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      Son Heung-min admits Tottenham team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ in public apology to him as he faces SIX-MATCH BAN

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      SON HEUNG-MIN maintains there is no problem between himself and team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur – only love.Midfielder Bentancur has been charged by the FA for his discriminatory comments about Son and faces a maximum punishment of a 12-game ban.Tottenham star Son Heung-min maintains there is no problem between himself and Rodrigo BentancurCredit: GettyTottenham ace Bentancur has been charged by the FA for discriminatory comments about SonCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old was asked by a presenter on Uruguayan TV in June for a Tottenham shirt and replied: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”He apologised to Son afterwards and is awaiting his fate, with the FA likely to recommend at least a six-match suspension to the regulatory commission that will hand down his sentence.Spurs skipper Son, 32, said: “At the moment, there’s a process from the FA, that’s why I can’t say much about it. But I love Rodrigo, I love him.“We have a lot of good memories, we started playing together when he joined.Read More on Football“He apologised straight afterwards when we [were on] holiday.“I was at home, I didn’t even realise what was going on. He just sent me a long message, and you could feel it was coming from his heart.“When we came back to the training ground for pre-season, he was really sorry and he almost cried.“He apologised in public and personally as well. It felt like he was really sorry. We’re all human, we make mistakes, we learn from it. I love Rodrigo, I love him, I love him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“He knows he made a mistake but I have no problem at all. We move on as a teammate, as a friend, as a brother. We move on together.”Both Bentancur and Son could start Thursday’s Europa League opener against Azerbaijani side Qarabag.Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showLast season, Tottenham played just 41 games as they were not in Europe and crashed out of the cups early.But they face an extended schedule this year and Son joined Manchester City star Rodri in speaking out against the dangers of a fixture overload.The South Korean icon said: “We’re not robots. We have to look after that and reduce the games definitely – better quality definitely should be the aim.“It’s normal that everyone is at high risk of injury. It’s not fair. Rodri said the right things. We play 50, 60 games and not more than 70 games. It’s not fair.”Son is closing in on 10 years at Spurs but only feels he will earn “legend” status for the club if he wins a trophy.His current deal expires at the end of this season, though SunSport understands Spurs will trigger an option to extend his deal until the summer of 2026.Son discusses contractWhen asked about his contract situation, Son replied: “We haven’t talked [about] anything yet.“I’m just fully focused on this situation and this year. I just want to win something that everybody in this club and these players and all around deserves.“That’s what I’m working for. In the future, you never know what’s going to happen.“But I will make sure I give everything for this club. It’s almost ten years that I give everything.”Cristian Romero is suspended for Thursday’s match, while Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon are ineligible.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will be Ange Postecoglou’s maiden European game as Spurs boss. The Aussie added: “For us as a group it will be the first time, the squad has changed a lot in the last 12 months.“I see it as a fantastic opportunity to evolve as a team in a footballing sense and hopefully gets us closer to our goal.” More

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      Man Utd ratings: Improved Rashford stakes England claim in front of Lee Carsley as Zirkzee is hooked again

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against Twente at Old Trafford.Christian Eriksen opened the scoring after 35 minutes to show why United are among the favourites to win the competition this season.Manchester United ace Christian Eriksen opened the scoring with a fantastic strikeCredit: GettyBut Man Utd’s were unable to secure victory over FC TwenteCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford was a bag of tricks and lookedCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee struggled for Man Utd against TwenteCredit: AlamyHowever, the visitors became the latest side to shock Erik ten Hag’s on 68 minutes when Sam Lammers equalised.The result deals a blow in the Red Devils’ hopes of finishing in the top eight of the League Phase, which would guarantee a place in the Last 16 of the Europa League and save them playing two extra fixtures.But who stood out for Man Utd? Who failed to live up to expectation? Here’s how Martin Blackburn rates each of Ten Hag’s players:ANDRE ONANA – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Read More on Man UtdDIOGO DALOT – 6 Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6 Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with header cleared off line. LISANDRO MARTINEZ –  7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.  NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front. Most read in Europa LeagueFurious Man Utd boss Ten Hag tells Jamie Redknapp ‘as a person you’re not OK’ as he slams pundit’s Rashford speculationCHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser. MANUEL UGARTE – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser. MARCUS RASHFORD – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self. BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.AMAD DIALLO – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half. JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund. SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO for Diallo 67 – 6 Got an earful off Erik ten Hag for not doing his bit defensively.KOBBIE MAINOO for Eriksen 78 – 5 Went to ground too easily as he got a  sight of goal. READ MORE SUN STORIESMASON MOUNT for Zirkzee 79 – 5 Teed up a late chance for Garnacho RASMUS HOJLUND for Rashford 79 – 5 Still working his way back to fitness after injury. Martinez dominated in Man Utd’s defenceMan Utd failed to kill the game against Twente More

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      Man Utd 1 FC Twente 1: Erik ten Hag let down by flops once again as Christian Eriksen goes from hero to zero

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      ERIK TEN HAG was left frustrated as Manchester United failed to kill off a game again.It has become a recurring theme under the boss.Christian Eriksen was the Jekyll and Hyde double act for Man Utd against FC TwenteCredit: EPAEriksen rifled home the opener near the end of the first halfCredit: GettySam Lammers slotted home a second-half equaliserCredit: GettyBefore the game he had urged his players to find that lethal touch in the box to finish teams off.But despite having 19 efforts at goal only five were on target and one of them was from a Twente playerThey had failed to take chances in the goalless draw at Crystal Palace at the weekend too.New coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is still to work his magic on the Carrington training pitches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn top from a Christian Eriksen strike on 35 minutes, it seemed they were going to have the perfect start against Ten Hag’s former club in this Europa League opener.He had said before the game “it is not nice to have to hurt something you love” as he sensed victory against the team he played for in three spells and still supports.But they were the one’s breaking his heart with a second-half equaliser to share the points through Sam Lammers.There was a nice touch before the game when Steve McClaren was presented with a commemorative plaque on the pitch by Sir Alex Ferguson.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMcClaren was of course Ferguson’s assistant in that amazing treble season of 1998-99 and has just left the club after his second spell to become boss of Jamaica.More importantly for the lively visiting fans, he was FC Twente coach when they won their first and only Dutch title in 2009-10.Man Utd fans hail boss Erik ten Hag for having ‘a better touch than Hojlund’ after spotting mad ball skills in trainingHe was given a rousing reception by them as they chanted his name.They very nearly had something else to celebrate early in the game when Diogo Dalot lost out to Bart van Rooij, who crossed into the six yard box.Lammers got the slightest of touches to deflect wide and beyond Andre Onana but the ball ran just wide of the far post.Marcus Rashford was back in the team after being left out the starting line up for the game at Selhurst Park.It was a surprise move given that he had scored three goals in two games.And it brought much comment from pundit’s to the annoyance of Erik ten Hag, who has emphasised his need to rotate with so many games coming thick and fast.Rashford showed that he felt he had a point to prove not just to Ten Hag but interim England boss Lee Carsley, who was in the stands.His form last season saw him lose out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad, but Carsley has already proved he is prepared to give players another chance.The forward looked lively from the start, tearing down the left flank as Amad Diallo did likewise down the right.Marcus Rashford looked bright throughoutCredit: AlamyWhile Joshua Zirkzee struggled to have a huge influence on the gameCredit: PAHe was full of tricks, with one nutmeg drawing huge cheers.In the 26th minute, there was very nearly a bizarre own goal in United’s favour.When Lisandro Martinez thumped a header across goal towards Zirkzee, Mees Hilgers intervened with a flick.But it forced his goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall into an incredible save to prevent the ball nestling in his top corner.The Red Devils then took the lead through a fabulous strike from Eriksen.Bruno Fernandes played the ball into the box for Diogo Dalot and, when he was challenged, it broke loose.Eriksen was first on the scene with a first-time drive that flew into the far top corner.United were in the ascendancy but Ten Hag will have wanted them to press that advantage home.Diallo tried to do just that as he turned on the afterburners and tore into the box to win a corner soon after the break.Lammers thundered an effort past Andre OnanaCredit: APThere were jubilant celebrations from the Dutch sideCredit: GettyEriksen swung it over and, when Harry Maguire met it with his head, the ball was blocked and fell back to the United centre-back whose volley was straight at the goalkeeper.Rashford was having a good night and went on to dispossess Youri Regeer and run half the length of the pitch before he found Eriksen, who fed Noussair Mazraoui.The move broke down, however, as United’s new full-back played a chipped cross that found nobody. Too many moves broke down.Lisandro Martinez reminded everybody why he was nicknamed ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’ in his time at Ajax when he took out Sam Steijn 30 yards from United’s goal.It earned him a booking and the visitors a free kick.Steijn picked himself up to take it and his low shot around the wall almost crept into the far corner, but was kept out by Onana’s finger tips.However, United failed to heed the warning and Twente drew level in the 67th minute.Bart Van Rooij charged through the United ranks before an interception from Manuel Ugarte.The ball broke to Eriksen, who thought he had more time than he did.The Dane then saw his pocket picked by Lammers, who charged into the box and fired home at Onana’s near post.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn injury time, a Maguire header was saved brilliantly on the line by UnnerstallBack to the drawing board, again.Kobbie Mainoo had a late penalty appeal waved awayCredit: ReutersHarry Maguire forced a late scare with an injury time headerCredit: PAMan Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Police detain SIXTY armed fans with knives and other weapons after trying to avoid escort to Europa League clash

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      GERMAN police have detained armed Lazio fans ahead of the Europa League clash with Dynamo Kyiv in Hamburg.About 60 away fans were stopped by the authorities after attempting to avoid a police escort.German police have arrested about 60 armed Lazio fans before the game with Dynamo KievCredit: GettyCops claim the supporters were found to be carrying knives, clubs and other weapons.Those fans were checked late Tuesday and detained until Wednesday.Lazio released a statement which confirmed the fans held overnight have been banned from attending the game at the Volksparkstadion.However, the Serie A giants also announced that there were no arrests.Read More on FootballUkrainian giants Dynamo are playing their home games in Hamburg this season because of the war in their homeland after Russia’s illegal invasion back in 2022.Lazio have been hit with numerous sanctions both in Serie A and Europe because of fan trouble throughout the years.Last March, a Lazio fan was arrested and fined for giving a Nazi salute inside the beer hall where Hitler founded the party before a Champions League match against Bayern Munich.A year earlier, a fan wearing a shirt with a reference to Hitler was slapped with a lifetime ban from attending Lazio matches by the Roman club. Most read in Europa LeagueAuthorities reviewed security camera footage from inside the Olimpico of the fan wearing a Lazio shirt that read “Hitlerson” and the No88, which is a numerical code for “Heil Hitler”.Football hooligans started the SPFL season with a brawl in Paisley as St Mirren met Hibs Two seasons ago, the Laziali were ordered to play a Serie A game with part of their home ground closed to spectators after fans directed racist chants at opposing players. More

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      Man Utd vs FC Twente – Europa League LIVE SCORE: Red Devils held by Ten Hag’s old side in tepid Europa League clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED drew 1-1 with FC Twente in the Europa League in their first group game. The Red Devils went ahead through Christian Eriksen in the first half but Twente striker Sam Lammers equalised in the second period after some shocking United defending. Kick-off time: 8pm BSTLive stream: discovery+TV channel: TNT Sports 1Man Utd XI: Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Eriksen, Fernandes, Amad, Rashford, ZirkzeeFC Twente XI: Unnerstall, Van Rooij, Hilgers, Bruns, Salah-Eddine, Vlap, Regger, Van Wolfswinkel, Steijn, Van Bergen, LammersBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action from Old Trafford with our live blog below…Manager lays it on the lineIn his post-match interview the Dutch manager gave his thoughts on the game and result:We kept them alive. We were one-nil up, controlling the game. We dropped our levels and give a goal away. We got punished with a mistake from ourselves. We cannot give a goal away like this.Erik ten HagMan UtdCopy linkCopiedHome form pivotal to qualifyMan Utd cannot afford to drop points at Old Trafford in the new format Europa League.Playing four home games and four away, they need at least fifteen points to finish in the top eight places.A tricky trip to Portugal is next up, where Erik ten Hag’s side will need a big performance to right the wrongs of this evening.Copy linkCopiedFrom hero to zeroIt really was a game of two halves for Christian Eriksen today.After scoring the opening goal, a fantastic strike, everything seemed to good in the world of the Danish midfielder as he walked off at half-time.Turning into trouble in the second-half, saw him dispossessed for the FC Twente goal that cost the hosts all three points.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTough run ahead for Red DevilsIt looks to be testing period of fixtures for Erik ten Hag and his players lying ahead.A home game against Tottenham and tricky trip to Aston Villa are sandwiched around a game against FC Porto in Portugal.The Red Devils will need to up their game to get some positive results from these fixtures.Copy linkCopiedApparently they’re not backAfter wins against Southampton and League One Barnsley, fans and pundits alike were celebrating the rebirth of Man Utd.Since then, they have had a goalless draw with winless Crystal Palace and a home draw with FC Twente.There is a long season ahead and it appears comfortable wins against one of the worst teams in the top-flight and lower league opposition are not the benchmarks for success many thought.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 1-1 FC TwenteYou cannot deny that the visitors deserved a point tonight.Had they not changed to a more defensive formation, they looked the most likely to win it after their equaliser.All you can hear at Old Trafford now are the Dutch fans in the away end as the ground empties out like there is a fire drill in the home enclosures.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 1-1 FC TwenteThe referee brings the game to a close.FC Twente have got a big point at Old Trafford.Another frustrating evening to be a Man Utd fan.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente90+2. Mazraoui looks to cross from the right but it is deflected behind for a corner.Maguire gets his head to the cross but somehow the keeper makes a brilliant reaction save as it deflects towards goal from one of his own defenders.The hosts look to pepper the box with crosses but eventually the Dutch are able to clear their lines.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente90. The visitors are happy to run the clock down now.It would be a good point for them away from home,Garnacho tries to get away down the left but van Rooij times his tackle to perfection.We are going to have four added minutes.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente88. Martinez tries to play the ball into Garnacho but Hilgers is there first as he boots it into the stands.FC Twente are coming under some significant pressure now.Fortunately the Red Devils always seem capable of misplacing a pass at a critical moment.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente86. The Dutch side are finding it difficult to get out when they turn the ball over with this new formation.Man Utd come forward again and Mainoo goes to ground looking for a penalty.The referee waves away protests quite rightly, the young midfielder went down far too easily there.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente84. FC Twente seem to have switched to a 5-4-1 now.The visitors would be more than happy with a point here.You wonder why they changed, they looked the most likely to get a winner in the last fifteen minutes.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente82. Ugarte squares the ball back to Fernandes.He hits a shot towards the far corner but it is curling away from the goal.Big chance there for Man Utd to get that elusive winner.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente80. Mainoo, Hojlund and Mount join the action.Rashford, Eriksen and Zirkzee are the players to make way.Lammers runs through on goal, with options to his left and right, but plays a dreadful pass to gift it to Mazraoui.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente78. This game is still finely poised with just over ten minutes remaining.Fernandes goes down and Lammers is shown a yellow card.Terrible decision by the referee as the FC Twente player won the ball.He was conned by the reaction from Fernandes like his career had been ended by the challenge.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente76. Ten Hag is preparing some more changes.Zirkzee receives the ball in the box and his shot is palmed over the bar by Unnerstall for a corner.As the cross comes in, Maguire heads it wide of the goal.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente74. Dalot keeps dropping into midfield and it is leaving the hosts with no left-back whatsoever.Ten Hag needs to be doing something about this or they at risk of losing this game.Considering how long the manager has been at the club, you really to question why his teams to do not seem to know where they should be playing.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente72. This is the Christian Eriksen game so far tonight.He scored the goal to give Man Utd the lead and then gifted the ball to FC Twente for them to score.Sharing is caring in Denmark it seems.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente70. FC Twente are sensing they get some joy here when they high press Man Utd.All too often the hosts are making mistakes at the back.This could be an entertaining finish to this game.Regeer almost turns towards goal but Mazraoui manages to win the ball.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 FC Twente68. Van Rooij makes a lung-bursting run, waltzing past the Man Utd players.It seems he has lost the ball but Eriksen turns into trouble and is dispossessed by Lammers.He opens up his body, making it look like he is going for the far corner, but drills it past Onana at his near post.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Sam Lammers (FC Twente)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 FC Twente66. Garnacho is getting ready to come on.You kind of feel Man Utd need a second goal here.It would be a nervy end to the game if they still hold this slender lead.Alejandro Garnacho comes on for Amad Diallo.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 FC Twente64. Fernandes is having a good old whinge as he is not happy with a late challenge on him.He would be a nightmare to live next door to.Knocking on your door two/three times a day to moan about your bins or your cat being on his lawn.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 FC Twente62. FC Twente make a couple of changes with Kjolo and Rots joining the action.Vlap and Steijn are the players to make way.Man Utd come forward, as the ball is played to Rashford at the back post, he looks to shoot but it is easily blocked.Often the Red Devils’ forward really telegraphs his intentions to shoot and this was another one of those occasions.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 FC Twente60. Steijn strikes the free kick into the bottom corner of the goal.Onana gets down well to push it around the post for a corner.Man Utd continue to look unsure of themselves in defence.Credit: PACopy linkCopied More

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      Rangers Europa League clash intel has Malmo safety chief on security alert as rival fans pose risk ‘in negative way’

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      MALMO security chiefs have expressed fears over fan trouble at their Europa League opener against Rangers.They have dubbed the game a ‘high-risk’ fixture – and are concerned visiting fans could link-up with, or even be infiltrated by, Swedish rivals.Malmo are preparing for around 2,000 Rangers fans to travelCredit: SNSThe visitors will be housed in this corner of the Eleda StadionFormer Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic is now in the Swedish squadCredit: AlamyGers are due to take up around 2,000 of the Eleda Stadion for the 5.15pm kick-off.But officials at Malmo, where ex-Ger Filip Helander is a club favourite and ex-Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic is in the first-team, are worried about the clash.They fear Helsingborg fans may pile in amongst the crowd and “present themselves in a negative way”.Malmo head of security Peter Narbe has claimed Helsingborgs have links to Rangers and could attend the game leading to a security headache.Speaking to Sydsvenskan, the Swedish safety chief said: “We know there’s a ‘friendship’ there. We are aware of that.“It is likely that there will be HIF supporters who bought tickets in the home section. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re behaving badly; it’s important to point out.”However he added: “There may be a risk that they want to present themselves in a negative way.”Malmo’s main football rivals are IFK Gothenburg but neighbours Helsingborgs are also old foes in the Skanederby – in the Scania region of Sweden.Most read in FootballTrouble flared between the two sets of supporters before a derby two years ago, leading to ugly scenes of running battles on the Helsingborg streets.Ross McCormack on borrowing Michael Mols’ boots for his Rangers debutMalmo have already stoked up the Europa clash by poking fun at their two previous meetings with the Gers saying ‘we’ve missed you’.Their social media video revisited their previous two encounters this century – in 2011-12 before Rangers were plunged into the fourth tier as a result of their financial woes.They also met three seasons ago when Antonio Colak put Steven Gerrard’s side to the sword – the manager left two months later, but under Giovanni van Bronckhorst Rangers reached the Europa League Final.Jon Dahl Tomasson also tried to rile up Rangers by claiming Gers needed the money at the time.Swedes v ScotsRANGERS must make history on Thursday night if they are to get their Europa League group campaign off to the perfect start.by Roger HannahGers have NEVER beaten the Swedes in four previous meetings – and have suffered three damaging defeats to them.Here, SunSport looks back on those games as Philippe Clement prepares to take his squad to Scandinavia for the opener on Thursday evening.Rangers 0 Malmo 1Champions League qualifier – July 26, 2011ALLY McCOIST’S champions suffered a shock home defeat as Daniel Larsson hit the only goal in the first-half at Ibrox.New boss McCoist, who had stepped up to succeed Walter Smith, stuck with the stars who had won the title at Rugby Park just two months earlier.But the loss of captain David Weir to injury shortly after Larsson’s goal was another blow and Gers couldn’t equalise.Malmo 1 Rangers 1Champions League qualifier – August 3, 2011NINE-MAN Gers were dumped out of the Champions League by Malmo in a bad-tempered encounter in Sweden.Nikica Jelavic’s goal had levelled the tie in the 23rd minute but red cards for Steven Whittaker and Madjid Bougherra hit McCoist’s side.The Swedes were reduced to ten men when Ferreira Ricardinho saw red but an 80th minute goal from Jiloan Hamad put the tie out of reach.Malmo 2 Rangers 1Champions League qualifier – August 3, 2021EXACTLY a decade after Gers’ elimination in Sweden, they returned to Malmo and suffered another damaging result.Soren Rieks and Veljko Birmancevic scored two goals in two minutes after the break as Steven Gerrard’s side wobbled.Steven Davis scored in injury-time to give Gers hope for the second leg at Ibrox – but more woe awaited them just days later.Rangers 1 Malmo 2Champions League qualifier – August 10, 2021ALFREDO MORELOS cancelled out Malmo’s first-leg after just 18 minutes and Gers fans believed they were on the way to victory.That feeling was fuelled when Malmo’s Bonke Innocent was sent-off in first-half stoppage time with the tie balanced on a knife-edge.But Gers collapsed in the second half and Croatian striker Antonio Colak – who would later sign for Gers – scored twice inside four minutes to send the Swedes through 4-2 on aggregate.He famously said, with a wry smirk: “Is the pressure on us or them?”Don’t you think that they need the Champions League’s money here? I think so.”I think they need that. I think that’s a good answer, isn’t it?”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Ten Hag looks unrecognisable playing for Man Utd opponents as he says ‘it’s not nice to have to hurt something you love’

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      ERIK TEN HAG looked unrecognisable during his time as a player at FC Twente.The Manchester United manager, 54, will come up against his former side in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United will face his former club FC Twente on WednesdayCredit: ReutersHe looked unrecognisable as a defender for TwenteCredit: RexHe had three spells at Twente and racked up more than 200 appearances for the clubCredit: RexIt comes 22 years after the former centre-back hung up his boots as a player, retiring following a third spell with Twente.Ten Hag broke through at the Eredivisie club in 1989 and went on to feature more than 200 times across a 13-year period.And the now bald manager looked totally different with a full head of hair back in the day.He came up against Twente as a manager while in Holland as he enjoyed an impressive five-year spell as Ajax boss.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNow he will face them for the first time as Man Utd head coach as the Red Devils look to kick off their European campaign with a victory.But Ten Hag has admitted he would have rather not faced his former club.Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the boss – who showed off his touch in training ahead of the game – said: “I would have preferred to play against someone else. It’s not nice to have to hurt something you love.”Of all the teams, Twente is the team I follow the most.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I watch them as a fan, as a supporter, not as an analyst. It’s a different way of watching their games.”Twente brought me a lot, I was put through their academy, so for me a great deal of history there.”Man Utd fans hail boss Erik ten Hag for having ‘a better touch than Hojlund’ after spotting mad ball skills in trainingMeanwhile, Twente boss Joseph Oosting has explained how he plans to lead his side to an unlikely victory at Old Trafford.He said: “I always believe in opportunities. If we dare to play, we can also create opportunities. Especially in the transition, we can hurt Manchester.”That is easier said than done but the will is definitely there.”We played games against Red Bull [Salzburg] that you learn from.”Everything goes at the highest tempo, whether it is on the ball or in defence.”You have to be top in everything and we need everyone to be there. I think we have also made progress in that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have respect for Manchester United, but we also have the full conviction and the will to get the most out of the game.”Twente sit fourth in the Eredivisie, starting their campaign with three wins, two draws and one defeat.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      FC Twente boss reveals key tactic he hopes can lead Dutch side to shock victory against Man Utd in Europa League

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      FC TWENTE manager Joseph Oosting has revealed how he plans to upset Manchester United at Old Trafford.Oosting and his players travel to England today to face United in the Europa League.FC Twente manager Joseph Oosting has revealed he plans to hurt Man UtdCredit: GettyErik ten Hag admitted he is a fan of FC TwenteCredit: ReutersHowever, they do not plan to roll over for Erik ten Hag’s side.Twente want to get the most out of the match by hurting United on the transition by playing at the highest tempo.Discussing his game plan ahead of the clash, Oosting said: “I always believe in opportunities. If we dare to play, we can also create opportunities. Especially in the transition, we can hurt Manchester.”That is easier said than done but the will is definitely there.Read More in Football”We played games against Red Bull [Salzburg] that you learn from.”Everything goes at the highest tempo, whether it is on the ball or in defence.”You have to be top in everything and we need everyone to be there. I think we have also made progress in that.”We have respect for Manchester United, but we also have the full conviction and the will to get the most out of the game.”Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd boss Ten Hag – who showed ahead of tonight’s game that his touch hasn’t left him – highly regards FC Twente having come through the club’s academy as a player before making 234 appearances for them.He said: “I would have preferred to play against somebody else. It’s not nice to hurt something you love.Man Utd Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace”Of all the teams, Twente is the team I follow the most.”I watch them as a fan, as a supporter, not as an analyst. It’s a different way of watching their games.”Twente brought me a lot, I was put through their academy, so for me a great deal of history there.”The Dutchman went on to admit that he is not a fan of the new Europa League format, adding: “There are too many games, too many competitions, it’s clear.”The players are overloaded, this is not good for football. Maybe it’s good for commercial.”As a club alone we can’t change this. It’s about clubs and players and coaches.”We have to work on this to improve the game and find the right balance. We are professional and revenues have to come, but we have to balance it out.”Man Utd ratings vs Crystal Palace as Andre Onana saves the day for wasteful Red DevilsMANCHESTER UNITED were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace as they missed a flurry of first-half chances.Erik ten Hag shocked fans this afternoon when he left Marcus Rashford out of his starting XI.And the Red Devils failed to make a breakthrough – dropping two more points.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Man Utd player ratings…ANDRE ONANA – 8/10Had one save to make just before half time – a comfortable one from Eberechi Eze.And then, a worldie double save to keep out Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, rivalling the one made by Arsenal’s David Raya in mid-week.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7One of United’s most consistent performers who continues to impress week by week. Strong in the tackle and great positioning to stop Palace counters.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7Lost an early duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta which put the Frenchman in but it was pulled back for a foul. Blamed his boots and changed them moments later.Unlucky with a brilliant header from a corner that was somehow kept out by Dean Henderson and made a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Eze in the second half.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Another player who came close to scoring but for the brilliance of Henderson, swivelling and turning in the six-yard box with a stabbed effort.Lucky not to be sent off for a ridiculous two-footed lunge that narrowly avoided contact with Daichi Kamada.DIOGO DALOT – 7Played as a left winger for most of the first half, such was United’s dominance.Brilliant pick out only for Garnacho to hit the crossbar.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Covered ground well and linked defence with attack. Drifted forward more in the second half without seriously threatening.An insane Cruyff piece of skill in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Kept things ticking over and picked some nice passes at times but his lack of pace and physicality was evident.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tenacious in ensuring Palace’s midfield could not get a foothold in the game and grazed the top of the bar with a volley into the ground just before the half hour mark.Was United’s most creative player on the ball and should have had one goal to his name at least.AMAD DIALLO – 6Showed glimpses with some darting runs but never possessing the intent and aggression to force anything meaningful from it.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Had a personal battle with Henderson, one that he ultimately lost.Early chance to show it was the right call to start ahead of Marcus Rashford squandered – put through by Zirkzee but 1v1 effort palmed away by Henderson.Smacked the bar in a similar position from Dalot’s through ball and came close to knocking one in from close range.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 6Linked up well with Garnacho, dropping deep and slipping the winger in that should have led to the opener. Headed wide from a Diallo corner just before the break.Rightly subbed off on the hour mark as his influence waned.SUBS:MARCUS RASHFORD (ZIRKZEE, 61) – 6Did very little to convince Erik Ten Hag to throw him back into the starting XI, but was barely given the service either.MANUEL UGARTE (ERIKSEN, 76) – 6United certainly appear calmer and more solid with him at the base of their midfield.RASMUS HOJLUND (DIALLO, 76) – 6Still getting minutes back into his legs after returning from injury, but this is one of his more forgettable cameos. More