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      Millwall chief issues stark warning on devastating damage to communities if clubs go under

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      MILLWALL chief Steve Kavanagh believes the impact on communities will be devastating if EFL clubs go to the wall.
      The Lions bigwig has called on the Government to act swiftly to save Covid-crippled clubs from going bust.

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      Millwall chief executive Steve Kavanagh has highlighted the community work done by football clubsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      His stark warning is that, if they do, many communities across the country could be ravaged by emotional and economic depression for years.
      Speaking to SunSport as part of the Save Our Clubs drive highlighting the work clubs do on and off the field, Kavanagh said: “We’re not just talking about our national sport, the community work done by clubs in this country is vital. It has been for years.
      “Boris Johnson came  to The Den to see it first hand when he was Mayor of London and was highly impressed.
      “And when you take into consideration lockdown and what clubs, including Millwall, did to support their local communities, society and the vulnerable who were scared and did not have food . . . the work that went on was incredible.

      “We sheltered the homeless, we delivered more than 5,000 free dinners to children and care packages to the vulnerable and needy.
      “We didn’t just deliver food packages, with them we  delivered cooking lessons to ensure people could sustain themselves with good food, not just ready meals.
      “We also stored PPE for the NHS, while other clubs allowed stadiums to be used as testing centres.
      “Despite having absolutely no income, Millwall, through our chairman John Berylson, pledged £300,000 to our community trust during this period when we were on our knees.

      “Our community work is valued at more than £10million to Lewisham and the local area. And that is replicated all over the country.
      “If clubs are lost, that will be lost — and that would result in real damage to society.
      “And that’s before you get into job losses in and around football clubs.
      “The Government has to start recognising what football actually does — and not just continue taking from it all the time.
      “It needs to understand what we do for communities outside of actually playing, which is extremely important in itself for wellbeing. And it needs to help.”
      Millwall, who have spent more than £100,000 reconfiguring The Den to make it safe to host matches, have been hit hard by the ban on fans attending matches.
      American Berylson is having to pump in £1m a MONTH to keep them afloat.
      And Kavanagh admitted: “Unfortunately, we have had to make some staff redundant. It’s been really, really sad.
      “But I’m having to try to run a business which is haemorrhaging money and have no idea when its income streams will be returning.”
      The PM plus Culture, Media and Sports Secretary Oliver Dowden have announced rescue packages for the arts — but not our national sport.
      Kavanagh added: “The Government is not treating football fairly and in line with other entertainment businesses.
      “I can’t believe we haven’t lost more clubs in the EFL. That’s a testament to the club owners and chairmen.

      “They’re all putting their hands in their pockets to keep clubs and their community assets alive by feeding the vulnerable and schoolkids, sheltering the homeless and helping the NHS.
      “What worries me is I don’t know where the breaking points for these owners and chairmen are. Even with John.
      “I don’t want to over- dramatise that but when does he say enough is enough? I hope to God I never find out.”

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      Steve Kavanagh, right, is worried that entire areas could be hung out to dryCredit: PA:Empics Sport

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      Roy Keane looks unimpressed as he watches Salford throw away 2-0 lead with ex-Man Utd pals Paul Scholes and Gary Neville

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      ROY KEANE watched Salford with old Manchester United team-mates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes… but will not have been impressed as they threw away a 2-0 lead.
      The trio of Old Trafford legends were watching the League Two clash at the Peninsula Stadium as Tranmere scored twice in the last five minutes to grab a point.

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      Roy Keane sat apart from Gary Neville and Paul Scholes as they watched Salford’s draw with TranmereCredit: Rex Features

      And, judging by the distance between them, Neville and Scholes may have fearing so cutting analysis from the famously-grumpy pundit.
      In reality the United icons seemed to be sensibly practicing social distancing.
      Keane was sat alone on the end of a row while Neville and Scholes stood together the other side of an aisle.
      Salford exploded out the blocks and went 2-0 up inside 20 minutes thanks to goals from Richie Towell and James Wilson.

      But their hearts were broken late on as Tranmere rescued a point in dramatic fashion.
      Kieron Morris struck in the 86th minute to give Rovers hope before Paul Lewis grabbed the equaliser in the 93rd minute.
      Elsewhere, Keane slammed Man Utd’s players for their ‘dire’ display against Tottenham.
      United’s former captain was furious after the 6-1 home defeat and ranted they will cost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his job.

      Elsewhere, Neville lashed out at the Premier League for their decision to charge £14.95 for games.

      He tweeted: “This is a really bad move by the @premierleague to charge £14.95 for single matches that have been shown free for 6 months!”
      The Sky Sports pundit also poked fun Liverpool with a witty social media post after they were humiliated 7-2 at Aston Villa.
      Neville uploaded a picture of himself with a glass of red wine and a huge grin on his face.

      This is a really bad move by the @premierleague to charge £14.95 for single matches that have been shown free for 6 months !
      — Gary Neville (@GNev2) October 9, 2020

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      Jarrod Bowen recalls watching his beloved Hereford go bust as West Ham star backs The Sun’s Save Our Clubs campaign

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      JARROD BOWEN loved watching his beloved Hereford United from the Edgar Street terraces.
      The young Bowen cheered on the Bulls in League One and Two and played for them in the National League aged 17.

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      Jarrod Bowen is now a Premier League star but, like many, started out in the EFLCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The winger broke through at Hereford United and played in their final full season before going under

      And he was devastated when the 90-year-old club that gave him his fondest childhood football memories — and his senior debut — was wound up in the High Court six years ago.
      In the past year two-time FA Cup winners Bury have been kicked out of the EFL and Macclesfield went bust last month after 146 years.
      And Bowen, 23, believes it is vital other clubs do not suffer the same fate as English football faces its biggest crisis. Without them, the likes of Bowen might never have made it.
      The West Ham winger told SunSport: “It was a grim time. It wasn’t nice to see, especially as it was my home-town team.

      “And I’m sure it’s the same feeling for Bury and Macclesfield fans.
      “They weren’t massive clubs but had strong connections with their towns and had many loyal fans who were die-hards. It’s hard to accept.”
      Bowen became an Edgar Street regular aged 12 but remembers watching them even younger.
      At ten, he went to cheer the Bulls with his Leominster Minors team-mates. The moment was captured by club photographer Stephen Niblett in December 2006 when the club were in League Two.

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      Bowen, left in white Hereford shirt and glasses, would go along to Edgar Street to watch his local team as a youngster

      Bowen — wearing a pair of glasses — is on the Meadow End terrace clad in the Hereford home shirt with his arms aloft.
      The Hammers ace said: “From high-school age, there were a few of us that would go after school on a Tuesday when it was £1 to get in.
      “There was a guy that was older who took us over.
      “We’d go because where we were from, Hereford was the main attraction. They were our local team and being on the terraces at a young age isn’t as daunting as going to a big stadium. Edgar Street only holds 5,000.
      “There was that enjoyment of watching the game with your mates, standing on the terraces. That’s what it’s like in the lower divisions.”
      It has been warned EFL clubs could start going bust around Christmas if there is no financial bailout from the Premier League or Government — or fans are not allowed to return in some capacity.
      And Bowen said: “Everyone wants the smaller clubs to stay in business. Lower-league football provides massive enjoyment for the population of England.
      “Even an FA Cup game, when you get the giantkilling teams hosting Premier League clubs at their stadiums, that gives a proper buzz for those fans.”

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      Bowen had an unsuccessful trial at Cardiff before signing for Hereford UnitedCredit: nibbo

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      He was handed his senior debut in the National League against Barnet aged 17

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      The wide man was living at home with his parents but saw many team-mates struggle financially due to the club’s plight Credit: nibbo

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      The Hammers hero will always be grateful to his ex-manager Pete Beadle and assistant Steve Jenkins for giving him his Hereford breakCredit: nibbo
      Bowen, after an unsuccessful trial with Cardiff, joined the Bulls and made his senior debut in the National League against Barnet aged 17.
      He can relate to how lower-league footballers and staff are worried about losing their livelihoods — as he was in a Hereford squad who did not get paid for six months before the club went to the wall.
      Bowen said: “I was lucky because I was living at home and travelling to Hereford from my parents’ house.
      “My only outgoing was a £30 train fare for the week to take me the 15-mile distance.
      “I didn’t have anything to pay for but there were older lads who relied on that money, had kids, a mortgage — and they weren’t getting paid.”
      It proved to be the final season of Hereford’s history — one that famously included Ronnie Radford’s wonder strike in their giantkilling of Newcastle in the 1972 FA Cup.
      After Bowen featured in their last game of the 2013-14 season — a 2-1 win at Aldershot — the club were expelled from the National League and wound up in December 2014.
      And he said: “Every one of the lads — and the fans, including me — was in freeze mode. We couldn’t believe what had happened.

      Hopefully we’ll see Hereford back as an established Football League team once again
      Jarrod Bowen

      “We had been playing in League One only a few seasons earlier against the likes of Leeds and Leicester.
      “So we went from being an established EFL side to staying up on the last day of the season in the National League but then being expelled and liquidated.”
      Phoenix club Hereford FC have since formed and climbed three divisions to National League North.
      And Bowen, who keenly follows their exploits, said: “They managed to keep the stadium and are on the rise. Hopefully we’ll see them back as an established Football League team once again.”
      Bowen will always be indebted to Hereford and ex-manager Pete Beadle and assistant Steve Jenkins, who gave him his break.
      He said: “It was the best thing I was involved in. The Premier League clubs have the youth set-ups but me being at a young age in National League football with fully grown men, some of whom had made hundreds of Football League appearances, matured me.
      “I had a better understanding and felt a lot more at ease in that environment than being surrounded by youth-level footballers.
      “When you’re in and around that old-school, non-league, head-it, kick-it football, you’ve got to be tough.

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      Bowen learnt to toughen up early on during his time playing with his home-town clubCredit: nibbo

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      He is desperate to see Hereford FC establish themselves in the Football League once againCredit: nibbo
      “Having that experience definitely helped me when I made the transition to Hull.”
      Bowen spent five years at the KCOM Stadium and was a regular in the team for two-and-a-half seasons — scoring a staggering 52 goals in 112 league starts as a winger.
      And he said: “When we got into the Premier League, I wanted to go on loan to get game time for my development but they wanted me to stay.
      “That was frustrating on one hand but, on the other, training with Premier League players who had massive experience and were internationals helped me.
      “When we got relegated I had two-and-a-half seasons playing in the Championship and loved every minute of it, playing games — that’s exactly what I needed.”
      Bowen, now at West Ham after his £22million January move, is on fire. He has netted three in the last two games — a 4-0 win against Wolves followed by a shock 3-0 victory at Leicester.
      He said: “I scored a few in pre-season, giving me confidence. In the Arsenal game I had a few shots blocked then got my first brace against Wolves and scored in the Leicester game.
      “Scoring in the Premier League is another box ticked off. Getting a full season will be good for me. Hopefully I can kick on and have many more years in the Premier League.”

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      Bowen managed 52 goals in 112 league starts for Hull during a successful spell with the TigersCredit: Rex Features

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      He backed up his double against West Ham with the third goal in the 3-0 win at LeicesterCredit: EPA

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      First look inside AFC Wimbledon’s new £32million stadium as Dons prepare for emotional return to Plough Lane roots

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      HERE are the first photos of AFC Wimbledon’s new stadium almost in shape just 24 days before it officially opens.
      And the League One club are giving supporters the chance to guarantee their spot for the next ten years as they make an emotional return to their spiritual Plough Lane roots.

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      SunSport’s Justin Allen and AFC Wimbledon CEO Joe Palmer sit inside the club’s new stadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Doncaster are the first team to play away at Plough Lane on November 3Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      SunSport was given exclusive access to the £32million ground that will open on November 3 for the League One visit of Doncaster.
      And, unlike arenas such as Twickenham where fans pay as much as £30,000 to guarantee their spots, the Dons’ debenture scheme is affordable.
      In fact, prices have been set as low as £500 and £600, with hospitality spots just £1,000.
      It has been 29 years since Wimbledon last kicked a ball in anger at Plough Lane when they took on Crystal Palace in the top-flight.

      Since then it has been a long road back.
      There was the controversial move to Milton Keynes and the rebranding to MK Dons, the formation of the fans-owned AFC Wimbledon 18 years ago and six promotions.
      But now they have built a new stadium a few hundred yards from the original ground.
      That was ripped down for apartment blocks, which you can see from the upper tiers.

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      The £32million ground boasts an initial capacity of 9,300Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      You can even peer across to Wembley 11 miles away, where the Dons famously beat Liverpool 1-0 in the 1988 FA Cup final.
      The West Stand seating is in place, with the East Stand set to be finished in days along with the North Stand away end.
      A bit like Brentford’s new home seven miles away, they have gone for speckled coloured seating in the Dons’ famous blue and yellow.
      The home South Stand is for standing only to help generate that old-school atmosphere.
      But while the old Plough Lane ground was notoriously unwelcoming, the 2020 version has been designed to be more accommodating.
      Gone are the days of a bobbly quagmire pitch.
      The new one is a carpet, combining real grass with synthetic material to produce a perfect playing surface.

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      AFC Wimbledon currently sit 13th in the League One table after four games playedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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      Plough Lane is located just a few hundred yards away from the original stadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The changing rooms are spacious and, unlike in the Crazy Gang era, the away team will not have cold showers!
      A museum inside the ground will be opened, where items such as Vinnie Jones’ 1988 FA Cup-winners medal and other memorabilia will be on display.
      The club will even house the original Plough Lane gates.
      One of the most impressive features is the stadium’s pub, which will be open seven days a week and has stairs leading down from the concourses, allowing fans to mingle regardless of where they are.
      Supporters are being asked to vote on a name for it, with the choice of two  famous boozers that were near to the old ground, The Sportsman and The Batsford Arms.
      Hospitality has increased greatly from the Kingsmeadow ground that Wimbledon had used since their formation.
      There are eight corporate boxes, two lounges and a huge events space. The hall is one of the crown jewels and includes a mezzanine level.

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      There will be around wheelchair spaces located inside the groundCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      For a conference it can host 700 people and can easily seat 500 for a dinner event.
      CEO Joe Palmer, who walked us around the stadium, said it will be the biggest conferencing facility in the Merton borough.
      He said: “This really will be a great venue for weddings, concerts, conferences, so many things.
      “We’re installing a huge HD screen in there too and will cater for E-gaming, which is massive with youngsters now.”
      The club plan guided tours for fans to allow them to take a proper look around while matches continue to be played behind closed doors.
      For the Doncaster game, it is hoped they will be able to do a televised build-up, either through Sky Sports or using their own media channels.
      But they are also planning a proper grand opening when fans are eventually allowed in.
      The stadium has an initial 9,300 capacity, but planning permission has been granted for that to increase to 20,000. There will be around 100 wheelchair spaces too.

      And the plan is for it to be alive with activity seven days a week.
      The coronavirus pandemic has not adversely delayed the stadium’s  construction.
      In fact, the biggest problem during the 22 months of work was a fox ruining the new playing surface.
      Palmer added: “It kept coming in at night and ripping up the pitch. The groundsman was pulling his hair out. It can no longer get access.”
      So foxes are not welcome — unless it is of the Leicester City variety!

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      Watch Wayne Rooney score stunning 87th-minute free-kick as Man Utd legend guides Derby to 1-0 win over Norwich

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      THIS is the moment Wayne Rooney scored a stunning 87th minute free-kick to snatch victory for Derby against Norwich.
      The Manchester United legend demonstrated once again that he’s still got it with a wonderful moment of quality to claim a crucial first win of the season for Phillip Cocu’s side in the Championship.

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      Wayne Rooney’s stunning free-kick could not be kept out, despite keeper Tim Krul’s best effortsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Rooney’s was mobbed by his teammates after he stole victory at the deathCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It was a smash and grab victory for the Rams in a game that required the goalkeeping talents of David Marshall to keep them in it.
      Then it fell to Rooney to provide the moment of magic to ease the pressure on his Dutch manager.
      The 34-year-old, who is England’s all-time top goal scorer, stood over the ball from just outside the D after Jason Knight was hauled down by Lukas Rupp.
      He then whipped an absolute beauty into the top corner, giving the keeper no chance.

      The away side held on until the final whistle to claim a huge three points.
      But the visitors did ride their luck with Teemu Pukki missing a penalty for Norwich and Marshall producing two amazing saves to deny the Canaries.
      Derby’s first three games resulted in a hat-trick of losses to Reading, Luton and Blackburn.
      But Rooney’s magic will lift the club as they head into the international break.

      Social media was filled with praise for the match-winner, with many fans still loving the fact he could still provide such big moments so late in his career.

      Rooney spent 13 years at Manchester United after coming through at Everton.
      In his time at Old Trafford, he hauled in a mass of trophies and struck 183 goals in 393 appearances.
      He returned to his boyhood club Everton for one season, scoring 10 in 31.
      And after a short stint in America at D.C. United, he came back to England to sign for Derby last season.
      He has proven to be an important addition at Pride Park and often pops up with important moments.

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      Moment Sunderland press conference is interrupted by journalist saying ‘you’re very cheeky’ after forgetting to mute mic

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      PHIL PARKINSON was left stunned this morning as his Sunderland press conference was ‘cheekily’ interrupted.
      Instead of facing journalists in person like the past, Zoom media calls have now become the new norm.

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      Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson was left embarrassed after a hilarious interruption at his press conferenceCredit: Twitter

      However, as some still struggle to get to grips with the technology, hazards can happen.
      And that is exactly what happened earlier in hilarious fashion.
      Parkinson was taking questions while previewing Sunderland’s upcoming clash with Charlton Athletic.
      Suddenly, a rogue clip started playing as the Black Cats boss sat there looking bemused.

      All you could hear was a female voice saying: “It looks beautiful, you’re very cheeky.”
      As another journalist chimed in to ask what they were watching, the red-faced ex-Bradford and Bolton managed remained sat with a confused look until the voice asked who he was.
      After replying with his name, some more muffled voices came through the mic until the conversation was cut off as everyone else began laughing.
      It seems a journalist who had questioned the North East side’s gaffer earlier on had forgotten to mute their microphone afterwards.

      And whatever they were watching or talking was transmitted to all the rest included in the conference.
      Parkinson will be hoping he still has that smile on his face come Saturday night.
      They travel to the Valley looking to stretch their unbeaten start to League One.
      Sunderland were held to a draw by Bristol Rovers on the opening day but have since beaten both Oxford and Peterborough.

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      Brighton 0 Man Utd 3: Red Devils into Carabao Cup quarters as Dean Henderson puts on another masterclass

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      HISTORY repeated itself inside eight days at Manchester United.
      And David De Gea will once again have been sitting uncomfortably while watching at home.

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      Paul Pogba wrapped up the win ten minutes from the endCredit: Reuters

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      The Frenchman’s free-kick gave United their thirdCredit: Getty – Pool

      United made it through to the last eight of the Carabao Cup with another three-goal away win, following their 3-0 triumph at Luton.
      But once again, almost spookily, goalkeeper Dean Henderson delivered a moment of brilliance to keep his team 1-0 ahead.
      And just like the tie at Kenilworth Road, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was thankful for his keeper’s outstanding stop with United then moving up a gear to score a couple of goals.
      Henderson’s outstanding one-handed stop to deny Leandro Trossard not only proved this keeper is one hell of a talent.

      But also that he is oven-ready to replace De Gea in an instant the moment he makes mistakes on a regular basis.
      Judging by last season, that time could come any time soon.
      And the same goes for Jordan Pickford with England even though, for the time being, Nick Pope looks to be Gareth Southgate’s unofficial number two.
      Henderson, who arrived at United as a teenager before being farmed to various clubs out on loan, will not forget his United debut at Luton.

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      United had Henderson to thank for keeping them in the gameCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Scott McTominay put Man Utd ahead at BrightonCredit: Getty – Pool

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      The midfielder’s header put United 1-0 up just before half-timeCredit: Reuters

      And on a rotten night on the south coast, the 23-year-old proved that his levels of concentration are supreme because for periods – like at Luton – he had little to do.
      This skill is the sign of a top keeper, rather than one who makes nine decent saves before conceding a soft one.
      Otherwise, this was not a game United fans will care to remember but they will not care if they end up winning their first trophy since 2017.
      But they will not do it if they keep playing Odion Ighalo.
      He delivered a laboured 79 minute performance at Kenilworth Road and was no better against Brighton before thankfully being taken off after Henderson’s save.
      Earlier, he wasted the first decent chance as he rounded Jason Steele but stuck his effort into the side netting.
      Juan Mata played the clever pass and it came after an impressive but patient United build-up.
      Brighton improved though.
      Bernardo caused some problems down the left and their first chance came when Alireza Jahanbakhsh forced Henderson into a low save to his right
      Yet a thoroughly disappointing opening half ended with a goal from Scott McTominay.
      Mata discovered a burst of pace from somewhere and cruised past Dan Burn before being cynically fouled by the home defender, who deservedly earned a yellow card.

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      Juan Mata doubled United’s lead midway through the second-halfCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Mata shone for the Red Devils on a rainy night at the AmexCredit: Reuters
      But Mata got some revenge as his outstanding free-kick was met by McTominay who was allowed a clear run on goal by Bernardo, who appeared to have completely switched off.
      The only player anywhere near McTominay was Eric Bailly but he was effectively brushed away by the Scotsman who nodded hoime.
      Brighton manager Graham Potter will have been annoyed as his team had defended really well until that moment, when they were guilty of completely switching off.
      The fine set-piece from Spanish midfielder Mata also meant he has been directly involved in 12 goals in his last 15 starts for United with four goals and eight assists.
      With Brighton improving and United looking subdued – with Ighalo hopeless up front – Henderson delivered that fine stop from Trossard in the 67th minute.
      And like that game at Luton, United improved once they brought on the cavalry from the subs bench.
      Paul Pogba’s pass was met with a brilliant backheel from Donny van de Beek with Mata steering a shot through Lewis Dunk’s legs.
      And the Frenchman sealed the tie with a well struck free-kick which seemed to take a slight deflection off Joel Veltman before hitting the net via the post.
      But once again, the man United were thankful for was at the other end.
      Henderson has still only played twice for United but he has delivered one hell of a statement of intent.
      For the time being at least, we will still only see Henderson play in the next round of the Carabao Cup and maybe the odd Champions League game.

      But quite clearly, this is a keeper with incredible self esteem who, putting it politely, is bloody confident.
      Yet he is proving he can walk the walk as well as talking a good game and United’s long-time number one keeper now faces one hell of a battle for his place.
      At this rate, Henderson could be United’s new No 1 by Christmas.

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