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      Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi says some of his best ideas come in his sleep – and how being a fan first gave him his fire

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      EVERYONE agrees Roberto De Zerbi’s FA Cup semi-finalists are playing dreamy football right now.But that is quite literally the case, with the Brighton boss revealing some of his best tactical ideas have come to him in his sleep.
      Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton have wowed the Premier League this seasonCredit: PA
      The Beautiful Game obsessive has transformed Albion into one of the easiest-on-the-eye teams in the Premier League with his inventive instructions.
      They have caught plenty of bigger sides napping with their approach, defeating Chelsea and Liverpool both twice this season, and are the bookies’ favourites to beat Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday.
      The former Shakhtar and Sassuolo boss said: “The best ideas come exactly then, (in your dreams).
      “Three or four years ago it happened that during the night I was waking up and writing down my ideas.
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      “At Sassuolo, in the first season, I slept with a notepad and pen by my bed.”
      Danny Welbeck explained on Saturday how creative De Zerbi drums three different tactical approaches into his side for every team they face – and the same will be for United.
      While each squad-member, regardless of position or even if they are not playing, must know to a T what every other team-mate’s options should be when they are in possession.
      One particular tactical quirk De Zerbi has brought in is wanting his players to control the ball with the sole of their foot to attract more pressure from opponents.
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      While Pep Guardiola has already lauded the Italian for “changing many things in English football”.
      De Zerbi’s passion for the game has been obvious since he succeeded Graham Potter in September.
      He has sometimes pushed it a bit too far on the touchline, copping two red cards and four yellows for his fiery antics.
      Asked where all that passion comes from, the AC Milan academy product explained: “My dad [Alfredo], he transferred the passion of football when I was a child. 
      Toughened up by hard stint in SicilyROBERTO DE ZERBI learnt from his nightmare spell as Palermo boss when deciding to take charge of Brighton.
      It is hard to imagine given how well his Albion spell has gone, but De Zerbi was taught a harsh lesson in Sicily during the early stages of his managerial career.
      He lasted just 13 matches with Serie A side Palermo, winning only one and losing eight in a row before he was sacked following a Coppa Italia penalty-shootout defeat to Spezia.
      De Zerbi looks back now and realises the environment was all wrong for him at the Rosaneri, where the team were nowhere near as good as the owner believed them to be.
      The Italian explained: “In Palermo, the owner thought we had a big team with big players but it wasn’t true.
      “Now at Brighton I look at my players, (Lewis) Dunk, (Pascal) Gross, (Danny) Welbeck, (Pervis) Estupinan, (Adam) Webster, (Levi) Colwill, (Kaoru) Mitoma, (Solly) March, I feel good and I believe we can win. I trust my players.
      “In Palermo, the squad wasn’t able to compete with De Zerbi and the other coaches.
      “I was 37 when I went to Palermo, 37 to work in Serie A after two years in the equivalent of League One. I didn’t analyse well the situation.
      “I thought, ‘Roberto, you have to go because it’s Serie A, you have to prove, to compete, to understand if you are able or not’.
      “But if there aren’t the conditions… and I have to answer no.
      “It helped me when I came to England. That experience was very important for me because I understood, and I decided not just for the prestige, to put your backside on an important bench.
      “I want to sit where there are the right conditions for me to work.”
      De Zerbi used that experience when he came to Brighton and explained to owner Tony Bloom during his interview that he would not be a replica of Graham Potter, who had left the club for Chelsea.
      He added: “I respect a lot Potter but I am not Potter, and the first thing I spoke with Tony Bloom about was I wanted to understand if he wanted another Potter or Roberto, because I am not Potter, I can’t be Potter. 
      “I can be Roberto and I can do what I know, what I believe, what is my idea.”

      “First of all I’ve been a fan, fans in Italy are ultras, no? Then I’ve been a ballboy, then a youth player, then player and then coach. But myself, in football, started as a fan and I can’t forget when I’ve been a fan.
      “The first thing I want to respect is the people who pay for their ticket, for their season ticket, when the fans go away to watch a game, it should be an honour for the players, for the coaches.”
      De Zerbi clearly takes his responsibility to the crowd seriously, as he spends nearly all day obsessing over football.
      With his wife and son still in Italy – though his daughter is studying in England – he spends most evenings with his staff, eating together and watching matches.
      Doing something else to take his mind off the pressures of top-level coaching is of no interest.
      The 43-year-old explained: “I’ve not understood how I could relax yet in my life but I feel good. 
      “I don’t know for how many years I can work in football but it’s OK, I can work like this in football. I don’t love playing golf, or other sports, to relax. I don’t need that.”
      De Zerbi’s attention to detail was clear by the way he spent two 18-hour days studying Brighton before his interview for the job.
      He also spent time with inspirational figures Guardiola when the Spaniard was at Bayern Munich and Marcelo Bielsa during the Argentine legend’s time at Lille.
      The Brescia-born chief has never had a chance to meet Sir Alex Ferguson but if the opportunity should arise, he would have one question for the legendary United boss.
      De Zerbi explained: “I would like to understand how he could stay with the same team for so long. This is incredible. 
      “It’s not easy because you can burn your brain every day working like that!
      “I loved his Man Utd of Yorke and Cole.
      “It was a team which transferred patience, ideas, qualities and blood.”

      All those attributes have been on display for De Zerbi’s Brighton this season – and could well be the undoing of Erik ten Hag’s United on Sunday.
      No wonder Seagulls fans are dreaming big given the visionary man they have in the dugout. More

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      Man City 3 Sheff Utd 0: Riyad Mahrez hat-trick books place in FA Cup final as Pep Guardiola’s men chase treble

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      PEP GUARDIOLA always knew he was on a hiding to nothing by trying to ban all talk of the treble.But he couldn’t have expected Riyad Mahrez to defy him so publicly a month ahead of schedule.
      Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring from the spotCredit: Getty
      The Algerian bagged his second after a stunning solo runCredit: PA
      Mahrez made it a hat-trick on 66 minutesCredit: Getty
      Mahrez turned a banana-skin semi into a pretty effortless stroll to the final by helping himself to a hat-trick without really breaking sweat.
      And in doing so he edged City a step closer to bringing another glorious trio of trophies to Manchester in one season, nearly a quarter of a century after United did so.
      A 40th minute penalty, an unopposed run from halfway and the most clinical of sidefoots meant Mahrez took the matchball home with him and the Blades headed north with nothing but memories.
      As for City…well whether Pep likes it or not, after Arsenal’s hiccup on Friday and the Blades’ hammering, they are now no better than 2-1 to win the lot. Would you back against them?
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      Beat the Gunners on Wednesday and they will be unbackable favourites to retain their Premier League crown.
      Few outside of Madrid expect Real to dump them in the Euro semis, leaving only a Milanese opponent between them and a first Champions League trophy.
      And with United sliding back into disarray, and Brighton still a world away from this level for all they are living the dream, will today’s opponents in the other semi seriously stop them in next months’ final?
      All the Blades had to really look back on with any fond memories here was the fact they had the first chance, when Stefan Ortega blocked Iliman Ndiaye’s second minute shot.
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      Let’s face it, if the Blades were to pull off one of THE great Cup shocks, they were never going to do it by trying to match City’s pinball-passing.
      But there was no reason why they couldn’t go toe to toe for graft, even if trying to get the ball off City was like trying to nick a black pudding off a vampire.  
      Little wonder, then, that City – for all they kept the ball like a vampire with a black pudding – were finding it damned hard work to break through the Sheffield steel.
      Time and again they pinged it around the Blades box, and time and again a defensive head or foot got there first.
      The only time they did work Wes Foderingham in a bang-your-head-against-the-wall opening 40 minutes was a Julian Alvarez strike from the angled edge of the box.
      Almost from that second, it pretty much became a question of when City would score, rather than if.
      Yes, the Blades matched them for grit and graft – when does a Yorkshireman ever come off second best in either of those departments? – but never for skill or style.
      Which is why it was particularly annoying that having produced such Sheffield steel until five minutes before the break, they gift-wrapped City’s opener.
      When Ilkay Gundogan’s free kick curled over, Bernardo Silva swung a leg and totally missed…to mocking cheers from behind the Blades goal. They went too soon.
      Daniel Jebbison brought Bernardo Silva down in the boxCredit: Rex
      City celebrate booking their place in the FA Cup finalCredit: Reuters
      For, as Bernardo waited for the bouncing ball to drop, for reasons only known to him, Daniel Jebbison scythed the Portuguese playmaker’s legs for the clearest penalty you will ever see.
      Referee Stuart Attwell certainly had no hesitation. The fact not even Jebbison bothered with anything beyond a token protest shows how blatant it was.
      Indeed, the only doubt was over who would take it, Mahrez grabbing the ball, then Erling Haaland strolling over to ask if he could have a pop.
      For once this season, the Norwegian came off second best in front of goal, as Mahrez stood firm, then drilled his spot kick into one corner, as Foderingham dived for the other.
      Even when the gap was a solitary goal, you knew then that the Blades’ Cup crusade was effectively done. After an hour there really were no doubts.
      Max Lowe tamely coughed up possession to Mahrez on halfway, and he faced nothing more than a backing off Jack Robinson and John Egan before clipping into the net.
      Little more than a training ground attack versus defence kind of goal…and five minutes later a textbook example of finishing as he completed his treble.
      Jack Grealish darted and danced on the left, before delivering the most inviting ball into the box – one which Mahrez buried with a first time sidefoot.
      Read More on The Sun
      The perfect end to the perfect day for both him and City. And, a month short of ten years since Wigan pulled off THAT great Wembley shock, a once bitten twice shy message to boot.
      Romance of the Cup? This was more the pillaging and plundering of it. Bring on the Gunners…. More

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      Man Utd fans spot Martial IS with squad ahead of Brighton clash but they’re worried as he walks with clear limp

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Anthony Martial has been spotted with his team-mates in London ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Brighton.In the short clip circulating on social media, however, the forward can be seen walking with a noticeable limp.
      Anthony Martial appeared to be walking with a limpCredit: Twitter / @tobymerrison
      The Frenchman is with his team-mates in London ahead of the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: Twitter / @tobymerrison
      Martial, 27, has been plagued by injuries this season, being limited to just 20 appearances in all competitions.
      He was fit to start Thursday’s 3-0 defeat at Sevilla, but was replaced by Wout Weghorst after appearing to take a knock following a collision with team-mate Harry Maguire.
      Following the match, boss Erik ten Hag was unsure as to whether Martial would be available for Sunday’s Wembley clash.
      While Martial appeared to walk with a limp, some fans on social media are more optimistic.
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      One wrote: “He’s not limping it’s just the way he walks.”
      While a second pondered: “idk if he’s limping or if that’s how he usually walks”.
      Martial has managed seven goals for the Red Devils this term despite his injury woes.
      While the Frenchman’s status is as yet unclear, Ten Hag should be able to call upon Marcus Rashford once again.
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      The England ace returned to action on Thursday night, coming on at half-time in Seville.
      Defenders Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Phil Jones all remain out for the Red Devils.
      While Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho are also expected to miss out.
      Martial, 27, went off in discomfort against Sevilla on Thursday nightCredit: Getty More

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      Man City vs Sheff Utd LIVE: Guardiola’s side continue treble chase with FA Cup semi-final – Stream FREE, TV channel

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      MANCHESTER CITY will put their Premier League title aspirations on hold as they take on Championship side Sheffield United in a FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley.Pep Guardiola’s side are currently chasing a historic treble, and a win over the Blades at Wembley would put them a step closer.

      Start time: 4.45pm
      TV channel/stream: ITV1/X
      Man City XI: To follow
      Sheff Utd XI: To follow

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      Stay up to date with all the action from Wembley…
      20′ SLOW CITY START
      Manchester City have struggled to put their mark on the game so far. You get the feeling they are going to need to be patient this afternoon.
      16′ DISALLOWED GOAL
      Haaland has the ball in the back of the net but referee Stuart Atwell had already blown for a foul. The Norwegian holds his hands out not happy with the decision. It was quite a strike from around 30-35 yards.
      15′ SHEFFIELD UNITED DELIGHTED WITH START
      The Blades will be delighted with the opening 15 minutes and have had the best chance of the game so far. They have limited City to very little.
      12′ MANCHESTER CITY CORNER
      Manchester get their first corner of the game which is whipped in by Mahrez but his delivery is headed behind for another corner which subsequently comes to nothing.
      10′ EMPTY SEATS AT WEMBLEY
      It’s a shame to look round and see empty seats in this FA Cup semi final. Might be time to rethink holding the semi final matches at Wembley.
      8′ CITY STILL FINDING THEIR WAY INTO THE GAME
      City are still looking to find their way into the game. They have been keeping possession well in the last couple of minutes as they search for a breakthrough.
      5′ ENCOURAGING START FOR SHEFFIELD UNITED
      Sheffield United have started brightly and are more than holding their own in the opening exchanges.
      2′ EARLY CHANCE
      Sheffield United almost take the lead as an early Oliver Norwodd corner falls to Iliman Ndiaye in the box and his shot is kept out by Ortega in the City goal, almost a dream start for The Blades.
      KICK OFF
      We are underway in the first FA Cup semi final.
      The first FA Cup semi final of 2022-2023 is just moments away.
      SHEFFIELD UNITED STARTING XI:
      Foderingham, Baldock, Ahmedhodzic, Egan, Robinson, Lowe, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Jebbison, Ndiaye.
      Subs: Davies, Basham, Clark, Bogle, Coulibaly, Arblaster, Brooks, Sharp, McBurnie.
      MANCHESTER CITY STARTING XI:  
      Ortega, Walker, Laporte, Akanji, Gomez, Mahrez, Silva, Gundogan, Grealish, Alvarez, Haaland.
      Subs: Ederson, Dias, Phillips, Stones, Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden, Palmer, Lewis.
      Hello and welcome to this afternoon’s FA Cup Semi Final coverage
      Manchester City are looking to reach the FA Cup final having lost in the semi final on the last three occasions.
      Pep Guardiola’s men overcame Chelsea, Arsenal, Bristol City and Burnley to reach this stage.
      Sheffield United will be looking to make a first FA Cup final since 1936.
      The Blades beat Tottenham en route to Wembley and lost in their last semi final appearance in 2014 against Hull City.
      Load more entries… More

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      Brighton vs Man Utd – FA Cup semi-final: Red Devils look to bounce back after abysmal Sevilla display – stream FREE, TV

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have blown their chance of securing a treble this season – but the double is still on if they can get past Brighton in a tasty FA Cup semi-final tie.Youssef En-Nesyri’s Europa League double and a strike from Loic Bade saw the Red Devils go crashing out at the quarter-final stage.
      Manchester United were dumped out of the Europa League by SevillaCredit: Rex
      Brighton stunned Chelsea at Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex
      And Harry Maguire was under the spotlight once again as his early mistake was the catalyst to a toothless United performance.
      However, Erik ten Hag will be eager for his men to quickly put the defeat behind them and there’s no better way to do that then to book a trip to Wembley for Saturday, June 2.
      But it won’t be easy as the Europe-chasing Brighton go into this match off the back of a 2-1 triumph over out-of-form Chelsea.
      When is Brighton vs Man Utd?

      Brighton’s mouth-watering FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United will take place on Sunday, April 23.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 4:30pm UK time.
      Wembley Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge fixture and it can host approximately 90,000 fans.
      The Seagulls are looking to make it three consecutive wins over United having already beaten them home and away in the league.

      Read more on Man Utd
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Brighton vs Manchester United will be broadcast LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 4pm UK time – 30 mins before kick-off.
      The action can also be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute action of the game including build-up and post-match reaction.

      Is Brighton vs Man Utd FREE to watch?
      Yes!
      Brighton vs Manchester United is FREE to watch on BBC One so long as you hold a valid TV license in the UK.
      What is the team news?
      Brighton has excelled on the pitch but the high-flying Seagulls find themselves with some injury off the field.
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      Joel Veltman and Evan Ferguson have been ruled out of the semi-final by Brighton boss Roberto Di Zerbi after the pair picked up thigh and ankle issues respectively at Stamford Bridge.
      And they’ll be joining Tariq Lamptey (knee), Adam Lallana (thigh) and Jeremy Sarmiento (knee) in the medical room.
      Elsewhere, Erik ten Hag will be expected to continue without Lisandro Martinez (foot), Raphael Varane (ankle), Donny van de Beek (knee), Tom Heaton (ankle) and Alejandro Garnacho (ankle).
      Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial remain doubts for this huge FA Cup contest.
      However, Marcus Rashford was fit enough for a cameo against Sevilla and Bruno Fernandes is set to make his return following a Europa League ban.
      Marcus Rashford made an unhappy return against Sevilla after weeks on the side-linesCredit: Reuters
      Latest odds

      Brighton to win 5/4
      Draw 5/2
      Man Utd to win 19/10

      To qualify

      Brighton 4/6
      Man Utd 21/20

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Raging Man Utd boss Erik Ten Hag warns his players that they are ‘fighting for their futures’ after horror Sevilla show

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      ERIK TEN HAG told his Manchester United ­players they are fighting for their futures in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.Asked if his team understand the expectation of playing for the club, following their shambolic Europa League KO to Sevilla, United’s boss said: “If not, it’s  time to be aware of it.
      Erik ten Hag looked unusually nervous when he spoke ahead of the Brighton tieCredit: Getty
      Marcel Sabitzer and Co show the pain of Man Utd’s Europa League humiliationCredit: PA
      “You need to be prepared for the battle. We are always playing for our futures. You have to earn the right to wear the shirt. You have to prove yourself every game from the start.”
      Ten Hag looked  a bag of nerves ahead of his FA Cup press conference ­yesterday.
      The normally straight-face boss broke a microphone and flapped about trying to fix it before talking about the huge tie.
      You cannot blame him given how United’s players had fumbled the club’s treble dreams only the night before with an embarrassing European exit to Sevilla.
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      Goalkeeper David de Gea and captain Harry Maguire were at the heart of another defensive horror show  as United lost the quarter-final second leg 3-0 to go out 5-2 on aggregate.
      Ten Hag has, at least, lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley  this term.But he warned that tomorrow’s date under the Arch could be s*** or bust for a number of players.
      Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay and Fred feature on a list of at least 15 whose futures are under threat.
      When asked if his team understands the expectation that comes with representing the club, Ten Hag said: “It’s great to be part of United, a global football club but the flipside is you have to prove yourself every game from the start.
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      “You have to step up and the good thing is Sunday is a great opportunity. This group of players has to prove it.
      “We know we didn’t meet the standards. The expectations on the team, the players and on the manager of United are higher. We have to do better on Sunday.”
      It was telling that Ten Hag did not get stuck into Maguire, despite the defender’s nightmare performance in Seville.
      He is suspended tomorrow but the United boss chose only to compliment his broken captain, knowing all too well he will be under the microscope for the rest of the season.
      Ten Hag said: “He has an important role in the fact that he is the captain, he leads, he communicates with the manager.
      “He motivates the team and is an example on the training pitch. He always has good sessions.”
      Other players Ten Hag is considering allowing to leave include Donny van de Beek, Anthony Elanga, Dean Henderson and Brandon Williams.
      What this team does well is bounce back inbetween games. But what they do less, is bounce back during a game.Erik ten Hag
      Alex Telles, Hannibal Mejbri and Eric Bailly, who are out on loan, are almost certain to depart and the out-of-contract Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are definitely on their way.
      The amount Ten Hag is able to spend will be shaped by whether there is a takeover or a cash injection from groups working alongside the Glazers.
      When the Dutch boss was asked if he has faith he will be backed by the club’s board in the summer, he replied: “Yes I have. But I am here to get the best out of this group of players before Brighton and that’s why I’m here.
      “We have to acknowledge it’s a mental thing. We have to learn that you keep going, you carry on.
      “What this team does well is bounce back inbetween games. But what they do less, is bounce back during a game when there is a setback.

      “That is what we have to improve.”
       MAN UTD (likely): De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial. More

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      Aleksandar Mitrovic will face no further action after FA FAILS in appeal to have eight-game ban extended

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      ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC has avoided further punishment for his shoving of referee Chris Kavanagh.The Fulham hitman, 28, was given an EIGHT-MATCH ban for pushing the official in the Cottagers’ FA Cup quarter-final tie with Manchester United last month.
      Alexsandar Mitrovic shoved ref Chris Kavanagh during Fulham’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United
      The fuming Serbian was slapped with an eight-match ban but the FA tried to extend itCredit: AFP
      But the FA have failed in their bid to further throw the book at the strikerCredit: AFP
      FA chiefs were hoping to make a further example of the Serbian by extending his suspension.
      But an independent panel have decided the original punishment fits the crime.
      An FA statement read: “An Independent Appeal Board has dismissed appeals from the FA in relation to recent sanctions for Fulham’s Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic, and they will face no further action.
      “Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic were sanctioned by an independent Regulatory Commission following a hearing in relation to their tie against Manchester United in The FA Cup on Sunday 19 March.
      “The FA appealed the match-based sanctions imposed on the manager and forward in order to seek to increase the sanctions.
      “But both appeals were subsequently dismissed by the independent Appeal Board.
      “Marco Silva is free to be on the touchline from this weekend and Aleksandar Mitrovic will remain unavailable for the club’s next five matches.”
      It means Mitrovic will return for Fulham’s final three games of the season – including a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
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      Serbia international Mitrovic didn’t try to defend his actions, which he issued a grovelling apology for.
      In a statement on the club’s website, he said: “On a personal level, I regret my actions that led to me being sent off.
      “I allowed my frustration to get the better of me, and how I reacted was wrong.
      “I was trying to get the referee’s attention, but I appreciate that I should not have put my hands on him and I understand why he showed me a red card, my first in-game sending off for Fulham and my first since the 2015-16 season.
      “I have 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.
      “I now want to do what I can to put this incident behind me and get back to helping my teammates on the pitch as soon as possible.
      “In the meantime, I would like to reiterate my regret that this happened.
      “I have already said sorry to my team-mates, but I would also like to apologise to the Fulham fans, particularly those who travelled to Old Trafford to support us and who did not stop singing all game.
      “I hope to be back soon and repay their faith and support.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Fulham will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Leeds United to Craven Cottage. More

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      Ex-Sheffield United captain delivers a plea to the Blades ahead of FA Cup semi-finals versus Manchester City

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      ROBERT PAGE has told Sheffield United’s stars to have no regrets as the FA Cup semi-finalists bid to go one better than the Class of 2003.The Wales boss was the Blades captain for their 1-0 cup semi defeat to Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal at Old Trafford 20 years ago.
      Robert Page played for Sheffield United between 2001-04 and was captain for the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Old TraffordCredit: Alamy
      Robert Pires scored the only goal as Arsenal beat Southampton to win the 2003 FA Cup
      Freddie Ljungberg struck the winner but the tie is remembered for David Seaman’s self-proclaimed ‘greatest save’ after the Gunners keeper incredibly denied Paul Peschisolido an equaliser – and a potential cup upset.
      Paul Heckingbottom’s United – on the brink of a Premier League return – face a similarly daunting challenge when the Championship high-fliers take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City treble chasers at Wembley tomorrow.
      Page, 48, said: “This is a free hit for Sheffield United. Promotion has to be number one for me. 
      “We’re potentially a win away from getting promoted back to the Premier League which is incredible. So this is a free game. Go and show off.
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      “Have a go and play against the best team in the world with the best players – irrespective of what Pep decides to do and what team he plays – enjoy the moment, roll your sleeves up and have the Blades behind them.
      “Give it everything you have got and have no regrets.”  
      The Yorkshire club were also in the second tier back then – and managed to reach the last four of both domestic cup competitions under Neil Warnock only to lose to the Gunners and Liverpool in the League Cup.
      But Seaman’s iconic match-winning save when the then 40-year-old, in his 1,000th senior game, clawed Peschisolido’s close range header off the line still haunts Page.
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      The ex-centre-back told the Blades Heaven podcast: “Still to this day, I can’t believe he kept the ball out. He has said it was his best save that he ever made in his career.
      “What an occasion! Great memories. It was incredible when we had a police escort driving into Old Trafford and there were Blades fans either side of the bus.
      “We’d been to the ground the day before because Neil didn’t want us to be fazed on the day with the crowd. He wanted that out of our system and it was the right thing to do.
      “Neil had spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson about the best way to play Arsenal, from a tactical point of view, and I respect him for that.
      “He didn’t look at Arsenal and just think, ‘We’re going to make up the numbers and defend for our lives.’ He thought, ‘No, we can have a go.’
      “Arsenal were a top team and they were flying. It’s similar to Manchester City.
      “We punched above our weight but we had chances. Sol Campbell was marking me for set plays and I got the better of him in the first minutes of the game.
      “The ball went to the back post and my header hit the side of the net. If I’d got the ball back across goal then it might have been a different outcome.
      “We gave a great account of ourselves and went toe-to-toe with them. I hope the supporters were proud of that level of performance that day.
      We’re potentially a win away from getting promoted back to the Premier League which is incredible. So this is a free game. Go and show off. Rob Page
      “But if you aren’t up for an FA Cup semi-final against top quality opposition then you’re in the wrong industry.”
      Despite the heart-breaking defeat, Page did receive a prized souvenir from the Blades’ big day out – Thierry Henry’s shirt.
      Page recalled: “I’d been away on international camp the month before and Eddie Niedzwiecki, who was a coach at Arsenal, was one of Mark Hughes’ assistants for Wales.
      “I knew we were playing Arsenal coming up so I said, ‘If you can mention it to Thierry, I would love to have his jersey at the end of the game’.
      “Fair play to Thierry, as soon as he came on to the pitch, he ran straight to me.
      “As a centre-back, the last person you want to see coming off the bench with fresh legs for the last 20 minutes is Thierry. Trust me.
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      “But as disgusted as I was to see him come on, he did cheer me up by saying, ‘I’ve heard you want my jersey’.
      “He was true to his word and as soon as the final whistle went he came straight over. It’s framed and in the house.” More