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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table as Chelsea shoot up SEVEN PLACES but awful news for Man Utd

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table following Chelsea’s rampant 6-2 win at Wolves.But it’s awful news for Manchester United after they suffered a stoppage time 2-1 defeat to bogey team Brighton.Chelsea have shot up SEVEN places in the power rankings after Noni Madueke’s hat-trick inspired performanceCredit: GettyBut United were again beaten by Brighton during their second GameweekCredit: AFPThe Opta analyst’s power rankings are a global team ranking system which assigns an ability score to nearly 13,500 domestic football teams.Chelsea’s dominant victory saw them climb a shocking SEVEN places with a new world rating of 90.4.This means the AI boffins have them tipped to finish fourth, with the club currently sitting eighth after two games.Chelsea shrugged off their season opening defeat to Manchester City to award fans with a stunning second-half performance at the Molineux.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd their form could be set to continue as they face Crystal Palace, who have lost two-in-two, Bournemouth and West Ham in their next three games.But it’s nasty news for those at Old Trafford as the club dropped four places in the rankings with a rating of 88.9.Their last-gasp defeat to the Seagulls at the Amex left the AI convinced they will come seventh come May with 57 points.Erik ten Hag – who remained at United despite calls for him to be sacked – wanted to push on after winning the FA Cup after the club finished eighth, their lowest-ever finish in the Prem.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe supercomputer has United finishing below Newcastle and Spurs in fifth and sixth.The Toon enjoy a 89.7 rating, while Spurs are marginally lower at 89.2.Chelsea release new pink and black ‘punk-inspired’ third kit for 2024-25… but fans all reckon ‘Nike tick is drunk’However, the algorithm claims Champions League qualifiers Aston Villa will plummet before eventually finishing behind Ten Hag.Villa fell to a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, who are predicted to miss out on the title for the third successive season.The result moved Unai Emery’s side down two places.Manchester City’s 100.0 rating remains intact, as Pep Guardiola stays top after their 4-1 thrashing of newly-promoted Ipswich.At the other end of the table, Southampton dropped seven places to finish bottom after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.While Ipswich and Leicester make up the other relegation places.Chelsea ratings vs Wolves: Madueke and Palmer on fire as Blues run riot… but Mudryk has shockerNONI MADUEKE bagged himself a second-half hat-trick courtesy of Cole Palmer as Chelsea fired to a 6-2 victory away at Wolves.Palmer’s three assists and first half strike capped off a wonderful afternoon for the England ace and a game that at times resembled a basketball match.Here’s how SunSports’ Katherine Walsh rated the Blues stars…Robert Sanchez – 7/10Solid display. Held firm and kept Wolves at bay in the first half.Brilliant long ball distribution cross-pitch to Jackson who assisted Palmer’s goal and Chelsea’s second.Malo Gusto – 5Out of position for Matheus Cunha’s 26th minute equaliser and didn’t get forward enough.Failed to have an influence on the game after a quieter second 45 minutes from Wolves.Wesley Fofana – 6Had his back to goal for Wolves’ second equaliser before half-time.The ball had been guided in by a free-kick and Jorgen Strand-Larsen cleverly guided it home with his right foot.Levi Colwill – 6Not a particularly noticeable performance from the 21-year-old in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for Cunha’s goal.Pulled Cucurella away from the third brawl of the match.Marc Cucurella – 6Worked hard and found himself centre of multiple fights with Wolves players throughout the 90.Solid as ever, needing to be alert with Wolves lethal in the first half.Moises Caicedo – 6Quiet afternoon for the midfielder. Didn’t do much right or wrong.Enzo Fernandez – 7Often in the right place at the right time after clearing two Wolves’ attempts from inside the box.Battled to win the ball for Madueke’s third goal and frequently recovered possession for the visitors.Cole Palmer – 9A brilliant goal and THREE assists finished off a sensational performance from the No10 position.Somehow managed to outshine hat-trick scorer Madueke after providing all of his goals. His own notch came against the run of play just after receiving a yellow.Picked up the ball 20 yards from goal after a long Sanchez kick and lobbed Wolves keeper Jose Sa just when the visitors were hanging on.Mykhailo Mudryk – 4Enzo Marseca said he needed time and coaching to get his Chelsea career on track. But failed to make an impact against Wolves.Didn’t notice him being shipped off at half-time for former Wolves star Pedro Neto.Noni Madueke – 9The star man scored THREE in the second half after bagging against Servette on Thursday.Chelsea’s best player in the first half. The young winger has bundles of ability and energy.Looked lively and won several free-kicks in promising positions.Worth a note that he silenced the home fans who were heavily booing him throughout after his social media comments earlier today.Nicolas Jackson – 8Opened the scoring with a post header inside two minutes.But let himself down with silly antics while arguing with Cunha twice.Most non-penalty goals for Chelsea in the Premier League since the start of last season: 15.And assisted Palmer’s brilliant goal and Chelsea’s second.SUBSPedro Neto 7Put a shift in after coming on at half-time on his first return to the Molineux.Bagged himself an assist in the 80th minute.Joao Felix – 7Scored on his Chelsea 2023/24 debut after joining from Atletico Madrid for £42.6m.Combined with other new signing Neto for the goal.Christopher Nkunku – N/ARenato Veiga – N/AKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A More

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      Iconic 70s pop star is inspiration for non-league club’s new football kit that leaves fans with ‘tears in their eyes’

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      IT’LL be Pina Coladas being poured rather than champagne corks popping if Northwich Victoria take a step closer to Wembley.And 1970s pop star Rupert Homes will also be toasting their FA Cup success with his favourite tipple after sending his hometown team a special delivery.Northwich Victoria have produced a kit for the ahesCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingRupert Homes’ smash hit was the inspirationCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingCaptain Matty Clarke models the kitCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingThe Vics have a huge replay tomorrowCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingThe semi-pro Midland League Premier Division outfit drew 1-1 at Barnoldswick Town on Saturday to set-up tomorrow’s preliminary round replay.But it was what the Vics were wearing rather than the result that had people talking as the fourth annual Pina Colada Festival got underway 65 miles away in Northwich.Vics, who are celebrating their 150th anniversary, were keen not to miss out on the spectacle, which was created to celebrate the 1979 hit song Escape – written by former resident Holmes.That led them to them making a special announcement first thing on Saturday to kick off the festivities – the launch of their brand new Pina Colada-themed third kit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was delivered all the way from Cold Springs, New York, by the man himself as they unveiled the bold number in hilarious fashion on social media.A video showed Vics captain Matty Clarke receiving a package that had a QR code asking him to scan it.That produced a video message from Holmes, who was sipping on his trademark drink, and said: “Hi Matty, it’s Northwich boy Rupert Holmes of Hemming Street saying hello to you.“I’m told that you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’ve taken the liberty of sending you the new Northwich Victoria third kit in honour of the 150th anniversary of our beloved club.” The skipper dons the colourful new kit that comes with words “gettin’ caught in the rain” embroidered onto it.Gary Neville slams Chelsea pair who ‘aren’t kidding anybody’ and look ‘worried to death’ Fans were delighted with the eye-catching design.One said: “Bloody wow. I’ve got actual tears in my eyes. This is bloody brilliant. I didn’t realise we actually had Rupert in it too. Wow wow wow.”Another added: “Wow! Outstanding work! Can’t see there being a kit clash with that.”Clarke and his team-mates fought out an action-packed draw that saw both teams have a man sent-off.And they are set to wear their new threads when they welcome Barnoldswick at their Barton Stadium on Tuesday evening.Victory will see them reach the first qualifying round – and be just 10 wins from gracing Wembley.Mark Tonge, the social media lead at the club, told Sun Sport: “We’ve had amazing feedback on the shirt, not only in Northwich, but around the country as well from kit collectors and football fans in general.“It’s definitely a unique kit and one that will be a collectors item for years to come.Who are these famous footballers?“As a club, we are celebrating our 150th anniversary this season and wanted to celebrate it in a unique way.“We sat down with our new kit supplier Hope & Glory who helped us design a kit based upon one of our most famous former residents, Rupert Holmes.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Pina Colada song plays a huge part in our town with the annual festival taking place hence our launch on Saturday.“I knew I wanted to get Rupert Holmes involved in our launch, and luckily enough, he was excited to help us in whatever way he could.” Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      ‘A couple of people have said to that to me’ hints Alan Shearer as he lifts lid on who could be next England manager

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      ALAN SHEARER admitted that he’s “heard” that Pep Guardiola could become the next England manager.Guardiola’s contract at Manchester City expires next summer and there have been persistent rumours that the FA will try and woo him into the England role.Alan Shearer says he has heard England may be interested in appointing Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyGuardiola has a year remaining on his City contractCredit: AlamyThat talk intensified over the weekend after the FA opted to appoint Lee Carsley as interim manager rather than making a full-time appointment.In a statement they said: “Lee Carsley has been appointed interim head coach of England senior men ahead of the start of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign.”Carsley will step up from his role in charge of the Men’s U21s, initially for September’s fixtures away to Republic of Ireland and at home to Finland.”But with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn while the FA’s recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues.”READ MORE ON ENGLANDAsked about becoming England manager as Manchester City beat neighbours Man Utd on penalties to win the Community Shield, Guardiola was coy and did not rule out the possibility.The City boss admitted: “I have to decide what I want to do in my life.“If I want to continue here, take a break, train national teams or not – many things.”On The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said: “There are a couple of people who have actually said that [Guardiola being on the FA’s wishlist] to me, but maybe that’s just rumour.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHarry Redknapp: Lampard or Gerrard should be next England managerI’VE a message for all those who reckon the search for England’s next manager is a two-horse race — you’re bang on!And while we’re at it, here’s another… I bet very few of you have narrowed it down to the same couple of candidates as me.If the odds are spot-on, finding Gareth Southgate’s replacement is a toss-up between Eddie Howe and Graham Potter.Well in my book it’s a straight head-to-head, too. But I’m even more convinced that the men I see as obvious front-runners will be lucky to even get an interview.I doubt there are many who’d agree with me either, when I say the FA should look no further than Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard for the next Three Lions boss.Either of them could do the job standing on their head, yet probably neither will get so much as a phone call.Mind you, plenty of people will insist there’s no reason why they should because they’ve already written off both as failures.Forgetting that Frank reached an FA Cup final and finished fourth in his first spell at Chelsea.Or the fact that Everton were in such a mess, he never had a prayer when he went there.There’s every chance they’ll gloss over Stevie’s time at Rangers, despite their first title win in a decade — unbeaten as well — and say he was a flop at Aston Villa.But you show me a manager who’s not had a tough time of it somewhere down the line. Potter certainly did at Chelsea — he only lasted 31 games and lost 11 of them.So did Unai Emery, the man who replaced Stevie as boss at Villa, when he was Arsenal manager. It happens to everyone out there.So what’s the difference between Potter and Frank?Why is one an obvious candidate for England, yet the other not even worthy of a mention?Nothing against Eddie or Graham, by the way. Eddie’s doing well enough at Newcastle without absolutely tearing it up.And Potter did a good job at Brighton before Chelsea but he had good recruitment and was working with good players.Look at some of the names he had and where they ended up.Alexis Mac Allister won the World Cup and went to Liverpool. Leandro Trossard is at Arsenal, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea, Yves Bissouma is with Tottenham.There’s no doubt Potter or Howe would be a safe pair of hands. A steady Eddie. Just like Gareth was eight years ago — which is why they will probably get a chance.But if the FA want someone steeped in football knowledge — at international level too — and who knows the game inside out at that level, both Frank and Stevie leave them standing.The players would love it as well. They’d be desperate to play for them.They would have nothing but respect whether it was Lampard or Gerrard as boss.So, are they both on the scrapheap for good because they’ve had a failure somewhere down the line? There won’t be any managers left before long if that’s all it takes.And here’s another thing as well. While you need a thick skin to be a club manager, it’s not a patch on the one demanded at international level.That goes for players — certainly the senior ones — as well. And Stevie and Frank could tell you all about that better than most.Some of the stuff Frank had to put up with back in the day was horrendous, horrible stuff.It was the same for Gerro, especially when he was captain.But the pair of them stood up and came through it. And that’s the sort of character you want and need as England manager.It’s not about being a fantastic coach. When do you really get the chance to prove that with England? You don’t.You’re not out there every day doing shape, shadow play and the like. For one thing you tend to pick the team at the last minute because you don’t want it leaking out!It’s about managing, not coaching and there is a difference. It’s about picking the best players in the right positions.It’s about attacking and being positive — and in my book, nothing would be more positive than giving Stevie or Frank a call.But I’d be very surprised if anyone at the FA even picks up the phone and dials their numbers.He then added: “You never know…”Co-host Gary Lineker asked if it was important for the next manager to be English to which co-host Micah Richards responded: “If Pep was to go to England and win the World Cup, no one would care [that he isn’t English].”England appoint Lee Carsley interim bossLineker then responded: “The difference with someone like Pep or [Jurgen] Klopp or [Carlo] Ancelotti is that they’ve had experience in English football… so we can pretend they’re English.”It’s understood the FA want to interview a wide range of candidates before making a call on Gareth Southgate’s successor, a move which Shearer said: “I think it’s a wise decision to give it to Lee Carsley and just take their time and see what happens.”It would have been really difficult to appoint someone in that short amount of time, so this gives them time to sit back and look at the bigger picture.”Aside from Guardiola – Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino have all been tipped as frontrunners for the job. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe reveals why he kept Erik ten Hag after Man Utd boss ‘tried to fix leaks in the roof’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has revealed the reason why Manchester United opted to keep Erik ten Hag on as manager.During a dismal season at Old Trafford, Ratcliffe and his Ineos company took over sporting control of Man Utd, before they decided to keep under pressure Ten Hag following FA Cup glory at the end of the season.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed why Man Utd kept Erik ten HagCredit: ReutersHe revealed Ten Hag was trying to ‘fix the roof’ as well as manage the teamCredit: RexBoyhood Man Utd fan Ratcliffe has got to work straight away in trying to restore the club to its former glory, with plans for a rebuild of both the squad and first-team facilities – including a new stadium – well underway.The billionaire describes the process as a “clean sweep”, which has seen many staff behind the scenes allegedly leave the club by mutual consent.However, this did not extend to the man most responsible for getting results on the pitch.Instead, Ratcliffe revealed the reason he found some sympathy for the former Ajax manager.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to The Times, the 71-year-old said: “We’ve got some very good people and some fresh faces.”You can’t put your head in the sand, you have to face facts. “It needed a fresh start, so that’s what we’ve done.”Erik is a good guy and had been doing his best, but doing too much.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He was trying to sort out the squad and fix leaks in the roof at the same time.”In his interview – conducted just 25 miles from the Arctic Circle in Iceland – Ractliffe also revealed he is keeping a video diary for the future for an as-yet-untitled documentary.Community Shield Man Utd vs Man City: Player RatingsHe also opened up on the long and hard process of acquiring his 27.7 per cent share in the Red Devils, comparing it to fishing for a salmon. He said: “[It took] enormous patience — it was on the line for a long time.”He added: “I think we tried and tried many, many different permutations to do a transaction with the Glazer family, and for one reason or another [each] had their challenges or obstacles so in the end we did the deal that we could do. “At the end of the day, in my view, the key thing is to just have a good relationship with the other owners, which are the Glazer family — the six siblings. “You know, they’re really good people. And they are passionate about the club. “The key is not the legal agreements. “The key is that we have common objectives, which are to see Manchester United be successful, and that we trust each other.”Ten Hag’s side lost out on penalties in the Community Shield yesterday despite arguably being the better team over the 90-minute Wembley season curtain raiser. Man Utd kick off the Premier League season when they host Fulham on Friday evening.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter bringing in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, they are expected to welcome Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui following medicals tomorrow.Meanwhile, a new central midfielder is also being targeted, with names such as Manuel Ugarte, Sander Berge and Youssouf Fofana linked. More

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      Man Utd ratings: Alejandro Garnacho scores at Wembley again in stunning cameo but Mason Mount fails to make an impact

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      MANCHESTER UNITED weren’t able to hold onto their lead in the Community Shield as they lost 7-6 on penalties to Manchester City.Alejandro Garnacho – who put United up in the FA Cup final – did so again with 10 minutes of normal time remaining, before Bernardo Silva’s 89th minute header brought a penalty shootout.Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for United with 10 minutes of normal time remainingCredit: GettyMason Mount struggled to make an impact on the gameCredit: GettyManuel Akanji converted the winning penalty as Man City beat United at WembleyCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side started off the better team and were unlucky not to go ahead, with Oscar Bobb curling over and James McAtee striking against the post.Bruno Fernandes scored the best disallowed goal in recent memory in the 53rd minute, after smashing a 20 yard shot top bins before the linesman waved his flag for offside. Marcus Rashford missed two sitters after the ball clashed with his shin and bounced off the post, before Scott McTominay kicked air from five yards out.But Garnacho put United 1-0 up with a fantastic finish past Ederson in the 80th minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSilva – who had only been on the pitch six minutes, but later missed a penalty in the shootout – brought things level nine minutes later with a header from a brilliant Bobb assist.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated every Man Utd performance…Manchester City lifted the Community Shield for the first time since 2019Credit: GettyANDRE ONANA – 6A steady performance from the Man Utd stopper.But he couldn’t get near any of Man City’s penalties after Silva missed the first kick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDrew criticism from fans for his antics in the shootout, after pointing to the side Erling Haaland should shoot, before diving the other way.Andre Onana was up to his usual antics in the shootoutCredit: GettyDIOGO DALOT – 7Defended really well against a dangerous Jeremy Doku for large parts of the game, but failed to make a real impact on the attacking side of the game where we know he can be a threat. Harsh result for Man Utd but Marcus Rashford misses a concernMoved to left back in the second half, where the cross came from for Man City’s equaliser, but it was more Bobb’s brilliance than Dalot’s negligence. HARRY MAGUIRE – 6A solid first game back for Man Utd’s number five. Dealt with the physicality of Haaland well and refused to be overpowered at the back – passed out well when required and made some crucial blocks too. JONNY EVANS – 6Led by example at the back, and did a solid job for his team. Struggled to cope with the pace of the City attack at times, but ultimately limited Haaland to another goalless display at Wembley. Was left embarrassed later after shockingly blazing his penalty over the bar, to put City in prime position.LISANDRO MARTINEZDidn’t offer anything going forwards, and Man Utd missed Luke Shaw’s threat on the left-hand side. Bobb gave him a run for his money, and his mistake could have had United 1-0 down at half-time but for the woodwork. CASEMIRO – 6Was solid in midfield and almost got himself a great assist with a neat pass to Marcus Rashford in the first half, but was let down by the finish. Didn’t control the game in the way we have seen him do in his golden years, but put in a decent display nonetheless. Scored his penalty in the shootout.Casemiro was delighted with Garnacho before Man City equalisedCredit: ReutersKOBBIE MAINOO – 7Looked composed as ever on the ball and was United’s best operator in midfield on the day, as we have got used to him being.Man Utd look a better team with him in the side. AMAD DIALLO – 6Looked the most dangerous of United’s attackers in the first half, but was let down by poor finishing and decision making at the vital moments. MASON MOUNT – 4Failed to really do anything of note. Showed good energy and pressing, but his passes were often over or undercooked and it was more of what we have seen from him since leaving Chelsea. MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Had a big chance to open the scoring in both halves leaving fans frustrated, on another day he would have had a brace. Did pose a threat on the left hand side, but really missed his shooting boots – Garnacho may have been better placed in his position from the off. It was another disappointing afternoon for RashfordCredit: AFPBRUNO FERNANDES – 8His disallowed goal would have been the perfect curtain raiser, but it wasn’t to be. Still, he did a fantastic job in the false nine role for his club, and put in a captain’s performance playing out-of-position.He was central to everything good done by his side, and was rewarded with an assist in the second half. Subs: GARNACHO (DIALLO, 59 – 8Was Man Utd’s best player since he came on for Amad Diallo, and re-created his FA Cup final moment with a great finish at the near post. He really is excitement personified, what a player. Garnacho shined again in United defeat to their city rivalsCredit: PASCOTT MCTOMINAY  (MOUNT, 59) – 5Made a few good runs but didn’t make a massive impact as a target man in the box. SANCHO (RASHFORD, 83) – 5Didn’t inject the same level of energy as Garnacho on the opposing side, but didn’t have much time to impact the game. Was unlucky to miss his penalty.Jadon Sancho missed another penalty at WembleyCredit: GettyFACUNDO PELLISTRI  (MAGUIRE, 59) – 5Was caused trouble by Man City new boy Savinho, but ultimately limited him to a few good touches and nothing more than that, solid shift from a winger at full-back.  READ MORE SUN STORIESTOBY COLLYER (MAINOO, 59) – 6A pretty good debut performance from the young lad who has been touted for big things. Neat passing combinations, a good first touch and made things difficult for Rico Lewis. You’ve got to love those low socks too.  More

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      Man Utd 1-1 Man City PENALTIES LIVE: Community Shield being settled by spot-kicks NOW after Silva and Garnacho goals

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City is being settled in a penalty shoot-out on RIGHT NOW!Bernardo Silva equalised in the 88th minute for City after Alejandro Garnacho’s strike seven minutes earlier in a frantic end to the regulation time.The big team news was that Jack Grealish played no part after suffering an injury in training.Kick-off time: 3pm BSTStream/TV: ITV1/ITVXMan City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias (C), Gvardiol, Kovacic, O’Reilly, McAtee, Bobb, Doku, HaalandMan Utd XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Martinez; Casemiro, Mainoo, Mount; Amad, Fernandes, RashfordFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 6-6 Manchester CityCaptain Ruben Dias is up!He rolls his pen into the bottom right corner. Copy linkCopiedPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 6-5 Manchester CityLisandro Martinez is up next…He copies Bruno Fernandes’ technique and slots it into the right-side netting!Copy linkCopiedPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 5-5 Manchester CityMatheus Nunes scores from the spot!Copy linkCopiedPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 5-4 Manchester CityScott McTominay scores from the spot to give Man Utd the advantage. Copy linkCopiedPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 4-4 Manchester CityEderson scores from the spot into the bottom right corner. Copy linkCopiedPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 4-3 Manchester CityCasemiro dispatches his penalty with ease. Copy linkCopiedPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 3-3 Manchester CityNew boy Savinho steps up next to level things up!He slots his penalty into the bottom left corner!It’s all square at 3-3!Copy linkCopiedPenalty SAVED: Manchester United 3-2 Manchester CityJadon Sancho MISSES from the spot. He steps up and looks for the right hand side of the goal, but it is saved onto the post by Ederson. Copy linkCopiedPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 3-2 Manchester CityAfter Andre Onana’s theatrics, where he stands on the left and points to the right hand side of the open goal…Erling Haaland slots his penalty in the bottom left corner. Copy linkCopiedPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 3-1 Manchester CityIt’s goalscorer Garnacho up now…He SCORES again.Copy linkCopiedPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester CityKevin De Bruyne steps up next…He dispatches his penalty nicely.Copy linkCopiedPenalty SCORED: Manchester United 2-0 Manchester CityDiogo Dalot steps up for Man Utd…He SCORES!Copy linkCopiedPenalty SAVED: Manchester United 1-0 Manchester CityBernardo Silva steps up for Man City…It’s SAVED by Onana!Copy linkCopiedPENALTIES: Manchester United 1-0 Manchester City Bruno Fernandes steps up first…He SCORES. 1-0. Copy linkCopiedPENALTIES: Manchester United 1-1 Manchester CityWe’re going to penalties!Copy linkCopiedManchester United 1-1 Manchester City90+3. Three minutes into added time here and it looks like we are heading for penalties. There will be NO extra-time if it ends level. Copy linkCopiedManchester United 1-1 Manchester City90. The fourth official has put up his board and signalled that there will be FIVE minutes off added time. Copy linkCopiedManchester United 1-1 Manchester City89. Just like that it is all square!Kevin De Bruyne has been subbed on in the aftermath of the goal, and so has Nathan Ake. Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLLLL! Manchester United 1-1 Manchester City88. BERNARDO SILVA EQUALISES!Great play by youngster Oscar Bobb on the right-hand side, as he beats his man and stands up a cross for Bernardo Silva who runs in and heads home! Copy linkCopiedManchester United 1-0 Manchester City85. The Man Utd end of Wembley is absolutely bouncing after that opening goal away to my left. In the aftermath of the goal Jadon Sancho was subbed on for Marcus Rashford and Bernardo Silva was booked for a late challenge. Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLLL! Manchester United 1-0 Manchester City81. AT LAST! A great ball by Bruno Fernandes with the outside of his foot is into the path of Alejandro Garnacho, who drives inside and gets the ball on his left foot. He shoots at the near post, and the ball rolls past Ederson. It’s a great finish by the Argentine man, who has finally added that finishing touch to good all round play by Man Utd. “VIVA GARNACHOOOOO” rings around Wembley. Copy linkCopiedManchester United 0-0 Manchester City80. Bernardo Silva is on for Man City in place of James McAtee. He looks to create straight away with a good ball into Savinho, but City opt to keep possession in the Man Utd half. Copy linkCopiedManchester United 0-0 Manchester City79. Close from Marcus Rashford again!Manchester United win a corner which is whipped in deep to Marcus Rashford. He rises well and heads it really well into the ground but just wide of the post. A good effort, unlucky. Copy linkCopiedOFF THE POST! Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City75. Huge chance for Marcus Rashford again…This time a great ball by Bruno Fernandes into the path of Alejandro Garnacho sees the Argentine accelerate down the right hand side before playing a bobbling ball into the middle for Rashford. It looks written in the stars for him to score against City at Wembley once more, and he opens up his left foot only to cushion the ball past Ederson and onto the left-hand post. He has really been let down by his finishing today, Garnacho has his head in his shirt. Copy linkCopiedManchester United 0-0 Manchester City73. Savinho has looked bright with a few good touches and spots of link-up play since coming on. He could be a real threat once he is embedded into Pep Guardiola’s side. Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd 3 Real Betis 2: Marcus Rashford looks back to his best before he is forced off in huge injury scare

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      PERHAPS Manchester United are going to get the real Marcus Rashford back again.The evidence of this pre-season game against Real Betis suggests they are.Manchester United picked up an impressive victory against Real BetisCredit: AFPMan Utd are facing an anxious wait after Marcus Rashford’s injuryCredit: APThey have just got to hope that the challenge which saw him limp off in the 61st minute of this game is nothing serious.He looked in a pain, stopping twice as he made his way to the tunnel. A sad end to a great night for him.Rashford was buzzing, looking like he was enjoying the ball at his feet once more.The 26-year-old even spoke with manager Erik ten Hag during the game.Read More on Man UtdThose two barely exchanged a word in the second half of last season.That came after the player had partied until the early hours of the morning in Belfast on a day when he was supposed to be training ahead of the FA Cup game at Newport last January.He phoned in sick, Ten Hag later found out the background and was fuming.Had Ten Hag not been short of numbers, Rashford could have even ended up sidelined for a considerable period.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs it was, his form did not demand a consistent first-team place as the season progressed. He would fall out the England squad for the Euros as well.Having posted career best figures of 30 goals the season before, he would grab only eight in the last campaign.Man Utd fans convinced Marcus Rashford ‘scoring 40 goals this season’ after seeing video of him ‘feeling like Maradona’On nights like this in San Diego you wonder quite why he lost his way so badly last season.His focus certainly seemed to go away from football.The sight of him in tears in front of the United fans after a good display in that triumphant FA Cup Final did show, however, how much this club still means to him.He has medals from his time with the club – two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League – but when he spoke this week it was clear he has eyes on bigger prizes.Rashford said: “I still have dreams of winning the big trophies, the Premier League and Champions League with Man United. So hopefully we can get that done.”For now it is just about getting further up the Premier League after finishing a club record low of eighth last season.Back to goalscoring waysThey will need Rashford’s goals to do that particularly with Rasmus Hojlund missing the first four games with a hamstring injury.The arrival of Joshua Zirkzee will help but United need the goals coming the whole front four.They were in good form in front of goal in this game.After Iker Losada had given Betis a 15th-minute lead at the Snapdragon Stadium, it was Rashford who equalised from the spot just two minutes later.Amad Diallo had won it and what a performance the 22-year-old put in as well.A constant threat, he scored a cracker to put United ahead in the 25th minute using superb control to take the cross from Harry Amass before curling the ball home.It was three on 31 minutes. Amad appeared to over hit a corner but Rashford was beyond the far post to feed the ball back across goal for Casemiro to turn in.READ MORE SUN STORIESBetis would get a goal back on 61 minutes from Diego Llorente’s header.Now the anxious wait for news on Rashford…Amad Diallo put together an impressive performance for Man UtdCredit: GettyCasemiro sealed an impressive victory for Man Utd against Real BetisCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd prepared to sell Marcus Rashford after fallout with Ten Hag… and could drop £80m transfer valuation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will listen to offers for Marcus Rashford after the breakdown of his relationship with Erik ten Hag.The future of the manager was tied in with the Red Devils forward, 26.Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag do not see eye-to-eyeCredit: RexThe academy graduate is no longer a guaranteed starterCredit: RexRashford was not called up for Euro 2024Credit: ReutersNow Ten Hag is staying, the club will look to cash in on the academy graduate who became one of United’s brightest stars.They will want £80million for their No10 but may have to accept nearer £60m following his drop in form last season.Rashford and Ten Hag were barely on speaking terms by the end of it after he defied the manager by partying until the early hours in Belfast when he was due to train at Carrington later that day.Ten Hag had already warned him about his off-field conduct after he partied at a city centre nightspot following a derby hammering at home to Manchester City on October 29.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe manager said that was “unacceptable” but was enraged when just a few months later he was out until the early hours of Friday January 26 ahead of that Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Newport.He rang in sick later that day and missed training. He was axed from the squad as Ten Hag learned the full extent of what had happened.That shattered their relationship although the manager had to continue to use the speedster forward.Rashford thought there would be a fresh start when it looked like Ten Hag was getting the boot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat was before the Dutchman guided the club to a shock FA Cup final victory over Champions Manchester City, which saw new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe make a U-turn.Rashford went from posting career best figures of 30 goals in 2022-23 to just eight last season as he lost his automatic spot in the starting line-up and place in the England squad for Euro 2024.Erik ten Hag STAYS at Man Utd – so now what?He is due back in training next Monday but unless he can have successful clear-the-air talks with Ten Hag, his future looks likely to lie elsewhere.United are already lining up new players, with Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt set to be first through the door for £40m after his stay in Euros with Holland comes to an end.Ten Hag worked with the 24-year-old at Ajax.Off the field Ratcliffe is axing staff with around a quarter of United’s 1,150 workforce informed in a staff meeting that they will be made redundant.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