FA Cup

VINCENT KOMPANY revealed the one current star he would love to have played against. The former Manchester City captain, 36, retired in 2020 and immediately stepped into management.
Vincent Kompany returned to the Etihad as Burnley manager for the FA Cup clashCredit: Reuters
And having transformed his Burnley side into one of the best footballing teams in the country, he was given a reality hit on his return to the Etihad as City stuffed the Clarets 6-0 in the FA Cup quarter-final.
But despite his defence being terrorised by hat-trick hero Erling Haaland, the ex-centre-back wishes he could get 90 minutes battling with the Norwegian powerhouse.
Kompany said: “I wish I would have played against him.
“I would have to be fit, 100 per cent fit, no calf issues.
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“And then I would have enjoyed the game, just managing the distance constantly, try and read the intention to run in behind, try and read the intention to receive to feet, be in and out when you have a challenge, make sure you don’t get tight and locked into him.”
Kompany is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League’s history – winning four titles in his 11 years in England.
Haaland, though, is quickly forging a reputation as one of the most lethal finishers around – and his treble against Burnley took his tally to eight in five days and a bonkers 42 in 37 for the season.
Kompany added: “I have played against the greats – Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo.
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“And in the end they are part of a special elite because even the very best find it very difficult to stop those guys – and someone like Erling will keep finding a way.
“His game can and will still improve and that is maybe the difference with the other superstars – he is still willing to improve.
“I think his goalscoring record in general puts him in a certain bracket, a certain category. I don’t need to say more than showing you his record of goals.
“But I also see the mindset of someone who wants to improve. So if he continues to do that – and he is going to have to – that’s not something you experience a lot.”
“I wish I could have played against Erling Haaland.” 👀Vincent Kompany would have relished the challenge of coming up against Man City’s star striker 💪 pic.twitter.com/p3n9jVuDql— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) March 19, 2023

Haaland’s City manager Pep Guardiola took the 22-year-old No9 off on 63 minutes after destroying RB Leipzig and then again against Burnley.
And the Spaniard joked: “Eight goals in five days… I played at Barcelona for 11 years and scored 11 goals.
“It is incredible.
“I substituted him after three goals so he doesn’t break Messi’s record in the FA Cup.”
Erling Haaland has proved too hot to handle for most defenders this seasonCredit: Getty
He collected his second match ball of the weekCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER UNITED fan Usain Bolt was at Old Trafford for Sunday’s dramatic FA Cup win over Fulham.And the eight-time Olympic gold medallist even managed to correctly predict the scoreline for the game.
Usain Bolt correctly predicted the Manchester United vs Fulham score before the gameCredit: Instagram / @manchesterunited
Bruno Fernandes scored twice either side of a Marcel Sabitzer strikeCredit: AFP

Bolt, 36, reposted a clip to Twitter after the game of his pre-match prediction from Manchester United’s Instagram account.
In the video ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final encounter, he said after being asked what the score will be: “I think it’s going to finish 3-1.”
And sure enough the reigning 100m and 200m world record holder was spot on with his prediction.
He captioned the video of his pre-match prediction “told you” with a winking emoji.
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A 96th minute strike from Bruno Fernandes ensured Bolt was spot on with his pre-match forecast.
Visitors Fulham had initially taken the lead through Aleksandar Mitrovic.
But the Red Devils hit back through a Fernandes penalty after Willian was sent off for a handball on the line.
Referee Chris Kavanagh initially didn’t give a spot-kick but overturned his decision after consulting the VAR monitor.
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He sent off Fulham boss Marco Silva during the check, before Willian was dismissed for the handball, and Mitrovic was also given his marching orders for barging ref Kavanagh in a chaotic 40 seconds.
Marcel Sabitzer then scored his first United goal to put the Red Devils ahead before Fernandes wrapped things up in injury time.
The stoppage time goal set up an FA Cup semi-final meeting against Brighton at Wembley next month, and also ensured Bolt’s pre-match prediction came true.
Olympic hero Bolt met current United gaffer Erik ten Hag and legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson during his visit to the Theatre of Dreams.
The Jamaican star will be back at Old Trafford in June for Soccer Aid as captain of World XI.
Meanwhile Queen of the Jungle and Lionesses legend Jill Scott will skipper the England XI.
Bolt met Sir Alex Feguson during his visit to Old TraffordCredit: INSTAGRAM / @usainbolt
The Olympic legend also met Red Devils gaffer Erik ten HagCredit: INSTAGRAM / @usainbolt More

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO cheered on Manchester United from his home as fans spotted what was hanging proudly on his wall.The Red Devils came from behind to beat Fulham 3-1 in an explosive FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Alejandro Garnacho is currently recovering from an ankle injuryCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
He cheered on his Man Utd team-mates from homeCredit: Instagram / @garnacho7
Referee Chris Kavanagh dished out THREE red cards in just 40 SECONDS to Fulham manager Marco Silva and players Willian and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The Serbian striker barged into Kavanagh, fuming at Willian’s red.
Garnacho, 18, was not available for clash due to an ankle injury, but Erik ten Hag’s men managed to make it through to seal a Wembley showdown with Brighton.
And the Spanish-born Argentine kept a close eye on the game from his home.
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Sharing an Instagram story of him watching the match on his living room TV, he said: “Let’s go guys!”
But fans were drawn to what was hanging up either side of the big screen.
Garnacho has two of his Man Utd shirts on display for guests to see when they enter the spacious room.
And Red Devils supporters praised his decision to proudly show off the jerseys.
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One said: “Great to see his shirt being out and proud.”
While another added: “I love how he has his shirts on the wall.”
Garnacho, who has contributed five goals and six assists in 32 games this season, suffered his ankle injury during Man Utd’s goalless draw with Southampton last weekend.
And earlier this week he was spotted hobbling on crutches with his right foot covered in a protective boot.
It is not known how long he will be sidelined for.
It was also confirmed earlier this week that Garnacho – born in Spain but a citizen of Argentina – has decided to play his international football for the World Cup winners. More

ROY KEANE hit out at “lucky” Manchester United after the Red Devils came from behind to beat Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals.The Londoners self destructed as boss Marco Silva, plus Willian and Aleksandar Mitrovic, were all sent off within 40 seconds of each other.
Roy Keane hit out at Manchester United’s performance in the FA Cup quarter-final win over FulhamCredit: ITV SPORT
The Red Devils came from behind to beat nine-man Fulham 3-1Credit: AFP
Willian was sent off for handling on the line, with referee Chris Kavanagh awarding United a penalty and giving Willian his marching orders after consulting the VAR monitor.
Fulham boss Silva was sent off during the check, while Mitrovic was dismissed shortly after Willian for barging ref Kavanagh.
Bruno Fernandes scored the resulting penalty to make it 1-1 following Mitrovic’s opener, before a Marcel Sabitzer strike, then another from Fernandes completed a comeback win for the Red Devils.
And despite the match finishing 3-1, Old Trafford icon Keane was not satisfied by the performance.
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After booking a Wembley semi-final clash against Brighton, Keane said on ITV: “The priority was getting into the next round but I still think the manager will be hugely disappointed with what he saw.
“Of course Fulham self-destructed but United were so poor, it was unbelievable.”
When asked if United have been lucky in the FA Cup this season, he added: “It’s better to be lucky than good, sometimes.
“They’ve found their way in the previous games and today it was more self destruction from Fulham, and the home draws have really helped them.
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“You need luck in cup competitions and United have certainly had their fair share this season.”
Keane went on to suggest that “bad habits” have crept into United’s “DNA” in recent weeks, despite an excellent season for Erik ten Hag’s side.
He continued: “I’ve lost that little bit of confidence watching them now. About a month or two ago, you’re thinking ‘yeah they’re up for it’.
“I think it’s ok trying to play in moments every now and again but now it seems to be their DNA at the moment.
“I think they’ve gone into some real bad habits.”
Only Brighton stand in United’s way of another cup final, with Ten Hag’s side already securing the League Cup last month.
But Keane declared that a similar performance to the one on Sunday in the semi-final against the Seagulls will see their cup run come to an end.
He said: “It’s almost they’re turning up to this expecting ‘we’ve got quality players, we’re Man United we’re going to win football matches’.
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“But if they turn up with that attitude for the semi-final, Brighton will beat them.
“But you expect United to get a kick up the backside.”
Aleksandar Mitrovic was sent off for Fulham after boss Marco Silva and Willian were also both dismissedCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER UNITED reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over nine-man Fulham.Erik ten Hag’s men fell behind on the hour mark when Aleksander Mitrovic rifled home from close range.
Bruno Fernandes brought Manchester United level from the penalty spot and bagged a second goal late onCredit: AP
Marcel Sabitzer won the game for Man Utd as they completed a late turnaroundCredit: Getty
But the game was then turned on its head inside the final 20 minutes as Jadon Sancho’s effort was blocked on the line by the arm of Willian.
A penalty was given and the former Chelsea man was shown a straight red card, before Mitrovic was also dismissed for touching the referee in a fit of rage.
And Fulham boss Marco Silva was the third individual to be shown a red card in a remarkable few minutes.
Bruno Fernandes converted the spot kick to level things up.
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And two minutes later Man Utd made their numerical advantage pay as Marcel Sabitzer completed the turnaround, before Fernandes added a late third.
Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn saw the performances of the Man Utd players.
David de Gea – 8
Good tip over from Robinson and others from Willian and Mitrovic but could do nothing about the Serbian’s opener.
His saves kept United in the tie and they took full advantage.
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David de Gea was on top form for Man Utd against FulhamCredit: Getty
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Got the nod ahead of Dalot at right-back. Couldn’t keep out Mitrovic opener despite valiant effort.
Found it tough against the lively Willian before the Brazilian was sent off.
Harry Maguire – 6
Booking for dragging down Mitrovic and will now miss the semi-final.
Had a physical battle with Mitrovic and must have been relieved to see the Serb get a late red card.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Heart in mouth when he tackled Mitrovic in box.
But brilliant one to deny the same player later in first half.
Brilliant late sliding tackle on James to snuff out a Fulham attack had crowd on their feet.
Luke Shaw – 6
Lucky to get away with early push on Mitrovic – also lost the Serb for the visitors goal.
Made up for it by supplying the low cross from the left for Sabitzer to put United ahead.
Scott McTominay – 5
Came in for the suspended Casemiro but couldn’t have quite the same impact.
First half shot deflected wide after Sancho pull back but no great surprise when he was replaced by Antony just before the hour.
Scott McTominay failed to make a compelling case for a lengthy run in the teamCredit: Getty
Marcel Sabitzer – 8
Nice play to create a chance but shot straight at Leno. Lovely pass almost set Rashford in the clear.
Showed his quality with the flick beyond the visitors keeper to win it for United.
Marcel Sabitzer impressed against Fulham on Sunday afternoonCredit: AP
Jadon Sancho – 7
Chance from clever Fernandes free-kick but lacked conviction and hit it straight at Rashford.
Won the penalty as he went round Leno and forced handball by Willian.
Also had a hand in the second as he sent Shaw clear.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Stray pass almost put United in trouble but Martinez rescued him. Much better second half.
Kept his cool to send Leno the wrong way from the spot to pull United level and lashed home late third.
Marcus Rashford – 6
A rare occasion with no goals for the England man.
Best chance came when he Got in down the left but angle too tight after poor first ouch and Leno saved.
Replaced by Fred as United looked to hang on at the end.
Wout Weghorst – 5
Feeble low early on straight at Leno.
Dropped back into a deeper No10 role after second half reshuffle.
Keeps getting picked to start by ten Hag so must be doing something right in the manager’s eyes.
Wout Weghorst endured a difficult afternoon at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
Substitutes
Antony (for McTominay on 58 mins) – 7
Livened the home side up after coming on and his pass set up Sancho to win the pen.
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Fred (for Rashford on 83 mins) – 7
Brought on to shore things up and teed up third goal for Fernandes.
Unused subs: Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Diogo Dalot, Facundo Pellistri, Jack Butland, Anthony Elanga, Kobbie Mainoo More