FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘could recall forgotten man from LaLiga loan to bolster defence’ amid injury crisis

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could recall left-back Alvaro Fernadez from his loan spell at Granada as they try to cope with their latest injury crisis. The Reds were missing 11 first team players for Monday’s FA Cup third round win against Wigan Athletic.
      Fernandez could be on his way back to Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      The youngster has made 14 appearances for the LaLiga sideCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag is hopeful that a few stars will be back on Sunday for their game against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur.
      The Dutch manager said: “I think it’s hopeful that they can be back at the weekend.
      “I’m talking about Christian Eriksen, potentially Luke Shaw. Harry (Maguire) maybe, Mason (Mount) I think he needs some days or a week more.”
      But according to the Daily Mail “there are growing concerns at Granada that United defender Fernandez will be recalled from his loan spell at the Spanish club”.
      READ MORE ON MANCHESTER UNITED
      It remains to be seen where Fernandez’s future lies, with the 20-year-old out of contract in the summer.
      He was sent out on loan for Granada after his successful loan spell last season at Championship side Preston North End.
      The former Real Madrid youth star, who has play a first-team game for United, has made 14 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish side this season.
      He is yet to register a goal or assist.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      United’s emergency left-back Sergio Reguilon’s brief loan move from Spurs ended last week, with a club statement claiming Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were on their way back.
      It read: “Sergio fulfilled the role he was brought in for: to provide cover for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia while both were out with long-term injuries. 
      “While Luke has missed the past two games with a minor injury, the England international is expected back soon. Tyrell, meanwhile, is getting closer to a return from his knee injury.
      “The versatile Diogo Dalot can also provide further cover at left-back. 
      “With fewer games in the second half of the season and injured players returning, there will be less opportunity for Sergio to play.
      “It was decided it was in the best interests of all parties for Reguilon to return to Spurs.”
      The majority of Manchester United’s injuries have involved defenders this season.
      World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez has been out since September with an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April.
      England international Maguire has missed 12 games through hamstring and groin injuries after his resurgence in form that saw the 30-year-old win Premier League player of the month for November.
      Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are both outCredit: Getty
      Malacia has been out all season but it is hoped he will return soon.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      United have just extended the contracts of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof until 2025 as they look to reinforce their backline.
      Anthony Martial, meanwhile, could be on his way out, with Fenerbahce reportedly interested in making a £6.8m offer for the 28-year-old forward. More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton handed huge boost in Premier League relegation battle as Calvert-Lewin’s ‘disgraceful’ red card is overturned

      by

      EVERTON have been handed a major boost in their Premier League survival bid with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s “disgraceful” red card being overturned.The Toffees striker, 26, was controversially sent off in Thursday’s drab 0-0 FA Cup third-round tie away at Crystal Palace.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin has seen his red card rescindedCredit: Getty
      The Toffees striker was sent off in the FA Cup clash at Crystal PalaceCredit: PA

      Calvert-Lewin slid in and claimed the ball before catching Nathaniel Clyne with minimal contact on the shin.
      And after play was initially waved on with no foul given, referee Chris Kavanagh was sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR Craig Pawson and subsequently brandished the red – to the shock of the Everton players, manager Sean Dyche and virtually everyone watching.
      The sending off warranted a three-match ban, another big blow for 17th-placed Toffees who have already been docked ten points this season for breaching FFP rules and are now one point above the drop zone having played a game more than Luton.
      However, Everton launched an appeal to the FA to get the first red card of Calvert-Lewin’s career wiped.
      READ MORE ON VAR
      They were particularly keen to know how Kavanagh’s original decision was deemed a ‘clear and obvious error’.
      But now the FA have confirmed common sense prevailed as the red card was rescinded.
      And that means Calvert-Lewin will be available for selection for Everton’s Premier League games against Aston Villa at home on Sunday and away at Fulham on January 30, as well as the Palace replay next Wednesday.
      The FA said: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be available for Everton’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “The striker was sent off for serious foul play in the Emirates FA Cup game against Crystal Palace on Thursday, January 4 2024.”
      Calvert-Lewin looked genuinely bemused to be given his marching orders after Kavanagh was shown slow-mo replays on the screen.
      And even opposition defender Joachim Andersen appeared to tell him “it’s not a red” as he shook hands with the England international.
      Dyche – whose ten men held on for the goalless stalemate to force a replay – insisted he remained a “fan” of VAR but it was “beginning to test my patience”.
      Toffees hero Peter Reid tweeted: “I’ve lost the will to live, game’s gone.”
      And fans watching the drama unfold from home also raged at the decision.
      ‘ABSOLUTE JOKE’
      One said: “No physical contact at all. Goodness, what is going on.”
      A second wrote: “Disgraceful decision by a terrible ref.”
      And a third added: “An absolute joke. The beautiful game is finished RIP FOOTBALL.”
      And ex-Premier League ref Mark Halsey told SunSport: “None of the players on either side reacted to the challenge.
      “I do not understand why VAR Craig Pawson recommended a pitchside review and I’m surprised Kavanagh did not stick with his original decision.
      “You can argue it was ‘reckless’ and worthy of a caution but it did not meet the criteria for ‘serious foul play’.
      “It did not ‘endanger the safety of an opponent with excessive force or brutality’.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Those challenges happen all the time and the slo-mo replays always make them appear worse than they are.”
      The winners of the replay at Goodison Park next week will play Luton or Bolton at home in the FA Cup fourth round on the last weekend of January.
      Ref Chris Kavanagh waved play on but was sent to the pitchside monitorCredit: Getty
      The red card would have seen the forward miss three matchesCredit: PA More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes rants at ‘s***’ Erik ten Hag tactic during Wigan win as Gary Neville slams ‘sinking feeling’

      by

      PAUL SCHOLES slammed Manchester United’s “s**t” short corners during the win over Wigan.The Red Devils bounced back to winning ways against the League One outfit in the FA Cup tie.
      Paul Scholes was not happy with United’s short corners against WiganCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils tried shot corners multiple times in the FA Cup tieCredit: Getty
      Diogo Dalot opened the scoring with his second of the season before Bruno Fernandes netted from the spot in the second half and United will now face either Newport County or National League side Eastleigh in the fourth-round.
      However, Scholes was not happy with one tactic deployed by manager Erik ten Hag.
      The club legend took to social media to slam the team’s corner routines.
      He wrote: “Short corners are sh**.”
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And the former England midfielder had plenty of fans agreeing with him.
      One fan posted: “I think we may all agree Bruno is a great player but please someone else should be on those corner kicks.”
      A second wrote: “Amateur corner kicks. Ten Hag should teach Fernandes how to kick the ball too? Even Scholes was angry about 12 corners missed.”
      A third commented: “What Manchester United short corners do to a mf.”
      Most read in Football
      A fourth said: “I have never seen United pull off a short corner, STOP.”
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Another added: “Can Manchester United please stop doing this hocus pocus short corners. Just knock it into the box.”
      Fellow club legend Gary Neville also chimed in with his opinion in which he admitted to having a “sinking feeling” at seeing the ball go short.
      He said: “Whilst I wouldn’t go as far as Scholesy on short corners (particularly if the opposing team are giants).
      “It’s always a sinking feeling when the CB’s have gone up and you have five or six in the box and you see it played short and not whipped in.”
      Ten Hag was far more positive when assessing the match.
      He told ITV: “The FA Cup is all about winning, it is knockout. You want to finish the job. That is what I said in the dressing room ‘job done’.
      When asked if United should have scored more goals, the Dutchman added: “Oh, definitely.
      Read more on The Sun
      “In the first half I think we created five or six very good chances.
      “I think it was very good football. We should have taken more, but if you don’t score you have to stay focused and I think we did that tonight.” More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag gave simple two-word team talk in Man Utd dressing room after Wigan FA Cup win

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG told his players “job done” after Manchester United’s 2-0 FA Cup victory over Wigan on Monday night.After a nervous start which saw Andre Onana making an early save at the DW Stadium, the Red Devils coasted through to the fourth round.
      Manchester United secured a 2-0 win against Wigan on Monday night with Bruno’s penaltyCredit: Getty
      With a difficult start to the season, the Red Devils have secured a favourable next round tie against either Newport or Eastleigh away.
      Diogo Dalot’s strike opened the scoreline for United before Bruno Fernandes won and converted a penalty after half-time.
      Ten Hag admitted he was satisfied with the result but gave a very simple team talk after the match.
      He said to ITV: “The FA Cup is all about winning, it is knockout. You want to finish the job. That is what I said in the dressing room, ‘job done’.”
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay all missed golden opportunities to make the win more comfortable.
      And Ten Hag felt his side could have made more of their opportunities.
      Speaking on their slip-ups against the League One side Ten Hag added: “In the first half I think we created five or six very good chances.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “I think it was very good football. We should have taken more, but if you don’t score you have to stay focused and I think we did that tonight.
      Most read in Football
      “I don’t know why the chances were misses. You can’t always say why you’ve missed chances.
      “There were some good attacks and good chances, but we didn’t take them, but the way we created them was OK.”
      United will turn their heads back to the Premier League as they prepare to take on Tottenham on Sunday at Old Trafford.
      Ten Hag’s side needs a victory in their battle for a place in Europe next term.
      Speaking on his chances of winning the FA Cup, the former Ajax boss said: “It is too far. You have to go game to game, especially in the Cup. Our focus is on Spurs now.” More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      How Dream Team will adapt to Premier League winter break in Gameweek 20

      by

      DREAM TEAM managers should be aware that Gameweek 20 is a unique juncture in the 2023/24 season for a number of reasons.Firstly, gaffers should note that the rescheduling of Burnley v Luton has changed has changed the deadline to 6:45pm this Friday (January 12th) – don’t get caught out by that fixture.

      PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON VOUCHER!

      Liverpool players will be popular again in Gameweek 20Credit: Dream Team
      Deviating from the norm, Gameweek 20 will last a fortnight to accommodate the Premier League’s partial winter break.
      The next round of top-flight fixtures are split across two weekends to ease the workload after a hectic festive schedule and so the upcoming Gameweek will do the same, ensuring all 20 clubs will play at least once.
      To be clear, this means teams will be locked from 6:45pm on January 12th and any changes made after that deadline won’t come into effect until Gameweek 21 gets underway on January 26th/27th (depending on which FA Cup fourth round fixtures are selected for television).
      For some players, the “winter break” is actually a rather busy period as Gameweek 20 will also feature FA Cup third round replays and the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
      GAMEWEEK 20 FIXTURES:

      Burnley v Luton (Premier League)
      Chelsea v Fulham (Premier League)
      Newcastle v Manchester City (Premier League)
      Everton v Aston Villa (Premier League)
      Manchester United v Tottenham (Premier League)

      Wolves v Brentford (FA Cup)
      Blackpool v Nottingham Forest (FA Cup)
      Bolton v Luton (FA Cup)
      Bristol City v West Ham (FA Cup)
      Everton v Crystal Palace (FA Cup)

      Most read in Dream Team

      Arsenal v Crystal Palace (Premier League)
      Brentford v Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
      Sheffield United v West Ham (Premier League)
      Bournemouth v Liverpool (Premier League)
      Brighton v Wolves (Premier League)

      Chelsea v Middlesbrough (Carabao Cup)
      Fulham v Liverpool (Carabo Cup)

      The schedule is always subject to change but as it stands, Gameweek 20 will feature 17 fixtures with ten clubs set to pull double duty.
      The most notable of those teams being table-toppers Liverpool – Darwin Nunez (£4.1m) and company will be popular recruits ahead of the deadline.
      West Ham’s Gameweek 20 fixtures look favourable but several of their key players are unavailableCredit: Rex

      But that’s not all, Gameweek 20 is also notable because it marks the start of the Second Shot Competition.
      Existing gaffers will automatically be entered into the Second Shot Competition with £5,000 of prize money to be distributed among the five gaffers who earn the most points from Gameweek 20 until the end of the season, regardless of how they performed throughout the first half of the campaign.
      Dream Team bosses who now feel familiar with the current version of the game after a rocky start should see the Second Shot competition as something of a clean slate.
      All gaffers should be fully aware of the unique nature of Gameweek 20 before the confirm their strategy ahead of Friday’s deadline.

      talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
      Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
      18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It is horrendous’ – Bruno Fernandes penalty sparks furious rant from pundit as Man Utd captain labelled ’embarrassing’

      by

      DANNY MURPHY sparked a huge debate after blasting the “horrendous” role of Bruno Fernandes in an “awful” penalty decision.Fernandes won and converted Manchester United’s hotly-disputed and match-sealing spot-kick in Monday’s 2-0 FA Cup third-round win at Wigan.
      Bruno Fernandes went down to win a penalty after Liam Shaw clipped his foot but fans are divided over whether the Man Utd star made a meal of itCredit: Getty

      This tumble and reaction from Fernandes proved controversialCredit: Getty
      And ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy pointed the finger at the Red Devils’ midfielder for an “exaggerated fall” after his trailing leg was caught by Latics’ counterpart Liam Shaw.
      Many angry fans backed the ex-England star’s verdict but others reckoned it was a clear penalty, even if a soft one.
      With no VAR in FA Cup ties, Murphy claimed Fernandes’ actions underlined a growing problem – that of players tumbling after almost no contact.
      The talkSPORT pundit said: “It’s horrendous. It is not just Fernandes, we have seen a few of them recently.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “There is a tiny little touch and unfortunately, what we are doing by giving those penalties, is we are encouraging players to dive with any contact.
      “Because there was not enough contact to send him over and then he puts his foot on the floor and thinks, ‘Oh, I better go over’.
      “It is an exaggerated fall, it is an awful decision and it’s encouraging diving. It is encouraging players to go down.”
      Referee Anthony Taylor took his time before awarding the penalty that infuriated Wigan and ended the League One side’s resistance.
      Most read in FA Cup
      Fernandes’ dramatic response to the challenge angered some fansCredit: Getty
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      And some viewers reckoned Fernandes was entitled to highlight the fact he had been caught, as he spiralled over and clutched his foot.
      Legendary ex-Arsenal striker Arsenal Ian Wright had no doubts it was a spot-kick “in the current climate” – as he joined those fans who believed the Portuguese ace had been “clever”.
      But one fan called Fernandes an “absolute embarrassment” and added sarcastically: “Great example from the club captain”.
      Another posted: “Why’s he holding his shin? Tragic.”
      A third joked: “There was more contact with the pensioner I grappled with to get the last box of half price mince pies at Morrisons and she managed to stay on her feet. ”
      And several accused the 63-cap ex-Sporting Lisbon man, 29, of being a known “diver”.
      Danny Murphy blasted Fernandes for an ‘exaggerated fall’Credit: The Sun More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Roy Keane pinpoints four Man Utd problems that ‘can’t get any worse’ as legend speaks out on Ratcliffe arrival

      by

      ROY KEANE has identified four huge problems for Manchester United as he told new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe: “It can’t get any worse.”The Old Trafford legend saw Erik ten Hag’s wasteful side made hard work of Monday’s 2-0 FA Cup win at Wigan.
      Roy Keane outlined huge issues for the Red DevilsCredit: Rex
      INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has completed a 25% takeover of Man Utd, subject to ratification from football chiefsCredit: PA
      Rasmus Hojlund is struggling to justify his £72m summer transfer feeCredit: Getty
      And the former midfield hardman tackled major areas of concern for manager Ten Hag as well as Ratcliffe.
      INEOS owner Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent United takeover has been confirmed, subject to approval by football chiefs, but any major squad shake-up won’t come until next summer.
      And with United only eighth in the Premier League, as well as out of the Champions League, Keane delivered a withering assessment.
      The pundit, highlighting four areas of concern, told ITV: “It can’t be any worse than it has been over the last few years in terms of decision making, people making decisions upstairs in regard of recruitment, the fees they’ve been paying out, the wages they’ve been handing out.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      “You hope there’s a change of dynamics at the club, new opinions. But only time will tell.”
      And just ahead of an iffy third-round victory at the League One Latics, Keane derided the Red Devils for lacking unity on the pitch.
      He said: “I don’t think they play like a team.
      “They have got a lot of very good players, but we have seen how inconsistent they are.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “They have lost a lot of games this year. Every time they get into an arm wrestle in any game they always seem to go under.
      “They are talented players, no doubt, but they are not a team.”
      But the ex-Ipswich and Sunderland manager claimed the Red Devils have also been unlucky, albeit making big mistakes on the transfer front.
      Keane, 52, said: “They have had plenty of excuses over the past year with recruitment, ownership of the club and injuries.”
      Erik ten Hag saw his Man Utd side miss numerous chances in a frustrating 2-0 victory at Wigan in the FA Cup in the third round on Monday nightCredit: Reuters More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Roy Keane tears into Man Utd strike force bellowing ‘stop messing around’ with Rashford a ‘shadow’ despite FA Cup win

      by

      ‘FUMING’ Roy Keane blasted the Manchester United strike force and told misfiring Rasmus Hojlund to “stop messing around”.And Ian Wright piled in as he labelled Marcus Rashford “a shadow” for his anonymous performance in the 2-0 win over Wigan in the FA Cup third round.
      Rasmus Hojlund endured a difficult evening at DW StadiumCredit: Getty
      Roy Keane did not hold back in his criticism of the Danish youngsterCredit: ITV
      Marcus Rashford was described as ‘a shadow’ for his displayCredit: Getty
      Fiery former Manchester United captain Keane and Wright were in the ITV studio with Roberto Martinez at the DW Stadium.
      But by the half-time analysis, Keane had run out of patience with the Danish striker who missed a series of good chances in the first half against the League One opponents.
      And it was a reactionary rebound shot from point-blank range after a Sam Tickle save that bundled wide and prompted the wrath of the Irishman.
      Fellow pundits Wright and Martinez had sympathy for the 20-year-old forward on that occasion.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But Keane, 52, moaned: “You’re too kind. I would be fuming with him.
      “We wanted United to show a part of their game tonight and they have in terms of missing chances and not being clinical – I want to see that side of United tonight.
      “When your striker is missing chances, we can say unlucky all day, they are great opportunities.
      “Put the ball in the back of the net and stop messing around!”
      Most read in FA Cup
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Hojlund also saw a low, angled shot saved by Tickle’s foot in the first half.
      Then he squandered another glorious opportunity with a header off the top of the bar when he should have hit the target.
      And it was that blunder from six yards out that drew criticism from co-commentator Ally McCoist and Wright, who admitted missing it would have given him nightmares.
      McCoist said immediately: “This might be harsh but he’s got to score.

      “The ball is superb, his run is superb, does he just take his eye off it a little bit? Does he take a little look at Liam Morrison?
      “But I’m sorry, he’s got to be scoring that. For someone who needs goals, you’ve just got to get that down.”
      Wright added at the break: “There’s some chances we’ve seen in this game you have to take them.
      “This one is the one I would be losing sleep over because you could see it all the way over on your head.

      “He’s got a good position but he puts his head down it’s come off the top of his head. It’s got to come off his forehead.
      “This is the time he’s in at the moment, you have to be taking those chances.”
      And Rashford, 26, also got a ticking off from the studio pundits, with Wright adding that “something needs to happen for him” if he is going to step up to the next level in his career.
      Martinez reckons Rashford was being “too safe” and not taking enough risks, especially against the lower-league defenders.
      The England international managed two dribbles, eight shots, no accurate crosses and lost eight out of ten duels – although he did assist the opening goal.

      Rashford struggled to make the impact he would have wanted against the League One opponentsCredit: Getty
      And Keane added: “I’m wanting a bit more.
      “He’s got one or two bad habits, stopping the ball at the wrong time, not running in behind enough.
      “He’s got in the habit of stopping the ball dead which makes him easier to defend.”
      “He should be more explosive.”
      Hojlund – who was subbed off for Hannibal Mejbri in the 92nd minute – was bailed out by his team-mates as he remains on six goals for the season.
      Teed up by Rashford, Diogo Dalot curled a sweet effort into the bottom corner on 22 minutes then Bruno Fernandes won and converted a penalty with a quarter of an hour to go.
      Read more on The Sun
      But Manchester United fans weren’t universally happy as some slammed a bizarre tactic that saw Rashford stand in an unorthodox position OFF the pitch at corners.
      The Red Devils will travel to either Notts County or non-league Eastleigh in round four.
      Hojlund and Rashford together as they failed to find the netCredit: Alamy
      Holjund saw this close-range header clip the bar on its way overCredit: Getty
      His low effort was saved by the foot of Sam TickleCredit: PA More