causing some matches to be postponed.
      TV cameras are set to be banned in Premier League dressing roomsCredit: Getty
      According to the Daily Mail, Premier League sides have been sent notice of changes to their broadcasting and media operations restrictions.
      Cameras were formerly allowed into dressing rooms for five minutes before kick off. 
      That was then axed due to the pandemic but has since started to be reintroduced as broadcasting operations edged back to normality.
      But the latest report suggests the filming will once again be prohibited on a match day.
      And that could have implications on Arsenal’s ‘All or Nothing’ series, which Amazon are currently filming.
      Manager Mikel Arteta admitted at the start of the season that he was powerless to stop Amazon from filming Arsenal.
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      He said: “That’s a decision made from the club and it is with the best possible interests for the football club.
      “We need to help as much as possible.”
      Arteta is no stranger to being captured by the Amazon cameras having been part of the first season with champions Manchester City.
      He said: “I experienced that a few years ago when I was at Man City.
      “We are going to help as much as possible, for everybody to see what this club means and how things are done at the football club, be as transparent as we can to show the values, integrity, passions and where we are trying to drive this football club.”
      Arsenal manager Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty More