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      Man Utd vs Roma FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Europa League semi-final

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      MANCHESTER UNITED host Roma at Old Trafford in the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final.The two European heavyweights are set to battle it out for a place in the final, which is all set for May 26 in Gdansk.

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      Edinson Cavani was on target as United swept aside GranadaCredit: Getty
      United saw off Spanish side Granada with minimal fuss in the last round, while Roma battled past Ajax.
      When is Man Utd vs Roma?

      The first leg of this two-legged affair will be held on Thursday, April 29.
      Kick-off is at 8pm BST.
      It’s the first competitive meeting between the sides since 2008, when Man Utd won a Champions League knockout clash 1-0 here thanks to a goal from Carlos Tevez.

      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch all of the action live on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport Ultmate.
      Coverage begins at 7pm.
      If you are a BT subscriber or have BT Broadband, you can watch BT Sport by downloading the official app on your mobile, tablet, PC or games console.
      How can I watch for free?

      EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
      And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.

      What is the team news?
      United will welcome back trio Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay after they served one-match bans against Granada.
      Anthony Martial and Phil Jones are both out injured but otherwise Ole has a full squad to choose from.
      Chris Smalling is set to face his old club after returning from a long lay-off at the weekend.
      Riccardo Calafiori will miss out through injury, while former Chelsea man Pedro is also out.
      Match odds

      Man Utd to win – 1/2
      Draw – 16/5
      Roma victory – 9/2

      *All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals he sought advice from Unai Emery before being handed job as his replacement last year

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      MIKEL ARTETA sought the advice of Unai Emery before agreeing to take over from his fellow Spaniard as Arsenal manager.But rather than warning Arteta not to touch the Emirates vacancy with a bargepole, Emery was more interested in finding a new tenant for his London house.
      Mikel Arteta could turn another difficult season for Arsenal into a success if they go on to win the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty
      Ex-Gunners manager Unai Emery suggested to incoming successor Mikel Arteta he should take over his home but in the end a player took it onCredit: Getty
      The two men will meet face to face on Thursday night when the Gunners travel to Villarreal for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
      And no-one understands the size of the task facing Arteta better than the man who spent 18 months trying to replace Arsene Wenger before being sacked in November 2019.
      Recalling that surprise telephone conversation shortly before Arteta’s appointment, Emery reveals: “A common friend interceded and it was good for me because I had to leave my home in London.
      “So apart from talking about football and my job at Arsenal, I suggested he take over my house, although in the end it was a player who took it.
      “Of course I knew Arteta from before. He is from San Sebastian, just like me, so we were practically neighbours.
      “So in the call we spoke a little bit about my time at Arsenal, in a positive way, and what I had lived through.
      “I just wanted to tell him about my experience there, what I thought could be helpful for him and maybe one or two things that could be improved in a personal way.”
      Arteta added: “Unai was very open, honest and helpful and I was very grateful to him because a conversation like that is not something that is very common.

      “I know a lot of people who have been around him and they all say that he is a fantastic man and a great manager.
      “It didn’t work out for him at Arsenal but he did a lot of good things for the club and in his time here he reached a European final and was competing for a place in the Champions League.”
      Emery was in charge of Arsenal for a total of 78 games in all competitions, a figure which Arteta matched with last Friday’s 1-0 home defeat by Everton.
      And considering that Emery actually has a better record than the man who replaced him, he would have good reason to feel bitter.
      Yet the man who won the Europa League three times with Sevilla insists he has no regrets about his brief time in England.
      He says: “We all have our pride and internal ego but because of my experiences with PSG, Arsenal, Sevilla and Valencia I have learned how to manage all the emotional moments that come with the position of coach.

      “My time at Arsenal is behind me but I always keep a piece of my heart for all the teams I have played for or managed.
      “I will always be grateful to Arsenal and just remember the good stuff which allowed me to grow and gave me a lot of experience to use at Villarreal.
      “Everyone knows Arsenal is a great club and Mikel Arteta is a great manager, so it’s a perfect marriage.
      “I think he should build on the improvements that I tried to work on but wasn’t allowed to continue.
      “Arsenal should be fighting for Champions League spots so they need to trust Arteta and have patience to execute a game plan because with patience and confidence they will make it.”
      Winning the Europa League is now Arsenal’s only realistic opportunity of extending a 26-year run of European qualification.
      EMERY VS ARTETAHere’s how current boss Mikel Arteta and predecessor Unai Emery measure up in terms of stats as Arsenal boss
      ARTETA: Played 78 Won 41 Drew 15 Lost 22
      EMERY: Played 78 Won 43 Drew 16 Lost 19

      And Arteta is confident that his inconsistent team will thrive on the pressure in the Estadio de la Ceramica this evening.
      He says: “In the moments of big pressure when the players had to deliver, they have done it.
      “Not only in the FA Cup against Manchester City and Chelsea last year and when we won the Community Shield against Liverpool, but also in some moments in the Europa League this season.
      “There have been times in this competition when the tie has been against us and we found a way to go through.
      “So we are extremely excited to be playing this game, knowing that this tie will take us to the final if we do the right things.
      “We have a tough opponent in front of us but we really want to get to the final.” 
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      Roma fans line streets to send off team for Man Utd after pinning up ‘disrespectful’ quote from Solskjaer at training

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has denied being disrespectful to Roma when Manchester United booked their date in the Europa League semi-finals.Having got past Granada in the last eight the United boss was asked about facing the Serie A side next.
      Roma fans lined the streets to send off their heroes to ManchesterCredit: Twitter / @ASRomaEN
      The Giallorossi are out to win their first-ever Europa LeagueCredit: Twitter / @ASRomaEN
      He said he ‘didn’t know them and hadn’t seen them play’, a quote that has been pinned up by Roma’s ultras around the club’s training ground beneath a picture of Solskjaer to wind up their players.
      But Solskjaer said: “Of course, that was straight after the game and with all the games we’ve had I was just relieved we’d gone through.
      “But we have analysed them down to the ground since we drew them. We are ready for them.
      “It was not meant as any disrespect, I think everyone knows that. I’ve got loads of respect for them.”
      Indeed Solskjaer says that two of his most coveted keepsakes from his career came from swapping shirts with Roma legends Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi.
      He said: “It’s a fantastic club with a great history.
      “I’ve actually got two prized possessions back home, a Totti shirt and a De Rossi shirt that I’ve swapped with them and they’re actually signed, so I know about the history, I know about the quality.”
      The Roma squad left for Manchester on Wednesday and thousands of fans turned up to provide a huge send-off.
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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted he did not mean to offend the ItaliansCredit: EPA
      A number of players came out to applaud the Lupi faithful as they chanted and waved banners, before hopping in the bus for the airport.
      The quality of the Europa League has obviously come into sharp focus this past fortnight after United’s owners tried to break away from it and the Champions League to be part of a European Super League.
      Solskjaer denies that failed bid will in any way devalue United’s achievement this season if they do go on to win the trophy – which they last lifted under Jose Mourinho in 2017.
      He said: “We have had a great night in this tournament before at the club and we know how much it means for a team and the whole club.
      “Our focus now is to get to the final and make sure that the end of the season can finish with a celebration.
      “As soon as we went out of the Champions League, our eyes and focus was on getting to this final.
      Roma fans gathered in their thousands on WednesdayCredit: Twitter / @ASRomaEN
      A number of players applauded their fans before hopping on the team busCredit: Twitter / @ASRomaEN

      “I’ve noticed with the players that these games have been very important for them and us.
      “When you’ve got Real Sociedad and Granada, two Spanish LaLiga teams, good teams, when you’ve got AC Milan with their history and Roma with their history, we feel we’ve been in a proper competition.
      “Now we’re one step away from the big one. It will be a dream come true the day I lift a trophy for this club as manager.
      “That’s what we’re building for. I know how much that can mean for a group moving forward.”
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      Man Utd and Arsenal to play in front of 10,000 fans if they reach Europa League final as Poland release lockdown roadmap

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      ARSENAL and Manchester United have been told they will play in front of a 10,000 crowd if they reach next month’s Europa League final.But fans of the two Premier League sides are unlikely to be allowed to travel to Poland.
      Arsenal and Man Utd could play the Europa League final in front of 10,000 fans if they qualifyCredit: Alamy
      Local supporters are set to be the only people allowed through the gates.
      Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has announced a series of new measures as the country emerges from the Covid crisis.
      That includes outdoor sports stadiums being able to open their turnstiles to up 25 per cent of capacities from May 15.
      The Europa League final – which could see Man Utd take on Arsenal – is scheduled for the Stadion Miejski in Gdansk on May 26.
      It is the home ground of Lechia Gdansk and has an all-seater capacity of 41,620.
      That will allow potentially 10,405 fans inside for the final.
      Uefa has not hidden its desire to get fans into the Gdansk venue for the showpiece game.
      They also hope the Ataturk Stadium outside Istanbul will be ready to welcome fans for the Champions League final.

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      Euro chiefs stripped Dublin’s Aviva stadium and Bilbao’s San Memes of hosting rights for Euro 2020 when the two venues were unable to give assurances that supporters would be allowed to attend matches.
      But border and immigration restrictions across Europe also saw Uefa warn ticket holders they would be unlikely to travel outside their homelands to watch matches when the tournament begins in June.
      And with the Europa League and Champions League finals taking place two weeks before the Euros start, there seems little chance of English fans being allowed to attend either game if their sides go through.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      How Arsenal could line up against Villarreal with Aubameyang, Lacazette and Tierney available in triple injury boost

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      MIKEL ARTETA could have a fully fit squad to choose from for Arsenal’s huge Europa League tie with Villarreal.Thursday’s first leg at Estadio de la Ceramica kicks off at 8pm and sees the Gunners face old boss Unai Emery.
      How we expect Arsenal to line up against Villarreal
      Kieran Tierney and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are both set to be fitCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      Arteta confirmed SunSport’s news of a huge fitness boost for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and gave updates on Alexandre Lacazette and Kieran Tierney.
      The coach told reporters: “They are all in contention. All of them. Including Aubameyang, Laca and Kieran.”
      He added: “We do need them, because we know that we have some players that are in contention and they are the ones who can make the difference in a big tie like this.
      “But the word risk, I don’t like to put players on the pitch if they can’t perform and they can’t feel secure that they can perform. If it’s a risk or we’re going to take a gamble, then I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.”
      Club captain Aubameyang has been out of action for almost a month while suffering from malaria and top scorer Lacazette missed Friday’s defeat to Everton with a hamstring issue.
      If available, the duo can expect to line up alongside Bukayo Saka and the fit-again Martin Odegaard in the Gunners’ 4-2-3-1 attack.
      It is arguably Tierney’s absence that Arsenal have felt the most and Arteta detailed the left-back’s huge effort to make the game.
      The Spaniard noted: “[Kieran] didn’t need the surgery that we were afraid of at the beginning and then he’s been working like a beast every single day.
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      How Arsenal could line up if Mikel Arteta changes up his backline
      “I don’t know if he’s going to make it tomorrow but he certainly wants to be as close as possible to that football pitch to give himself the best possible chance.”
      David Luiz has also sat out the last month after undergoing minor knee surgery but returned to training this week.
      Selecting his defence will be Arteta’s biggest headache as the squad heads to the Mediterranean coast.

      Bernd Leno was rotated back into the line-up for Mat Ryan ahead of the Everton defeat but his huge error gave away the only goal of the game.
      Calum Chambers is also fighting to keep Hector Bellerin out at right-back with Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhaes and Pablo Mari competing with Luiz for the central spots.
      Spanish defender Mari was selected for the pre-game press conference and outlined his hopes of starting the semi-final.

      He said: “I grew up in Valencia, I supported Villarreal and Valencia.
      “I’m really glad to be here to fight for Arsenal in the semi-final.
      “When you play a lot of games in a row it’s easier for you as a football player.
      “I think I’ve done well and that’s because every day I’ve worked really hard. I love being here.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Aubameyang available for Arsenal’s semi-final crunch with Villarreal but skipper not fully fit after Malaria

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      ARSENAL star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is available for the Europa League semi on Thursday night — even though he is still not fully fit after malaria.Aubameyang has not played for the Gunners since the start of the month, having picked up the illness on international duty with Gabon.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could return for Arsenal against Villarreal on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      Aubameyang has not played since the international break after contracting malariaCredit: Instagram @Auba
      The 31-year-old has returned to training but is still trying to build up his overall health levels.
      But with Alexandre Lacazette injured and boss Mikel Arteta left with youngsters as other attacking options, Aubameyang will have no hesitation answering the call if needed against Villarreal.
      His return would be a major boost to Arteta ahead of the first leg.
      There is a hope the Arsenal captain’s fitness level will be enough to see him through because he played against Liverpool and Slavia Prague before being diagnosed with malaria.
      Meanwhile, Stan Kroenke has REFUSED to sell Arsenal – despite fan protests and Spotify founder Daniel Ek plotting a £2.5BILLION bid.
      The American billionaire, 73, released a statement which will come as a crushing blow to Gunners fans.
      Kroenke has had sole ownership of Arsenal since buying out rival shareholder Alisher Usmanov three years ago.
      And from his US base in Denver, Colorado, he is virtually immune to the growing hostility of Gunners fans back in London.
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      The statement read: “In recent days we have noted media speculation regarding a potential takeover bid for Arsenal Football Club. We remain 100 per cent committed to Arsenal and are not selling any stake in the club.
      “We have not received any offer and we will not entertain any offer.
      “Our ambition for Arsenal remains to compete to win the biggest trophies in the game and our focus remains on improving our competitiveness on the pitch to achieve this.
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      Premier League clubs set to take back crown as top European nation for first time in nine years after recent dominance

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      ENGLISH football is poised to reclaim the title of best in Europe – after NINE years.And if either Chelsea or Arsenal beat their Spanish opponents this week, England will be confirmed in top spot – even if all four remaining Prem clubs go out at the semi-final stage.
      Premier League clubs are on course to reclaim top spot in the European tableCredit: Getty
      The exploits of the Prem’s Euro battlers have seen England’s five-year Uefa coefficient score rise to 98.283 points.
      Two points are earned for every win and one for each draw in European competition, divided between the number of teams who have qualified – seven in the case of England – to provide an average score for each country.
      England started the season in second place behind Spain, who have been top of the Euro table since 2012.
      But while English clubs have accrued 22.071 points so far, Spain have gathered just 18.642, for a total of 96.997.
      With only Real Madrid and Villarreal left of LaLiga’s initial seven sides, Spain’s maximum possible final total is 98.711.
      England will be assured of topping that if Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United pick up just three draws, or a win and a draw, in their combined eight matches across both legs of the semi-finals.
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      But a win for either Chelsea against Real on Tuesday, or the Gunners against Unai Emery’s side on Thursday, will ensure England cannot be overtaken.
      The Prem last stood on top of the pile after Chelsea’s Champions League triumph in 2012.
      English football was at the head of the standings from the end of the 2007-08 season – when Chelsea met United in the Moscow Champions League final – for five years.
      But Spain then took over, with England actually falling below Germany and into third place in 2015-16 and then again the following campaign.
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      Emotional Ian Wright says David Rocastle would be ‘turning in his grave’ after Arsenal joined European Super League

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      IAN WRIGHT has slammed Arsenal for joining the European Super League – adding that David Rocastle would be ‘turning in his grave’.Club legend Rocastle was a former team-mate of Wright’s and tragically died aged 33 after winning two league titles with the Gunners.
      Ian Wright criticised the European Super League plan in a Twitter clip
      Late club legend David Rocastle would be ‘turning in his grave’, said old team-mate WrightCredit: Rex
      Former striker Wright, 57, was left aghast at how the club had gone from making an impeccable tribute to its heritage to joining the ESL.
      He told his Twitter followers: “I literally couldn’t believe it when I saw Arsenal’s name.
      “This is the same Arsenal that was only just, a couple of weeks ago, commended for its tribute to David Rocastle.
      “God, he would be turning in his grave knowing what’s going on now.
      “Is this how far we’ve fallen? That we are now getting into competitions because we’re not good enough to get into [the Champions League].
      “So, to the detriment of the English game, we’re getting a seat to the table we have no right to be at. It’s shameful. I’ve heard that word used, it is shameful.”
      Wright joined the growing number of players past and present, fans and clubs in condemning the ESL project.
      Arsenal are one of six English teams who signed up to the proposals despite last winning the Premier League in 2004, with Mikel Arteta’s team currently sat ninth in the table.

      MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

      Uefa have threatened to kick the club out of the upcoming Europa League semi-finals, and Wright pondered how the players feel about the move.
      He continued: “If I’m a player I’m worried like, ‘If I play in this competition, I can’t play in the Euros, in the Fifa World Cup’.
      “They’re saying the teams in the [current season’s European] semi-finals may get disqualified because of this.
      “Where is the competition in all of this? Why haven’t we seen exactly how this is going to work? I totally disagree with this.
      “But where’s the jeopardy? Who goes down, who wins, what do they win? Are we supposed to play these great teams on a weekly basis.
      “I played against AC Milan twice in my career, it is something I will never forget. Are we supposed to be playing these teams so frequently? It’s not meant to be like that.
      “You dream of playing in the Champions League and the World Cup. Now they’re saying you’re not allowed to play in those competitions.
      “How do you feel as a player right now? I’d be absolutely s***ing myself now.
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      “You look at the time the announcement was made, they’re not catering for us. They don’t care about what’s going on in England.
      “Those clubs involved are English by name only. It’s a shame. It just makes me very sad.
      “There is no way the fans, they will see straight through this b*******, I just love the way that everybody is roundly condemning this, we have to stick together with this.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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