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      Lisandro Martinez reveals how Man Utd responded to Erik ten Hag’s ‘standards’ remark following Liverpool hammering

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ insists Manchester United’s Europa League triumph over Real Betis “doesn’t say anything” as they are looking to meet manager Erik ten Hag’s “standards”.United destroyed Betis with a score of 4-1 at Old Trafford with goals by Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst – the visitors temporarily equalised with Leicester loanee Ayoze Perez.
      Lisandro Martinez revealed how Manchester United responded to criticismCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag blasted Manchester United aces for dropping standards against LiverpoolCredit: PA
      This comes shortly after Sunday’s 7-0 mauling to Liverpool, which led to some fiery remarks by Ten Hag accusing his players of dropping their “standards” after a dominant run across all competitions.
      Martinez suggested the team took the Dutchman’s criticism on board and are now refusing to lose their concentration.
      The Red Devils picked up a comfortable lead in the first leg of the Last 16 but the centre-back insists they need to remain focused ahead of a tough return fixture next week in Seville.
      Martinez told MUTV: “It was a great result for us, but we have to keep going.
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      “It doesn’t say anything this result. It’s the first leg and when we go to Betis, we have to be ready and focused, especially in their home, they play well and have the support of their people.
      “We are happy for this game. I think the energy of the team [lacked], they started to play, and in the second half we changed the passion, the energy and we showed our mentality and we created more chances, then we score.”
      Antony, Fernandes and Weghorst received immense criticism after the embarrassing loss at Liverpool.
      But Martinez backed all of his United three team-mates, who redeemed themselves with an improved performance against Betis.
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      The Argentina international added: “He’s a really good player [Antony], with a lot of quality, his skills are amazing and I’m happy for him because it’s important for his confidence. I’m really happy with the job of the team.
      “I’m happy for him [Fernandes] as well, as like you say, there was a lot of criticism to our team but it’s like this when you play for a big, big team, it can happen, so you have to be ready and be happy with where we are.” More

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      Fans convinced Ten Hag demanded three more goals after going 4-1 up vs Betis following Liverpool embarrassment

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced Erik ten Hag wanted his troops to hit Real Betis for seven in their Europa League clash.United put one foot in the quarter-finals of Europe’s secondary club competition on Thursday night with a 4-1 win in the first leg of their last-16 clash with the Spaniards at Old Trafford.
      Manchester United fans ran out 4-1 winners of Real Betis on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      The win was their first since being battered 7-0 by Liverpool last weekendCredit: REX
      Some United fans are convinced Ten Hag wanted his troops to his Betis for sevenCredit: BT SPORT
      The battering of Betis saw the Red Devils start to erase the memory of their embarrassing 7-0 defeat to bitter rivals Liverpool last weekend.
      And some of the Old Trafford faithful reckon Dutchman Ten Hag wanted his troops to score seven themselves.
      That belief came from footage of Ten Hag holding up three fingers and shouting not long after his side’s fourth goal of the night.
      One United fan tweeted: “Ten Hag telling the players we need 3 more goals.”
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      Another said: “Ten Hag wants seven goals.”
      And another said: “Ten Hag asking three more goals by showing his three fingers was a hilarious moment.”
      One remarked: “Ten Hag telling the players they owe him THREE more goals.”
      Another chimed in: “He wasn’t joking when he said he wanted revenge.”
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      Goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst put United on course for the last eight of the Europa League.
      Ten Hag was thrilled with how his troops bounced back from their Anfield annihilation and singled out skipper Bruno Fernandes for praise.
      He said of the Portugal international: “He was the best player on the pitch, it showed his personality.
      “He played a little deeper role tonight and he was brilliant, making the game from the back in position, a lot of good passes in between the lines.
      “From there we created a lot of chances.”
      United will be back on Sunday afternoon, welcoming relegation battlers Southampton to the Theatre of Dreams.
      They’ll then travel to Andalusia on Thursday for the second leg of their tie with Betis.
      Erik ten Hag singled out skipper Bruno Fernandes for praiseCredit: GETTY More

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      Four arrested after Old Trafford violence after Betis fans ‘threw coins and sausages at disabled Man Utd fans’

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      FOUR Real Betis fans were arrested after “throwing coins and sausages” at Man United’s disabled section at Old Trafford.Trouble emerged between the supporters during the Europa League tie last night as missiles were thrown from the away end.
      Four Real Betis fans were arrested after throwing items at Man United fans sat in the disabled sectionCredit: Reuters
      Real Betis fans also clashed with riot policeCredit: @StuSharp_MUFC
      Greater Manchester Police have said 50 away supporters started the troubleCredit: Getty
      The away fans are put near the disabled section in Old TraffordCredit: Alamy
      Betis were followed by 3,900 fans to Manchester for the first leg of the round of 16.
      And it kicked off after Bruno Fernandes netted United’s third goal when a group of 50 of them started to cause trouble in the ground.
      A police officer was struck by a firework, while United supporter Louise Rigby says that her eight-year-old autistic son was hit by a coin, but was luckily not hurt.
      She told MEN: “They were throwing sausages, hot dogs. Before the match even started they were throwing lighters and euros and packets of tissues and plastic drinks cups. We were getting stuff thrown all over us.
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      “Once our third goal went in, that’s when it turned nasty. They were jumping over the barriers and throwing things. One coin hit my son on the back of the head.
      “He’s got special educational needs and we were sitting in the disabled area. We go to every match. There were a lot of people in wheelchairs and they were all getting things thrown at them.
      “It was absolutely appalling. I’m all for rivalry but last night was so uncalled for. They were setting off flares and all sorts. They were throwing pints and other items. Even before everybody got a sense something was going to erupt.”
      Footage has been shared on social media of the scenes breaking out as riot police moved to the away end.
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      In other areas fans were spotted ripping seats off in order to throw it at the United fans.
      In another case, one fan was filmed repeatedly spitting at the home end as stricken stewards were piled on.
      While a Betis fan masked in a balaclava could be seen attempting to swing his belt across the narrow gap in an attempt to hit home supporters.
      According to MEN, United officials will hold talks with the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association as their seating is below the away section.
      Some Betis fans were filmed spitting at United supportersCredit: @stoney_29
      The disgraceful scenes saw stewards piled on in the standsCredit: @stoney_29
      The report has also suggested that club insiders believe more trouble comes from European games than domestic ones.
      Greater Manchester Police [GMP] have confirmed that they are working with Spanish authorities and the two clubs following the incidents.
      GMP did confirm that the away fans lit flares and pyrotechnics inside Old Trafford and have also insisted that the majority of away fans were “respectful and well behaved”.
      Four Real Betis supporters were arrested for violent disorder, assault, possession of flare inside the stadium and possession of a controlled drug.
      Chief Inspector Jamie Collins, GMP’s match commander on the night, said: “The violent disorder experienced does not reflect the majority of supporters attending this fixture who went just to watch the football on the pitch.
      “Last night’s behaviour by the minority was totally unacceptable and quite shocking for the decent supporters who may have got caught up in this.
      “We are also continuing to offer the welfare needed to support one of our colleagues who was injured as a result when trying to keep the public safe.
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      “GMP are working closely with Manchester United, the UK Football Policing Unit, Real Betis, UEFA and Spanish Police colleagues to identify those involved in a post-match investigation which is ongoing.
      “If any supporters from Manchester United or Real Betis and those attending the game have any information or footage that can assist with enquiries, they are asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 as soon as possible so we can bring those responsible to justice and also to seek, where possible, football banning orders.” More

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      Jose Mourinho lauded as ‘secret agent’ as torn up cheat sheet found after Roma win over Real Sociedad

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      JOSE MOURINHO hs been labeled as a secret agent for covering his tracks after Roma’s win over Real Sociedad in the Europa League.The Portuguese manager’s cheat sheet was found completely torn up by the side of the bench after the game by journalist Tommaso Turci.

      Jose Mourinho’s ‘cheat sheet’ was found after Roma’s win over Real SocidadCredit: Getty
      Tommaso tried to piece the paper back together but was unsuccessful in finding out the former Premier League boss’ secrets.
      Portuguese news outlet Record compared Mourinho to a “secret agent” covering up his tracks.
      He filmed his discovery and uploaded the footage to TikTok, with the caption “Mourinho’s tattered notes at the end of Roma-Real Sociedad”.
      Some of his followers tried to guess what was written on the paper as one wrote: “If you check closely on one it says Lazio you feel bad.”
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      A second commented: “It says Tortellini alla Dybalaeeiiiiii”
      A third guessed: “We need to attack.”
      While a fourth thought that they were excuses that had been prepared in case Roma lost.
      The plan that Mourinho came up with for the match – whether it was on the paper or not – clearly worked for the Italian side.
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      Roma comfortably beat the LaLiga side 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
      Stephan El Shaarawy opened the scoring in the 12th minute as he fired home from Tammy Abraham’s cross.
      Marash Kumbulla made sure of the result on the night as he powered a header home in the 86th minute.
      Mourinho will be hoping his side can repeat the performance next week then they travel to the Reale Arena for the second leg of the tie.
      The 60-year-old has recently been linked with the manager role at West Ham as a potential replacement for the under-pressure David Moyes. More

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      Watch Premier League cult hero get sent off for shocking elbow just seconds before final whistle in Europa clash

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero was sent off for a shocking elbow with only seconds left of a Europa League clash. Fiorentina led Turkish club Sivasspor 1-0 in the first leg of their Europa Conference League clash last night.
      A frustrated Max Gradel was sent off after this elbow against Martinez QuartaCredit: YouTube / Stan Sport
      The defender collapses to the ground after the contactCredit: YouTube / Stan Sport
      After some consideration, the ref pulls out the red cardCredit: YouTube / Stan Sport
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      The Italian club dominated and looked set to wrap up a routine win to take to the second leg.
      But the match would end in surprise fashion after former Bournemouth and Leeds winger Max Gradel threw an elbow at Martinez Quarta in an off-the-ball incident.
      The 35-year-old was attempting to chase down the ball as Fiorentina ran down the seconds.
      But he then erratically slams his arm into defender Martinez Quarta.
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      The centre-back collapsed to the ground holding his face and the game was quickly brought to a halt.
      As Fiorentina players ran over to confront Gradel, the referee initially had a yellow card in his hand.
      But he appears to change his mind as he tucked the yellow away and brandished the red.
      It had been a frustrating evening for Sivasspor with Fiorentina controlling most of the game and spurning several opportunities.
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      Viola even hit the cross bar twice before finally breaking through to get the winner.
      Substitute Antonin Barak scored an acrobatic effort from close-range after Sivasspor failed to clear a corner.
      Gradel will now miss the second-leg next week.
      The Ivorian broke through at Championship Leicester between 2006 and 2010 before heading to Leeds.
      He would finally make it in the Premier League when he moved to Bournemouth in 2015 but would tear his cruciate ligament only weeks after the transfer.
      He scored his one Premier League goal in a 3-2 win over Swansea City in 2016. More

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      Paul Scholes insists two massive Man Utd stars need to be dropped after Real Betis win

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      PAUL SCHOLES has urged Erik ten Hag to drop two huge Manchester United stars because they “need a rest”.Ten Hag, 53, named an unchanged line-up for the 4-1 win over Real Betis, putting faith in the team that lost 7-0 to Liverpool at the weekend.
      Paul Scholes believes Erik ten Hag needs to rest two big namesCredit: BT Sport
      Scholes has urged Erik ten Hag to take Luke Shaw and Casemiro out of the teamCredit: Getty
      Yet despite the positive result in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, Man Utd legend Scholes still feels a couple of players are in need of some time out of the side.
      And he has named Luke Shaw and Casemiro as those requiring a break.
      Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “I don’t think Ten Hag likes making lots of changes.
      “He likes players having rhythm, but with the schedule and the amount of games they’ve played, some of these players need a rest now.
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      “I thought Shaw looked like he needed a rest tonight, Casemiro looks like he needs a rest.
      “They can give a few young players a taste of European football [next week] and hopefully that will stand them in good stead for the future.”
      Goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst handed Ten Hag the perfect response to the Liverpool humiliation.
      And the Man Utd boss was happy with the reaction from his players.
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      He said: “I think we played a very good game in both halves.
      “We scored some good goals, we gave the fans something to support and they gave it back so we are very grateful.
      “It was a great attitude, we were good on the ball, made good switches and runs in behind and created a lot of chances.
      “It is always good to see how the team reacts after a set-back. This is not the first time this season we can reset and bounce back. This team has character, so big compliment to the team.”
      It is likely Ten Hag will now make changes to his side for the home game against Southampton on Sunday.
      United sit third in the Premier League table and hold a seven-point cushion over Liverpool in fifth.
      The clash with Saints will be followed by the second leg of their tie with Real Betis next Thursday. More

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      Paul Scholes slams ‘ridiculous’ and ‘stupid’ football law that almost cost Man Utd

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      PAUL SCHOLES slammed the “ridiculous” and “stupid” football law that almost cost Manchester United.Scholes was on punditry duty for BT Sport to watch his former team beat Real Betis in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.
      Paul Scholes on punditry duty for Manchester United’s winCredit: BT Sport
      Ayoze Perez celebrates his goalCredit: Getty
      Marcus Rashford opened the scoring after six minutes but on-loan Leicester striker Ayoze Perez equalised just after the half hour mark.
      But the leveller was controversial as Perez’s team-mate Juanmi appeared to handle the ball in the lead up to the goal.

      VAR did not intervene as it was deemed accidental because it came off the chest onto the arm.
      Further, as the handball came during the build-up and not from the actual scorer, the goal was allowed to stand.
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      It left Owen Hargreaves to say: “It was still handball, wasn’t it Scholesy?”
      Scholes replied: “It was a handball. It was not accidental.”
      Hargreaves agreed: “Yeah, he actually meant it. Look where his arm goes. He almost goes to catch it with one arm.
      “Even if you were playing with your mates in a training game in a park, you would say handball.”
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      Scholes then added: “If you look closely, I think it touches his arm first anyway. It’s arm on to chest. But these rules are stupid aren’t they?
      “A handball is handball. It led to a goal and it should have been disallowed.”
      United boss Erik ten Hag could breath a sigh of relief as second-half goals from Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst gave his side a healthy advantage.
      Erik ten Hag celebrates victoryCredit: EPA More

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      Martin Keown blasts Arsenal star for ‘killing everybody’ with his indecision and says team-mates should ‘take him out’

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      MARTIN KEOWN has slammed Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner after his mistake led to a goal against Sporting Lisbon.The keeper has only played two games since the turn of the year and his rustiness showed for Sporting’s equaliser.
      Martin Keown slammed Matt Turner’s indecisiveness against Sporting LisbonCredit: Getty
      The goalkeeper initially started to come for a corner whipped into the six-yard box
      He then backpedalled and was caught in no man’s land as Goncalo Inacio headed in
      A corner was played into the six-yard box by former Tottenham player Marcus Edwards and Turner should have collected the ball.
      He even started to come out before quickly backpeddling, allowing Goncalo Inacio to head in unchallenged.
      Keown questioned the American on BT Sport, saying his actions also made it more difficult for one of his team-mates to clear the ball.
      He said: “Really he’s killed everyone, because he’s started to come and then doesn’t. But [Jakub] Kiwior, too, he’s got to do a little bit more than that.
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      “What I’ll be saying though if I’m playing regularly with this keeper is I’m going to have to go and head things. I can’t really trust him. There he has come and win it and be dominant and he didn’t do it.
      “He had a first scary moments in the first half. He’s got to come and be dominant and win the ball from the corner, but he didn’t do it.
      “If you look, the goalkeeper comes and then he backs off. He kills the central defenders.
      “I tell you what I’d do when I’m playing for the next one, I’m coming, I’m heading that. I’ll take my own goalkeeper out because I can’t rely on him.”
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      Mikel Arteta also criticised his side’s defending in the 2-2 draw, warning his players they need to be more alert on set-pieces.
      The Gunners have only conceded five goals from set-pieces in the Premier League, one more than Manchester City, but it is an area Arteta is aiming to improve after Bournemouth also profited from a corner last weekend.
      After the game Arteta said: “Sometimes the opponents and really good at what they do.
      “When they get the delivery right, in the right space, it’s just half a centimetre sometimes whether you get that header out of the box or if it goes in.
      “It’s true that it’s something that we must improve dramatically in the next few games if you want to keep winning games.” More