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      Man Utd star Matic escapes three-match ban for kneeing West Ham’s Coufal in the privates after referee spotted incident

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      NEMANJA MATIC will NOT face any FA action despite kneeing Vladimir Coufal in the privates.Manchester United star Matic aimed a shot at the midriff of Coufal after a challenge during West Ham’s Carabao Cup win on Wednesday night.
      Nemanja Matic kneed Vladimir Coufal in the groin in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday
      But the Serbian has avoided a three-match ban

      It appeared referee Jon Moss had failed to spot the incident, leaving fears the Serbian would be hit with a retrospective violent conduct charge from the FA.
      But SunSport understands Moss’ report landed at Wembley on Thursday morning where he made it clear he had seen what happened.
      And because the match officials saw and dealt with the clash in real time, FA regulations mean no further action can be taken so Matic will escape a three match ban.
      The Serb lashed out at the Hammers right-back as United lost 1-0 – with fans assuming it was missed because VAR wasn’t being used.
      Manuel Lanzini’s early goal gave the East Londoners their first win at Old Trafford since 2007.
      But the Argentine had to leave the pitch after the Coufal incident thanks to ANOTHER bad challenge from Matic.

      Czech Coufal did not make a meal of it but it looked a painful one
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      The United holding midfielder’s first lucky escape came just before the hour mark.
      Coufal – who came off the bench to replace injured Ryan Fredericks early on – had the ball by the sideline as Matic tried to shut him down.
      The Czech quickly tried to move the ball on and played it off Matic’s shins and out of play.
      But the midfielder followed through and lashed out by kneeing the right-back in the groin.
      Coufal went down and appealed to the nearby fourth official – though he did not make a meal of it.
      Matic ran off as if nothing as happened and appeared to get away with it because there was no VAR for the Carabao Cup tie.
      However Moss has since confirmed he saw it during the game.
      Matic doubled down on his good fortune with a nasty tackle on matchwinner Lanzini later in the game.
      The former Chelsea man raked his studs down the Argentine’s ankle after a late challenge and the ref missed it again.
      Lanzini was subbed off injured as a result soon after.
      Fans online were furious Matic got away with both challenges but particularly his sneaky knee on Coufal.
      ‘SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RED’
      After Aouar claimed it wasn’t even a foul, Pete replied and wrote: “I’ll come and knee you in the b******s and then see what you think.”
      Brendan tweeted: “VAR wouldn’t have done anything anyway.
      “You must be forgetting it goes blind whenever a United player does anything wrong.”
      Batesy said: “If that happened to Fernandes he would’ve been rolling around on the ground for at least five mins.”
      Chris asked: “Why would you need VAR to spot that, surely one of the four officials would have spotted that.”
      Michael simply added: “Should have been a red.”
      Before Dylan chimed in with: “Yet United fans constantly cry about referees ‘hating’ them and giving them no decisions.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      “VAR could easily see that as violent conduct.”
      David Moyes recorded his first win over United since being sacked as their manager with the victory.
      But the Hammers’ bubbles were slightly faded soon after the final whistle as they were drawn at home to perennial Carabao Cup winners Manchester City in the next round.

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      West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini’s early strike dumps Man Utd out of the Carabao Cup More

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      Wayne Rooney’s Derby players to be asked if they can have pay DELAYED amid club’s financial crisis

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      WAYNE ROONEY’S Derby players will be asked to accept a pay DELAY to help the crisis-stricken club.The Rams plunged from 12th to bottom of the Championship on minus two points on Wednesday — having been docked 12 points for entering administration.
      Derby boss Wayne Rooney has vowed to help his stars amid the crisisCredit: Rex
      Rams insiders revealed that funds are low at the bank after owner Mel Morris’ reign and it will be a major effort to cover  payroll for the next few months.
      Derby appointed administrators Quantuma to run the club as they try to find a buyer.
      A request will be made for the squad to allow the Rams to hold back a chunk of their salaries — around a third — rather than be paid in full at the end of the month.
      That will be a blow for the new faces in Rooney’s group, who signed on the maximum £4,500-a-week wage the club were allowed to pay under EFL restrictions.
      Some will see their salary temporarily reduced to around £3,000 a week in the first major cutback measure at Pride Park.
      The players may have no option but to accept this deferral plan, while Derby hope the EFL will also give it the green light rather than add a three-point penalty for late payments.
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      Overall the payroll saving would work out at around £400,000 a month.
      This money would be returned once a new buyer for the club is in place.
      Defender Curtis Davies, 36, reckons the players are lucky to have boss Rooney in this crisis.
      He said: “He’s a born winner. Obviously  it would be easy for him to walk away.
      Wayne didn’t need it in the summer when he couldn’t sign the players he wanted — but he’s willing to stand by us.Curtis Davies
      “But he’s in the meetings and he’s telling us, ‘I’ll stand in front of you, I’ll back you all the way. I’ll be the main one to take on any flak, any questions, whatever needs to be done.  I’ll be in the trenches with you’.
      “The biggest compliment you can give Wayne is he doesn’t need it.
      “He didn’t need it in the summer when he couldn’t sign the players he wanted — but he’s willing to stand by us. That shows how much he wants to succeed in management.”

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      Wayne Rooney reacts to the news Derby County is heading into administration More

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      How Arsenal lined up last time they faced Wimbledon with legends like Bergkamp, Vieira and Keown playing in 3-1 win

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      ARSENAL play AFC Wimbledon for the first time in 21 years tonight.The Gunners welcome the Dons to the Emirates in the Carabao Cup third round but last time the teams faced off, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira and Martin Keown played.
      Arsenal last played Wimbledon in April 2000
      It was April 2000 and Arsene Wenger’s side travelled to Selhurst Park for the Premier League fixture.
      Uriah Rennie was the referee in front of the 25,858 fans and the Gunners eventually ran out 3-1 winners on an action-packed afternoon.
      David Seaman started between the sticks behind Keown and Oleg Luzhny.
      Lee Dixon and Sylvinho played as full-backs in support of a star-studded midfield.
      Ray Parlour, Marc Overmars and Vieira accompanied Gilles Grimandi in the middle of the park.
      And Dutch sensation Bergkamp supported Gunners cult hero Kanu up front.

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      Andreas Lund put the home side 1-0 up after 12 minutes before Kanu turned the game on its head with two goals by the 42nd to make it 2-1 to Arsenal.
      Wimbledon were given a glimmer of hope just a minute later when Luzhny was sent off.
      But they could not make the extra man count and went down to ten themselves with three minutes of normal time remaining.
      Jason Euell was shown a red before Thierry Henry – who came off the bench – wrapped up the points on 89 minutes with a penalty.
      SunSport has explored how the Gunners are expected to line up for Wednesday night’s game.
      Mikel Arteta could make nine changes from the team that beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor last time out.
      That is despite Spanish gaffer Arteta stating he will field a competitive team against Mark Robinson’s men.
      Asked whether he will rotate his side in his pre-match press conference, he said: “I hope that I can put out the strongest team I can.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
      This is how Arsenal could start against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup third round tie
      “That means that the players have performed really well and then give a really strong performance and this is what we want to do.”
      Then pressed on if he will give players in the squad minutes who deserve it, he remarked: “Absolutely and you have to praise that for sure.
      “Let’s see who’s available, how they recover and what is the best way to approach the game.” 

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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta handed massive boost after Thomas Partey returns to training More

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      Phil Jones confirmed in Man Utd squad against West Ham and could play first game for club in 20 MONTHS

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      PHIL JONES is set to take the next step on his long journey back from injury after he was named in the Manchester United squad to face West Ham.The defender has not played for the first team since January 2020 and recently revealed how his knee injury saga left him “an absolute mess”.
      Phil Jones has recently appeared for Man United’s U23 side
      But United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed the 29-year-old as part of his matchday squad for the Carabao Cup visit of West Ham.
      Jones has revealed how life on the sidelines has seen him subject to abuse from fans and admitted he used to return home from Carrington in tears.
      His last Red Devils appearance came almost two years ago in an FA Cup tie against Tranmere.
      Following that match Jones opted to go under the knife in an attempt to repair a niggling meniscus issue.
      His return to action has been arduous and the likes of skipper Harry Maguire, summer-arrival Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly now sit comfortably above him in the centre-back pecking order.
      But Jones is desperate to put those injury woes behind him after turning out for United’s U23 side and completing several behind-closed-doors friendlies.

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      He has notched 224 appearances since moving to Old Trafford from Blackburn in 2011, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and Carabao Cup.
      Solskjaer is set to ring the changes as United welcome West Ham to the Theatre of Dreams.
      The teams meet for the second time in four days following the Red Devils’ dramatic 2-1 victory in their Premier League clash on Sunday.
      Jesse Lingard could be rewarded for his match-winning efforts with a start while struggling Donny van de Beek is also tipped to make an appearance.
      But Solskjaer’s likely XI points to United’s strength in depth, with stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Luke Shaw and David De Gea all given the night off.

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      How Chelsea could line up against Aston Villa with Werner given chance to shine in Carabao Cup but Mendy still out

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      CHELSEA welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night with Thomas Tuchel set to ring the changes.Edouard Mendy is still out but Timo Werner will start with Tuchel hinting Romelu Lukaku could play alongside the German.
      How Chelsea could line up against Aston Villa
      Kepa played in the Blues’ 3-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday and will likely start between the sticks again.
      There’s a chance Marcus Bettinelli could be given a chance but it’s unlikely with game time hard to come by for Kepa.
      With limited defensive options, Tuchel will struggle to rest all his defenders so at least two of Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are likely to play.
      Ben Chilwell is likely to get a rare run out with in-form Marcos Alonso proving impossible to shift from the starting XI in the Premier League.
      N’Golo Kante came off the bench at Tottenham and either him or Mateo Kovacic are the midfield choices alongside new signing Saul Niguez.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi has had limited opportunities since his move to Borussia Dortmund fell through and could be used at right wing-back or an out-and-out winger.

      Tuchel has several options but will ring the changes from Tottenham
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      If Lukaku and Werner do play as a two up front, Hakim Ziyech is likely to slot in behind in the No 10 position.
      Speaking ahead of the clash, Tuchel said: “Mendy cannot play tomorrow.
      “He has not been in training so far so we will try to do everything for Saturday, to reintegrate him tomorrow for individual training and hopefully Thursday’s team training, but not yet.”
      And the German confirmed his fellow countryman Werner is due a game.
      He added: “Timo can play with Romelu, that is sure, and he did very well at Tottenham the last 25 to 30 minutes of the match.
      “That gave us a clear impression of how dangerous these two can be together.
      “There was some disappointment to brush off Timo’s shoulders from the Euros during the summer, and from the first games here I think he was not happy with the performances in the beginning.
      “We were not absolutely happy because we know that he can be much more of an attacking threat than he was.
      “But in the last training sessions he was more relaxed, more fluid in his movements with more confidence, and that’s why we put him on early against Tottenham because we saw his development.

      “We had him in dangerous positions around Romelu, he was not too far out on the pitch, he was in and around the box and he had his chances, and the assist which was well done.
      “In training he moves more freely and his decision-making is with more confidence.
      “There are clear signs that he is in a good way, and I hope he can show and prove it tomorrow.”

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      How Man Utd could line up against West Ham with Jesse Lingard set to start in much-changed XI from Premier League win

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      MANCHESTER UNITED play West Ham for the second time in four days on Wednesday.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will ring the changes for the Carabao Cup third round clash with Jesse Lingard and Donny van de Beek expected to start at Old Trafford.
      How Man Utd could line up against West Ham in the Carabao Cup
      In the most dramatic end to a Premier League game so far this season, Lingard scored a late winner at London Stadium on Sunday to hand United a 2-1 win.
      The playmaker was given a fantastic welcome by the home fans after his Hammers loan spell last season.
      But he broke their hearts by smashing one into the top corner on 89 minutes.
      West Ham were awarded a shock penalty just minutes later and spot-kick specialist Mark Noble was brought off the bench to take it.
      But the club captain’s weak effort was saved by David De Gea and the Red Devils took all three points.
      David Moyes will be hoping for revenge against his old club on Wednesday but he will face a much changed United side.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could also give some of his youngsters a run out
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      Tom Heaton is in line to start in goal with De Gea rested and Dean Henderson still re-building his fitness.
      Diogo Dalot will occupy one of the full-back slots enabling Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Luke Shaw to have a rest.
      Victor Lindelof could be given his place back alongside Eric Bailly in the heart of defence.
      Nemanja Matic came off the bench on Sunday but should start next to Van de Beek ahead of Fred and Scott McTominay.
      And Lingard – who has scored in his last two Prem outings – will play as a No 10.
      Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial are likely to start on the wings after periods out the starting XI.
      And Edinson Cavani is set to lead the line.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

      However, Solskjaer also has some youngsters available to him and could give them some game time.
      Teden Mengi, Hannibal, Shola Shoretire and Anthony Elanga are all in with a shout.
      And Phil Jones – who has been playing for the Under-23s – is working hard to regain a place in the first team squad.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo sends support to coma-stricken Danny Hodgson as Man Utd star invites him to game when better More

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      Rob Lee on the fence as sons Elliot and Olly battle for family bragging rights in Gillingham vs Charlton

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      ROB LEE’S sons Elliot and Olly will put brotherly love aside on Tuesday as they clash at Gilingham’s Priestfield Stadium.The Newcastle and Charlton legend will be there as Addicks striker Elliot, 26, and Gills midfielder Olly, 30, battle for family bragging rights.
      Rob Lee stands between sons Elliot and Olly as they prepare to face each other on TuesdayCredit: Richard Pelham/News UK
      Brothers Elliot and Olly Lee will be in different camps as Gillingham host CharltonCredit: Richard Pelham/News UK
      Rob, 55, won 21 England caps during his illustrious career that also took in Derby, West Ham and Wycombe.
      And his loyalties could not be more split as not only are his sons in separate camps but he is also covering the match for Charlton TV.
      Rob laughed: “I’m sitting on the fence – a draw with both Lees scoring will be a good result for the family.”
      The boys faced one another in April as Gillingham and Oxford, where Elliot was on loan, were battling for a play-off spot.
      Olly laughed: “We were winning 2-1 when the gaffer took me off and ended up losing 3-2 so I say no more!
      “But Elliot dived about a bit. He always gets his body in the way and then goes down easily to win free-kicks. He’s good at that.”
      Elliot responded: “Yeah, it was great fun and winning the game!”

      But the Gillingham midfielder enjoyed one thing the most in that encounter.
      He said: “One of my team-mates smashed Elliot right away and I was buzzing. I went over and said, ‘Get up.’ We love dishing it out to each other.”
      The siblings have been team-mates. They spent a season together at Luton when the club won promotion from League Two in 2017-18 and also played for West Ham reserves a few times.
      Olly said: “The first game at West Ham was pre-season at Ebbsfleet. Elliot came on and within seconds set me up and I scored in a 3-1 win.
      “Luton was special too. People used to accuse us of only passing to each other but we do have a telepathic understanding.”
      The brothers were blessed to be brought up by a football icon, who was at the height of his powers when they were kids.
      Olly’s earliest memory was watching his dad play in one of the two FA Cup finals Newcastle made in 1998 and 1999. 
      Looking across the kitchen table to his dad, he smiled: “I don’t remember whether it was the Arsenal or Manchester United one because you lost both!”
      “Thanks for reminding me son,” Rob says with a frown.
      Olly added: “But I remember walking up the Wembley steps and thinking, ‘Wow, this is amazing’ and then seeing your dad out there was crazy.”
      Olly went to France in 1998 to watch his old man play in the World Cup and Rob remembers: “There’s television footage of him looking down with his cap on.”
      Elliot added: “I remember us going to St James’ Park and sharing a box with the Shearers. We loved it when they played the Local Hero theme tune. Afterwards, we’d go to the players’ lounge and kick balls around.”
      The brothers had the honour to play with a number of Newcastle legends in their BACK GARDEN.
      Elliot explained: “We had BBQs and there would be Alan Shearer, Gary Speed, Shay Given, Warren Barton.”
      Alan Shearer celebrates scoring for Newcastle with his good friend Rob Lee
      Rob Lee won 21 caps for England during an illustrious playing career
      Rob takes over the story: “We had a big garden so all the lads’ kids would come round too so we’d play eight-a-side.
      “Two of the kids would be captains and they’d choose their teams. Al got the right hump once because he was picked last!
      “He had a brace on that day because he had done his knee so we had to stick him in goal.
      “Newcastle physio Derek Wright was there and not happy with Alan playing at all but we got away with it.”
      Elliot added: “It’s only when you look back at it now we understand how privileged we were.”
      Three years ago while at Luton, the lads were drawn at Newcastle in the FA Cup – and played in the 3-1 loss at St James’ Park.
      Rob said: “The Toon fans gave my boys a terrific reception – they’ve always been so supportive of them on social media too, especially when either of them are up against Sunderland!”
      Elliot joined Charlton last month and was not even born when Rob was wowing The Valley faithful.
      But he said: “The welcome I’ve received from fans and staff who remember dad has been incredible.
      A young Rob Lee during his time at Charlton Athletic where he is now a legend
      “When I signed my contract in the secretary’s office there was a big poster of dad in his Charlton heyday on the wall – and there’s even a huge picture of him in front of me each time I walk out for training.
      “The lads give me banter about it – but it fills me with pride that dad has a legacy at the club. My aim at Charlton is to create my own legacy.”
      Both sons credit their old man for keeping them grounded whatever result and say he is their harshest critic.
      Rob admits: “Regardless of what fans or managers may say to them, I tell them the truth. 
      “My sons have had so many loans but that’s because they’re not content sitting on their backsides on a bench like so many nowadays. They take that from me because when I was at Newcastle I was barely ever a sub. Get out and play games I say rather than just picking up money. As I know, you’re a long-time retired.”
      Both bantered they will share tips with their team-mates on how to stop their sibling – with Olly laughing: “I’ve already told manager Steve Evans that Elliot is small and doesn’t run very fast!”
      And will either of them attempt to nutmeg the other?
      Olly laughed: “We can try but, trust me, that will never happen. Neither of us will be able to pass each other. We both know that if either of us got nutmegged by the other, we’d not be able to live that down.” More

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      Ex-Derby owner Mel Morris reveals he blew £200M trying to get club into Prem before putting them into administration

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      MEL MORRIS revealed he blew over £200MILLION trying to take Derby to the Premier League – before putting them into administration.Ex-owner Morris admitted his time was a ‘failure’ in his own eyes but also warned that football was running out of people like him willing to pay ‘£3m cheques every month’.
      Morris spent big in Derby’s pursuit of the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Morris opened up about his shock decision to put Wayne Rooney’s team into admin and said: “It is not something we entered into lightly.
      “There wasn’t a long-term sustainable position without a purchase.
      “I was going to run out of money completely, every asset I’ve got. You have got to pick a moment. And we have people interested.
      “I wanted to find a purchaser for the club and that continues. Over the weekend we had in the region of 15 inquiries. In terms of serious ones there are two or three, based on reputation, who are very serious.”
      Morris feels he came close to promotion a few times, a result that would have let him sell at a profit, before the latest crash came.
      He said: “I would have sooner tried and failed than not to try at all. But financially I regret it. I have lost in excess of £200m.

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      “I won’t make any recovery on the stadium, I will work with the administrators to make sure we get the right purchaser on board.
      “I put a lot of money into the club and we have had some really good times. But ultimately I failed.”
      Morris claims that a deal was close in January 2020 before the EFL queried the sale of the stadium and reveals others wanted to buy but did not produce the money.
      He warned: “It has been horrendous. At a time of Covid it’s impossible to understand the impact that has. Do I have £30m of revenue or £10m?
      “My biggest mistake was to say I would sell the club and not look to make a profit.
      “That gave me no room to negotiate. People would come in and wait and hope the price would change.
      Morris has praised manager Wayne Rooney for keeping the team competitiveCredit: Getty
      “We are running out of owners of football clubs who will write cheques for £1m, £2m or £3m every month.”
      Morris hailed boss Rooney for his efforts in the crisis and believes the club has a future.
      He said: “This is not the end for the club, it’s an opportunity to get a purchaser on board.
      “Wayne is turning out to be an absolutely first class manager. He deserves every credit from being a player who coached to someone who now looks like a boss and is spot on.
      “He is getting the best out of a lot of these players. He will be a major asset for this club. The Stoke City game was probably his finest moment.”
      Morris also blasted the EFL for treating Derby differently when it came to a potential points penalty for failing to pay their players – and the wrangle over their Financial Fair Play issues.
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