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      How Man Utd will be forced to line up without Martinez, Varane and Rashford for FA Cup semi-final against Brighton

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will be forced to rely on several back-up players when they face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final.The clubs meet at Wembley on April 23 for a spot in the final but United could be without three key players.
      Marcus Rashford is currently sidelined for Man UnitedCredit: PA
      Lisandro Martinez was stretched off against SevillaCredit: Getty
      Raphael Varane also picked up a knock in the Europa League clashCredit: AP
      How Man United could line up against Brighton
      Marcus Rashford could miss the match after the club confirmed he will be out for a “few games” following an injury during the win over Everton.
      This means that Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag could give a chance to Anthony Martial to impress on the left wing.
      The French attacker is capable of playing across the frontline and could fill in for the England international if he is unable to feature.
      Alternatively, exciting prospect Alejandro Garnacho would also be able to deputise off the left-hand side.
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      But the main issue for the Dutch manager is in the heart of his defence.
      Lisandro Martinez was carried off the pitch in tears in the Europa League clash against Sevilla.
      The Argentine pulled up with nobody near him and could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
      Fellow centre-back Raphael Varane also picked up an injury in the game as he was withdrawn at half time.
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      That means Ten Hag will likely have to rely on back-up and Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones, due to Harry Maguire being suspended.
      The other option of Luke Shaw being used in the centre-back role is also scrapped due to his injury.
      Ten Hag could also opt to play Scott McTominay as an emergency defender.
      Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could have to play in defenceCredit: Getty
      An alternative line-up for the FA Cup semi-final More

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      Arsenal sent blunt warning as Rodri reveals Man City are out to clinch historic Treble as they close gap on title rivals

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      RODRI has warned ­Manchester City’s rivals that his team have the right mentality to win the Treble.Pep Guardiola’s hopes of landing the big three — Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup — have been boosted significantly over the last few days.
      Rodri has sent out an ominous warning to Arsenal ahead of Man City’s run-inCredit: Getty
      First, Prem leaders Arsenal dropped two vital points at Anfield on Sunday, meaning defending their domestic crown is now back in City’s own hands.
      Then on Tuesday evening, Rodri’s stunning opener set the ball rolling on a thrilling 3-0 win over Bayern Munich — which saw them plant one foot in the Champions League semi-finals.
      City’s next challenge comes against Premier League relegation strugglers Leicester on Saturday — and the Spanish midfielder claims their full focus must be on the Foxes.
      Rodri said: “We don’t value any competition over another. We are alive in all three — and will fight until the end for all of them.
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      “Our aim is to go game by game, we don’t think beyond that. We are now back to the Premier League and an intense battle for the title — but our mentality is to win everything.
      “Of course, it would be very special to win our first Champions League.
      “We are on the right path and, if we continue like this, we will have chances at the end of the season.”
      If they are to scoop the lot, City may have to win as many as 15 more matches over the next eight weeks.
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      In the next ten days they face Leicester in the Prem, Bayern in a quarter-final second leg and Championship outfit Sheffield United in an FA Cup semi-final.
      Boss Guardiola has always maintained that winning the three major trophies in one season is close to impossible for an English side.
      But defender John Stones, who almost played alongside Rodri in midfield against Bayern, says that is their target.
      He explained: “We always set high standards for ourselves and try to push for every competition we are in. That’s been happening the seven years I’ve been here.
      “We fight for everything. My goal is to win all three that we’re in.”
      Of all the three still open for City, it is no secret that they would love to win the Champions League for the first time.
      Stones added: “The dream is alive. We take it one game at a time and there’s a lot of steps to get to the final.
      “We have to take those small steps and do the job that is in front of us to eventually get there.”
      While City will take a three-goal lead to Germany next week, they plan to attack Bayern in the Allianz Arena rather than looking to hold what they have.
      Stones added: “It’s never over and that’s the mentality we come with.
      “It’s a great result and sets us up for the next leg but we know we need to go there and get a result again — because this competition throws curveballs.”
      Rodri was on the scoresheet was the Cityzens thumped Bayern Munich on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      Bernardo Silva — scorer of City’s second goal on Tuesday — said the heartbreaking defeat at Real Madrid in last year’s semi-final shows they can take nothing for granted.
      The English side had a 5-3 aggregate lead heading into injury time in the Bernabeu but crashed out in dramatic fashion, losing 6-5 over two legs after extra time.
      Bernardo says that is a major warning ahead of Wednesday’s second leg in Germany.
      The Portuguese ace said: “It’s not over because we’ve had a lot of experience in this competition that shows us what ­happens in the first game doesn’t matter.
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      “It’s a very good advantage for the second leg. But as an example, the game against Real Madrid last season — everybody said it was over and then in the last five minutes everything changed.
      “If you want to win this competition you have to be smart, you have to be ready for every type of occasion.” More

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      Marcus Rashford hands Man Utd huge injury blow as club confirm he will miss number of vital games

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has been ruled out of Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Sevilla. The news comes after Rashford picked up a muscle injury in the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
      Marcus Rashford picked up an injury against EvertonCredit: Rex
      Rashford is set to miss a number of vital games for Man UtdCredit: EPA
      The Englishman is set to “be unavailable for a few games” following the clash on Thursday.
      With Rashford the club’s top goalscorer on 28 goals this season it will comes as a huge blow in the season run-in.
      The club’s next highest goalscorer is Bruno Fernandes with just ten.
      United remain competitive on three fronts, with Rashford firing the way for them in Europe, the FA Cup and their Premier League top four push.
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      However, Rashford’s injury is not believed to be season ending.
      A statement on Man Utd’s website said Rashford “is expected to be back for the season run-in.”
      Erik ten Hag has been bolstered by the recent returns of crocked stars Anthony Martial and Christian Eriksen.
      Meanwhile, Casemiro will also return from his domestic suspension in the comings games after serving his four-game ban.
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      Rashford’s injury means he has joined exciting winger Alejandro Garnacho in the treatment room.
      Ten Hag hinted in March Garnacho may return before the end of the season.

      This could see United handed a double injury boost as the season draws to a close.
      United’s next five fixtures will see them play Sevilla twice, Brighton in the semi-final of the FA Cup as well as Nottingham Forest and top four rivals Tottenham in the Premier League.
      A match against Chelsea is awaiting confirmation on time and date due to United’s progression in the FA Cup. More

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      Arsenal U18 vs West Ham U18 – FA Youth Cup final: Gunners eye silverware as Hammers look to end torrid trophyless run

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      ARSENAL football club as a whole is blossoming and the U18s side are set to feature in the FA Cup Youth Final – but the West Ham youth side stand in their way.Michael Rosiak’s incredible free-kick and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s 121st-minute strike saw the Gunners edge past Manchester City in the semi.
      Myles Lewis Skelly fired Arsenal U18 to the FA Youth Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Divin Mbuma bagged a hattrick to help West Ham book their spot in the finalCredit: Rex
      While Divin Mbuma’s hattrick against Southampton stole all the headlines as the Hammers humiliated the Saints 6-1.
      Jack Wilshere will be desperate to lead his side to silverware in just his first season at the helm of the U18s side.
      However, West Ham’s U18s haven’t secured FA Cup glory in over two decades, so they’ll want to put that torrid run to an end.
      But this could cause implications for the Men’s upcoming match against their bitter London rivals Chelsea.
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      When is Arsenal U18s vs West Ham U18s FA Youth Cup final?

      Arsenal and West Ham’s FA Youth Cup final has been pencilled in for Saturday, April 29.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 7pm UK time.
      Emirates Stadium – the home of Arsenal is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.
      The Young Hammers thrashed Arsenal 4-1 when the sides last met in November 2022.

      What will happen with Arsenal vs Chelsea?
      The Men’s senior Arsenal team is scheduled to play Chelsea on the same day as the Youth FA Cup final.
      However, reports suggest that the final will be rescheduled to a midweek date instead to avoid the clash.
      SunSport will be on top of updates as soon as the details are provided.
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      Is the FA Youth Cup final on TV and can it be live streamed?
      Details of how to watch the FA Youth Cup between Arsenal and West Ham are yet to be revealed.
      However, the huge encounter is expected to be broadcast on The FA Player – similar to the semi-finals.
      Subscription members of Arsenal.com are also likely to have access to watch the entire action live.
      Team news
      Both managers are expected to go with the same line-up which got them over the line in their semi-finals unless injuries occur. More

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      I won the FA Cup with Arsenal and taught Fabregas how to speak English but I almost became a Man Utd player

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      PHILIPPE SENDEROS has revealed that he almost joined Man United before signing for Arsenal.The retired Swiss footballer joined the Gunners in 2003 and won the FA Cup with the club in 2005.
      Philippe Senderos could have joined Man United before signing for ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He also had to help Cesc Fabregas with the English language when he joined the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      However things could have been different for the defender, 38, as he admitted that he went to Man United as well as being scouted by Liverpool while he was at Swiss side Servette.
      He told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I visited Manchester United, and Liverpool came to Geneva a couple of times, but when the opportunity to go to Arsenal came along, and I visited the training ground, experienced the atmosphere around the place and heard from Arsene Wenger, there was no looking back for me.
      “Everything about Arsenal just felt right for me, so it was an easy decision, despite all the noise and rumours.
      I was only 18 when I joined up with the first team, and 19 when I made my debut.
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      “So when people look back on the majority of my time with Arsenal, before my loan moves, they forget I was only 23 or younger.
      “I was learning my trade at the highest level you could ever imagine, and I felt at home straight away.”
      Senderos was a rotaional player in the Gunners squad under manager Arsene Wenger.
      The defender made 64 appearances for the North London side before leaving in 2010 to Fulham.
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      But when he first arrived he was joined by Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas in his home.
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      Senderos has praised the midfielder but did reveal that he had to help him with the language when Fabregas arrived as did not speak English.
      He added: “I was living in digs with Cesc Fabregas when I first moved over, as he arrived shortly after I did, so straight away we struck up a great friendship.
      “We both helped each other settle into life in a new city, in a new country, and I’d do a lot of translating for him as he couldn’t speak English.
      “He moved to the first team very quickly and you could see straight away that he was on a level of his own.
      “It took me a little while to adapt because I faced a lot of injuries in the first full season with the club, but I loved my time there; it’s where I learned to be a professional.” More

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      Aleksandar Mitrovic speaks for first time following shameful scenes that saw him sent off for barging into referee

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      ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC and Marco Silva have apologised to referee Chris Kavanagh and said they “regret” their FA Cup meltdown at Old Trafford.Fulham ace Mitrovic is facing a TEN-GAME ban for shoving and firing a verbal volley at Kavanagh as his side received three red cards in an astonishing 40 seconds.
      Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic was caught shoving the referee in the FA Cup
      Mitrovic was sent off after shoving referee Chris KavanaghCredit: Getty
      Willian and Cottagers boss Silva were the other two sent off.
      Silva could get a lengthy touchline ban for allegedly throwing a water bottle at an  assistant then making “improper” comments about Kavanagh after the match.
      Mitrovic, 28, said: “I regret my actions.  I allowed my frustration to get the better of me and how I reacted was wrong. I’ve accepted the three-match ban for my red card.
      “I have spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologise and I have volunteered to accept a club fine.”
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      Willian’s VAR red card for a goal-line handball and Silva’s angry reaction seemed to trigger Mitrovic in the 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Manchester United.
      The FA have charged Mitrovic with violent and improper conduct.
      He added: “I was trying to get the referee’s attention but I should not have put my hands on him.
      “I already said sorry to my team-mates but would also like to apologise to the Fulham fans.”
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      Silva raged afterwards as he could not understand why Kavanagh oversaw the match following incidents in previous Fulham games. 
      He said yesterday: “I should have controlled my own emotions better.
      “I regret what happened and I have spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologise.
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      Mitrovic is facing a 10-game ban after his red card against Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
      “He knows I respect him and the job he does.
      “Unfortunately, we did not see eye-to-eye on the day but I recognise that he is one of the top referees in this country.
      “I know that, when our paths cross again, there will be mutual respect.” More

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      FA breach TV blackout rules on police advice over fan safety fears for Man City’s FA Cup clash against Sheffield United

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      THE FA will lift their Saturday TV blackout for Manchester City’s semi-final against Sheffield United because of police advice.City’s match at Wembley on April 22 will kick-off at 4:45pm – which clashes with the 2.45pm-5.15pm blackout period – and will be shown on ITV1.
      The FA will lift their Saturday TV blackout for Manchester City’s semi-final against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex
      According to the Daily Mail, the FA wanted the usual 5.30pm start for Saturday semi-finals.
      But police told them the game could not kick-off any later than 4.45pm on safety grounds.
      It means the FA have been forced to breach their own blackout rules, which have been in place since the 1960s.
      A spokesperson for the FA said: “The kick-off times for our fixtures are scheduled in collaboration with the clubs, local authorities, police, and broadcasters.
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      “We were informed by the police and local safety advisory group that 16.45 was the latest time possible for this tie.”
      The ruling was introduced, at the instigation of then-Burnley chairman Bob Lord more than 50 years ago, in the belief that it would prevent TV football damaging attendances at other matches.
      During coronavirus lockdown, when games where played behind closed doors, matches were aired during the blackout period.
      And the EFL are also willing to end it from the 2024-25 season as part of their new TV rights deal.
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      DAZN are among the bidders for the next three-season package of EFL rights, with competitors including Sky, Viaplay and TNT Sports, the new name for what was BT Sport until the takeover by Discovery.
      EFL bosses are looking to increase the current package, worth £119m per season, to £200m plus, a huge potential financial lifeline for struggling clubs.
      But the DAZN option would see a huge increase in the number of games available including the traditional Saturday afternoon slot, currently protected from broadcasting by Article 48 of Uefa Statutes.
      DAZN argues that under the current system, with matches on Sky, lower division fans are being starved of the chance to watch their teams unless they go to the matches.
      Only 20 games League One are shown each season, 10 in League Two and last season 26 of the 72 EFL clubs did not feature at all.
      The EFL are also willing to end the TV blackout from the 2024-25 seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Fulham boss Marco Silva faces even bigger ban after Man Utd outburst as he’s slapped with fresh FA charges

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      FULHAM boss Marco Silva has been hit by ANOTHER FA charge – and could see his looming red card ban extended.Silva was already in hot water after being sent off by ref Chris Kavanagh for his reaction to Willian’s VAR dismissal in the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United.
      Marco Silva could get a longer ban after his post-FA Cup comments about ref Chris KavanaghCredit: Getty
      The red card and then the Cottagers’ boss angry reaction was the apparent catalyst for Aleksandar Mitrovic shoving Kavanagh to also be sent off as Fulham lost their heads.
      But now the Portuguese manager’s post-match comments, in which he suggested Kavanagh might have an agenda against his team, have led to the latest Wembley charge.
      Silva pointed to Kavanagh’s displays in games against West Ham and Leeds as he said: “Unfortunately for us we have been very unlucky with Chris Kavanagh this season, many moments.
      “Chris was in a game we played away at West Ham where we lost with two clear handballs. We received the apology because of the mistakes.
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      “The last game at Leeds in the FA Cup it was him again. And for a game that is the quarter-finals, it’s him again.’
      Silva then suggested Fulham had been wrongly denied two first-half spot-kicks, adding: “It cannot be in a quarter-final and both teams have to have the same conditions.
      “There is pressure to play United away at Old Trafford. The referee sometimes feels the pressure because they are here.
      “It is really difficult to accept the things that are happening this season week by week.”
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      Confirming the misconduct charge, an FA spokesperson said: “It’s alleged that his comments constitute improper conduct in that they imply bias and/or question the integrity of the match official, and/or bring the game into disrepute.
      “The manager has until Wednesday 29 March to provide his response.”
      Silva faces a minimum of a significant fine in addition to a likely three-game ban for his touchline behaviour, although FA beaks could add an extra game to the suspension.
      An independent commission is due to be held next month to decide Mitrovic’s lengthy punishment, likely to be a ban of up to ten games, while Fulham will also be fined for failing to control their players.
      Alexandr Mitrovic and Willian were both sent off for FulhamCredit: AFP
      Mitrovic could be banned for up to ten gamesCredit: Reuters More