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    Watch Europa League side’s ‘worst kick-off in history’ as they concede SEVEN SECONDS after restart

    FANS are dubbing it the “worst kick-off in history” after a Europa League side conceded just seven seconds after kick-off in the second half.The bizarre incident happened in the group stage clash between FC Midtjylland and FC Steaua Bucharest on Thursday.FCSB scored just seven seconds into the second half after Daniel Birligea forced a defensive errorThe striker simply tapped the ball into an empty netCredit: APBucharest midfielder Florin Tanase put the hosts ahead within the opening 20 minutes in Romania.But it was striker Daniel Birligea’s goal, which sealed the win, that will live long in the memory after he capitalised on a terrible kick-off error from Midtjylland.The ball was passed back to goalkeeper Elias Rafn Olafsson from the centre-circle at the restart.Olafsson’s attempted clearance was blocked by Birligea who ran straight through on goal.Read More in FootballThe striker simply tapped the ball straight into an empty net from a few yards out.The goal went in on 45mins 07secs.Fans were left in disbelief, with one person taking to social media to write: “This might be the WORST kick-off in history…”Another commented: “What coach actually gives the ok to starting the game like this? Madness.”Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third said: “Back to the goalie from kick off deserves this happening.”While a fourth simply wrote: “What on earth.”Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersFCSB went on to win the match 2-0, leaving them eighth in the Europa League group stage table.Meanwhile, Midtjylland are down in 13th. More

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    Heartwarming moment PAOK star asks Paul Scholes to sign his shirt live on TV after defeat to Man Utd

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes was asked for an autograph from a PAOK ace after Thursday’s Europa League game at Old Trafford.United finally won their first European fixture in over a year when they beat the reigning Greek champions 2-0 thanks to a brace by Amad Diallo.Manchester United legend Paul Scholes took part in a heartwarming moment after the PAOK gamePAOK ace Magomed Ozdoev asked Man Utd great Scholes for an autograph on his shirtScholes, 49, seemed pleased with the result and his night got even better at full-time when he took part in a heartwarming moment with one of the opposition players.PAOK ace Magomed Ozdoev approached the legendary midfielder at pitchside as he prepared to go live on air for his post-match analysis of the game.And Ozdoev, 32, asked the former England international to sign his shirt for his father who is a big fan.Of course the United great happily obliged, and even shared a cheeky joke on camera as he looked back at that beautiful moment of sportsmanship.Read More on Man UtdScholes told TNT Sports: “He [Ozdoev] did [ask for an autograph].”I wasn’t sure he’d remember me, it was such a long time ago. “But he asked one for his dad, so I obliged. I think I spelled it right as well.”United hadn’t won a game in Europe since last year on October 24 in the Champions League when they beat Copenhagen 1-0 at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballSince then, the Red Devils had amassed a miserable record of two losses and four draws in six matches.The Manchester giants are now 15th in the League Phase table with three points separating them from the top eight and automatic qualification for the Last 16 of the Europa League.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanThis was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final European match in charge of Man Utd as interim boss as new manager Ruben Amorim will be taking over on Monday when he leaves Sporting Lisbon. More

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    Man Utd player ratings: Amad by far the best player and HAS to start in league but Dalot needs to concentrate more

    AMAD DIALLO sent the message that he should be in the starting XI loud and clear to Ruud van Nistelrooy and incoming boss Ruben Amorim.The 22-year-old was a bright spark in an otherwise largely laboured performance from Manchester United as they beat PAOK 2-0.Amad Diallo was superb as Man Utd laboured to a 2-0 win over PAOKCredit: PAUnited started slowly in the Europa League tie before managing to squeeze out a first win in European competition for over a year.It was a low-key first half at Old Trafford.But after the break Amad made the difference for the Red Devils as his lopping header across the box ended up finding the far side of the goal net, before he won the ball back high and curled a shot into the same corner.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United players on Van Nistelrooy’s penultimate game as interim manager. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLANDRE ONANA – 6One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley. But any other stops were pretty routine. NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Another solid, if unspectacular, display. An increasingly dependable presence by the week.  Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVICTOR LINDELOF – 6Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter. Started a few attacks as well. ‘That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanJONNY EVANS – 6Wise old head at the back.But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance. DIOGO DALOT – 4 Diogo Dalot did not have his finest game with some shoddy defendingCredit: GettyUsually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.  Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier. CASEMIRO – 6Starting point for most of what United did going forward. Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest. MANUEL UGARTE – 5Still far from the midfield general United hoped. Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off. AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)Amad has made a case to start at the weekendCredit: AFPLivewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second. United’s best player by some distance. BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create. At least someone was! ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night. Hooked. READ MORE SUN STORIESRASMUS HOJLUND – 5Rasmus Hojlund was largely on the periphery of the gameCredit: PAOne early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls. No clear sights of goal, either. SUBSRashford (for Garnacho 64) 6Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6Martinez (for Dalot 64)  6Mount (for Amad 81) 6Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/A More

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    ‘That is so disrespectful’ say fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fan

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO was involved in an altercation with a fan before Manchester United’s Europa League clash with PAOK.The 20-year-old was named in the starting XI for the clash by interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, marking the third game in a row he has started under the Dutchman.Alejandro Garnacho greeted fans before Man Utd v PAOK but was heckled by a fanGarnacho quipped back after the fan’s ‘disrespectful’ commentsHowever, while greeting fans outside of Old Trafford before the game, the Argentine was involved in a disagreement with one fan.Garnacho generated criticism for his performance in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.And one fan saw fit to voice that opinion as Garnacho interacted with fans.The fan could be heard saying: “Garnacho, you’ve got to pass better today, yeah please?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Pass better today, score a goal, and work on your first touch as well.”After signing his autograph for another fan, he was then seen turning to the fan and saying: “Why are you not playing?”He then walked away and towards the entrance of the ground.Reacting to the clip on social media, fans did not agree with the decision to voice their opinion there and then.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne fan said: “That’s rude from the fan.”A second said: “This is so disrespectful to Garnacho.”Man Utd wonderkid Ethan Wheatley does Viktor Gyokeres’ ‘secret’ celebration in 6-0 Uefa Youth League thrashing A third added: “Idc (I don’t care) if you like someone or not sometimes you gotta show some respect, embarrassing.”Another said: “Nah this is too far.”Garnacho has six goals and four assists in all competitions from 16 games this season, making him the team’s top scorer.He is one of six outfield United players to have played more than 1,000 minutes so far this season. More

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    Galatasaray 3 Tottenham 2: Postecoglou pays price for much-changed side as Turkish giants go top of Europa League table

    VICTOR OSIMHEN’S move to Galatasaray was one of the stranger moves of the transfer window.Osimhen? Eh? The world-class striker for Napoli? Shouldn’t he be joining the best of the best in Europe?Ange Postecoglou watched on as his Spurs team were taught a lesson by GalatasarayCredit: RexVictor Osimhen bagged a brace as the Turkish side got the better of an inexperienced Spurs teamCredit: EPA19-year-old striker Will Lankshear was sent off in the second halfCredit: ReutersRather than, with respect, a move to the Turkish league which, according to Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho, nobody watches?Seeing Osimhen rip apart Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit Tottenham in the first half here, it only reinforced that view over his curious loan switch to Istanbul.The Nigerian centre-forward had two goals by half-time and could have had six overall were it not for a number of fine saves from Fraser Forster.It was too much for a Spurs backline shorn of the crocked Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven to cope with.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were not helped either by Yunus Akgun rifling in a bullet of a shot to give the hosts the lead.There was a brief reprieve when 19-year-old Will Lankshear netted his first professional goal by finishing off a quality move to level things up.But then even the teenager’s night was spoiled when he was sent off for two yellow cards inside seven second-half minutes.Sub Dominic Solanke’s backheeled finish to give the ten men hope, but in the end Osimhen proved the difference.Most read in Champions LeagueYunus Akgun scored a stunning goal to open the scoringCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis was always going to be Tottenham’s toughest test of the Europa League ‘league’ phase.And with three wins out of three already on the board, it felt like a bit of a free hit.Chelsea fans LOVE Eden Hazard’s reaction as Blues legend is pranked by barber with Tottenham shirtA chance for “growth”, as Postecoglou might put it, for his young side to experience.There were no ‘Welcome to Hell’ banners in the stands, as Manchester United were greeted with in Galatasaray’s old stadium in 1993.But Postecoglou’s team were treated to deafening whistles every time they were in possession.Honestly, it was so loud, that if it was anything like the noise at Besiktas when the played RB Leipzig in 2017, you could understand why Spurs loanee Timo Werner, playing for RB the German visitors at the time, asked for earplugs during the match.Werner was one of six players missing through either injury or illness for Postecoglou.It meant back-ups Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies started at centre-back and, boy, did they have a challenge on their hands.Not just with Osimhen, though he was every bit as dangerous as expected, but also with the evergreen Dries MertensStill going strong at 37, the Belgian was threading through balls at will and had a hand in all three Galatasaray goals.The hosts made a blistering start when Akgun let fly from just outside the box.It was a rocket of a strike that Forster could do little about, despite getting a hand to it.Spurs looked to be wilting in the atmosphere, frequently giving the ball away.But then, out of nowhere, they were level on 18 minutes and it was a goal of real quality.Will Lankshear scored his first goal for Spurs to level the scoresCredit: GettyVersatile Archie Gray clipped a delightful ball over the defence which Brennan Johnson volleyed back across for Lankshear to turn into the net.It was a landmark moment for the 19-year-old, who was released by Spurs’ arch-rivals Arsenal aged 16, and on only his second appearance.Lankshear and Gray were two of three teenagers in Postecoglou’s starting line-up, plus Lucas Bergvall, while there were another three on the bench.One of those was attacker Luca Williams-Barnett, who only turned 16 on October 1 and was due to be in school on Thursday until his club pulled him out for this fixture.It would be a tad harsh to say the rest of the half felt like men against boys, but Galatasaray’s experience and quality certainly took hold.Forster denied Osimhen twice with two good stops but could do nothing about the ex-Napoli man’s excellent first-time finish when seizing on a Mertens pass for his first.Nor could the ex-Southampton man prevent a clever volley from Osimhen back across him to make it 3-1.There were more fine stops from Forster to deny Osimhen and a host of Galatasaray players after the break, leaving home fans baffled as to how they had not scored five or six.Even more so when Spurs were reduced to ten men, after Lankshear was booked for a stray elbow and then again shortly after for a trip on ex-Norwich man Gabriel Sara.The youngster looked gutted as he walked off the pitch.But £65million striker Solanke, who came on shortly afterwards, made an instant impact by flicking home Pedro Porro’s cross.It was hard to believe given the amount of chances the hosts had had, but Spurs suddenly sensed a leveller might actually be possible.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey had a decent chance for it too when sub Pape Sarr could have sent Dejan Kulusevski through but his pass was poor – leaving Postecoglou raging on the touchline.Galatasaray were somehow hanging towards the end, but ultimately they got the win – thanks to the world-class centre-forward they are lucky enough to have.Lankshear was sent off in the early stages of the second halfCredit: RexVictor Osimhen bagged a brace to put Galatasary out in frontCredit: GettyDominic Solanke’s second half goal wasn’t enough to earn Spurs a pointCredit: Reuters More

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    Tottenham wonderkid Will Lankshear, 19, SENT OFF vs Galatasaray as joy of first Spurs goal turns to nightmare

    TOTTENHAM youngster Will Lankshear saw his Europa League dream turn into a nightmare against Galatasaray.The 19-year-old was sent off against the Turkish giants just 42 minutes after bagging his first goal for Tottenham.Will Lankshear was sent off for Tottenham against GalatasarayCredit: RexLankshear looked like he was in for a night to remember when he netted his first Spurs goal to draw the scored level in the 18th minute of the European clash.But joy was soon tempered by despair as he was sent off just 15 minutes into the second half.The Spurs academy graduate escaped a booking for his goal celebration in front of the Galatasaray fans, but two yellow cards in the second half would bring his night to an early end.The striker caught a Galatasaray player with an arm while fighting for the ball and was booked in the 53rd minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then landed a clumsy tackle on Gabriel Sara that saw him sent off seven minutes later.Tottenham were trailing 3-1 at the time with Victor Osimhen showing why he was in demand this summer by netting a brace.However, Lankshear’s dismissal seemed to kick Postecoglou’s side into action.Just nine minutes after the forward left the pitch, Dominic Solanke bagged a second for Spurs and pulled them back into the game.Most read in FootballLankshear netted his first goal for Tottenham in the first halfCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut despite their best efforts Spurs were unable to claw back another goal and ultimately fell to a defeat in Istanbul. The result lifts Galatasaray to the top of the table while Spurs sit in fifth, still in one of the automatic qualification positions. More

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    Man Utd 2 PAOK 0 LIVE RESULT: Amad brace gives Red Devils first Europa League win of the season – latest updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED picked up their first Europa League win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Greek side PAOK. Two second half goals from Amad Diallo won the game for interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side at Old Trafford. Kick off time: 8pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 2Live stream: discovery+Man Utd team: Onana, Dalot, Evans, Lindelof, Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Amad, Hojlund, GarnachoFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Fixtures await new managerWhile Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the next Premier League game against Leicester City, Ruben Amorim will then be in the position.It is a favourable fixture list when he starts, before the tough test of a trip to North London to face Arsenal.Anticipation is high in the red half of Manchester, believing the Sporting Lisbon manager is the man to take them back to where they want to be……..challenging for trophies.Copy linkCopiedBoss gives honest opinionSpeaking with BT Sports after the game, the manager was asked his thoughts on his side’s performance against PAOK:We started with a pretty poor first half, which was not nice. Amad made the difference for us tonight. Positionally we weren’t good at all in the first half. Too much out of position. It was a lot better in the second half. If we can keep our positions then we have everything to play for. It is not helping the team when we leave our positions all the time.Ruud van NistelrooyMan Utd Interim ManagerCopy linkCopiedDiallo shines for van NistelrooyIt seemed a bold call when the teams were announced that the interim manager dropped Rashford for Diallo but it proved a game-winning decision.There was no doubting that the young winger was the man of the match tonight for the Red Devils.He will enjoy all the attention from his performance this evening and will hopefully use that as a platform for the remainder of the season.Copy linkCopiedYoungster steals the show for Red DevilsSpeaking with BT Sport after the game, Diallo was asked how it felt to get the goals to secure Man Utd’s first European win in over a year:Nice. It has been a long time. It has been one year, it was important to win today. It is important to score everytime. I am happy to score two goals today. When I score I like to celebrate with the fans and make people enjoy.Amad DialloMan UtdCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Phil Thomas at Old TraffordFIRST impressions count the most so, assuming Ruben Amorim was watching, Amad Diallo couldn’t have made a better one.The smallest man on the pitch had the biggest heart, the biggest effort…and served up the biggest entertainment. Pretty much the only entertainment, to be honest.If there was any luck in his opener, the second was down to grit AND glamour. His new gaffer will have been well impressed.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 2-0 PAOKThe stats suggest this was a comfortable victory for the hosts.In reality, it was two moments of quality from Amad Diallo that was the difference between the two teams.Other than his goals, the Red Devils did not ask very much of the PAOK keeper tonight.That said, it is the result that matters most for Man Utd.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 2-0 PAOKThe referee brings the game to a close.Man Utd get their first victory in Europe this season.PAOK have to turn their attentions to their day jobs now.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 PAOK90+4. This result is in the bag now.At times it looked in the balance but that second goal really killed this game off.Van Nistelrooy remains unbeaten as interim manager.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 PAOK90+2. Immediately Zirkzee makes an impact.He plays a superb crossfield ball to Fernandes out on the left.The Portuguese midfielder holds it up well before laying it off to Rashford who comes on the overlap.Looking to bend one in the far corner, Rashford does not get enough curl on it as it goes well wide of the post.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 PAOK90. That is his last action for the evening.Zirkzee comes on to replace the misfiring Dane.We are going to have four additional minutes.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 PAOK88. Hojlund runs through behind the defence.He looks to lift it over the keeper but it ends up in the side netting.His blushes are saved as the flag then goes up for offside.The replay shows he was a good yard off having set off too early.Sean Dyche take note.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 PAOK86. Casemiro is penalised for a handball and shown a yellow card for his troubles.Man Utd seem happy to try and manage the game now.Passing it around, not so keen to venture forward and hold onto what they have.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 PAOK84. Shola Shoretire comes on for the visitors now.The former Man Utd player will want to make an impression.However, the home fans will be hoping that does not happen.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 PAOK82. Credit where it is due to the travelling fans.Despite being two-nil down, they are still all you can hear.It would be nice to see PAOK get a goal now to make that long trip worthwhile.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 PAOK80. This is looking a more comfortable win now for the hosts.It looks like Mason Mount is about to join the action.He has spent more time in the treatment room than he has on the pitch since he joined from Chelsea.The Man Utd ‘Mr Glass’.It looks like he is replacing the hosts’ best player tonight, Amad Diallo.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Phil Thomas at Old TraffordNO more fitting scorer of United’s opener than Amad…far and away their liveliest player on the night. Fitting, too, that he was trying to nod back across goal rather than for the far corner. A misplaced header on a misfiring evening….Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-0 PAOK78. That is the goal the home fans have been craving.Amad does well to win the ball from the defender and cuts inside onto his favoured left-foot.He looks to bend one in the far corner and the keeper cannot get anywhere near it, as it nestles into the back of the net.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedGoal – Amad Diallo (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 PAOK76. The visitors are growing in confidence as the game goes on.A needless foul from Casemiro gifts PAOK another free-kick.It has all gone a bit quiet in Old Trafford apart from the away end now.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 PAOK74. Some nice passing from the hosts as they look turn defence into attack.Hojlund is dispossessed far too easily and PAOK come forward once again.Here is a bold claim, Rasmus will be leading the line for Everton in two seasons unless he sorts his game out.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 PAOK72. Rashford gives the ball away in his own half and it invites PAOK to come forward again.The entire Man Utd team are dropping deep behind the ball now, looking to hold onto their lead.It is sad to see really, how the mighty have fallen.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 PAOK70. PAOK are getting forward more now.Their approach play looks good but again they are lacking that killer pass in the final third.They force a corner on this occasion but it is hacked clear by Rashford.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 PAOK68. PAOK need to throw more players forward now.They find themselves in the ‘early exit’ positions in Europa League currently.Even a draw would not be seen as a positive result due to this.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 PAOK66. Man Utd make a triple substitution.Martinez, Eriksen and Rashford join the game.They replace Dalot, Ugarte and Garnacho.The latter must be tired from his acrobatics.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 PAOK64. What a chance for PAOK to score.A fantastic pass picks out Tissoudali in the box with only Onana to beat.His shot is poor and has no power behind it, allowing the Man Utd keeper to make a routine save.I suppose that is why he plys his trade in the Greek Super League.Copy linkCopied More

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    Man Utd promote 17-year-old wonderkid to squad at last-minute ahead of Europa League clash against PAOK

    MANCHESTER UNITED have added academy starlet Jayce Fitzgerald to their Europa League squad.The Red Devils are set to welcome Greek side PAOK to Old Trafford this evening.Jayce Fitzgerald has been added to Man Utd’s B ListCredit: GettyOn September 4, United were required to submit their 25-man “List A” Europa League squad to Uefa.Throughout the group stage, however, further players can be be made eligible if they meet certain criteria.Uefa rules state: “A player may be registered on List B if he is born on or after 1 January 2003 and has, since his 15th birthday, been eligible to play for the club concerned for any uninterrupted period of two years.”Or a total of three consecutive years with a maximum of one loan period to a club from the same association for a period not longer than one year.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDClubs have until midnight prior to matchday to add players to List B.With Fitzgerald, 17, fitting the bill, he has been added to United’s squad and will be eligible to feature this evening.The academy starlet has been introduced to the Red Devils’ first team set-up since Ruud van Nistelrooy took caretaker charge.He was an unused substitute as United beat Leicester 5-2 in the Carabao Cup, in what was Van Nistelrooy’s first game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFitzgerald was again named on the bench for last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.The youngster has shown his versatility for United’s Under-18s this season.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City He has featured in midfield and at centre-back.While he has also been deployed as a No10 and even a right-back during Under-18 Premier League games.Fitzgerald was in action yesterday as Man Utd’s Under-19s beat Lithuanian side Zalgiris Vilnius in the Uefa Youth League.He should still be relatively fresh, however, having been withdrawn at half-time.Fitzgerald, 17, will be available if called upon this eveningCredit: Getty More