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      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down after 45 mins

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      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a disaster full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright was hauled off with Crawley getting hammered by half-timeCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
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      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

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      When is FA Cup quarter-final draw, what FREE live stream and TV channel is it on, and what are the ball numbers?

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      THE FA CUP fifth round is taking place across this week in a midweek bonanza.
      And the draw for quarter-finals will take place as the world’s oldest national football competition whittles down to the final eight. Here’s how to watch all of the action and also those all-important ball numbers.

      The big draw takes place this week
      When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw?

      The FA Cup quarter-final draw takes place at approx 7.45pm on Thursday night, live from BT Sport’s studios in East London.
      It is set to go down just before the final fifth-round tie of the week – Barnsley vs Chelsea. Though if the match on before it – Wolves vs Southampton – goes to extra time then the draw will be delayed.
      Reshmin Choudhury will host with Karen Carney drawing the balls out. 
      How can I watch the FA Cup quarter-final FREE?
      The FA Cup quarter-final draw will be live streamed on FA Cup YouTube channel, Twitter and Facebook accounts for FREE or on BT Sport 1 at the conclusion of Wolves vs Southampton.

      What are the ball numbers?
      1 Burnley or AFC Bournemouth2 Manchester United or West Ham United3 Sheffield United or Bristol City4 Wolverhampton Wanderers or Southampton5 Barnsley or Chelsea6 Everton or Tottenham Hotspur7 Swansea City or Manchester City8 Leicester City or Brighton & Hove Albion
      What are the FA Cup fifth round matches?
      Tuesday
      Burnley vs AFC Bournemouth (5.30pm) BT SPORT 1
      Manchester United vs West Ham United (7.30pm) BBC ONE
      Wednesday
      Swansea City vs Manchester City (5.30pm) BT SPORT 1
      Leicester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion (7.30pm) BT SPORT 2
      Sheffield United vs Bristol City (7.30pm) BBC Red Button/ BBC iPlayer
      Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur (8.15pm) BT SPORT 1
      Thursday

      Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton (5.30pm) BT SPORT 1
      Barnsley vs Chelsea (8pm) BBC One / BBC iPlayer More

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      Dean Henderson to replace David de Gea in Man Utd goal for West Ham clash in FA Cup after weekend blunders

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      DEAN HENDERSON gets another opportunity in goal for Manchester United in the FA Cup tomorrow.
      If he takes it, in the fifth-round clash with West Ham, the clamour for him to keep his place for the league game against West Brom at the weekend will be deafening.

      Dean Henderson is back in the Manchester United XI for the FA CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      David de Gea made a mess of two of Everton’s goals on the weekendCredit: AFP

      You have to go down to Leeds United in 11th to find a team with a worst goals-against record than United in the Premier League.
      Even Burnley’s is better and they are one place above the drop.
      David de Gea has started in all bar two of those league games.
      Of course you can point at the fallibility in front of him but there is no doubt he is now costing United points not earning them, as used to be the case.

      The 3-3 draw against Everton was the latest example as he palmed out Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s cross to the feet of Abdoulaye Doucoure for the first and failed to commit himself for the last-gasp equaliser.
      Solskjaer is very loyal to De Gea but that loyalty is now starting to come at a cost.
      He clearly has trust in Henderson or he would not have insisted on him returning from his loan spell at Sheffield United.
      His absence has clearly been a blow to the rock-bottom Blades who have let in only two fewer goals at this stage of the season than the 39 they conceded in the whole of the last campaign to finish ninth.

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      Henderson has played ten games for United this season, including the second-half of the 3-2 win at Southampton when he came on for the injured De Gea.
      He has earned four clean sheets, five if you count that second-half at St. Mary’s when United came back from 2-0 down to win it.
      Solskjaer said: “He’s played well when he’s got the chance. For me, he’s developed his game.
      “I know he’s not played as many games as he would’ve done last season but you see every game when he plays and in training you see his improvement.
      “He’s working hard on a couple of aspects that we’ve spoke about and I’ve been impressed with his attitude and work rate.”
      But it’s games the 23-year-old wants not platitudes, as Solskjaer knows.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has kept faith in De Gea this seasonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Mason Greenwood has been praised by the United managerCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He said: “He’s not the most patient guy – he wants to play every game because he knows he will perform well, so long may it continue because he’s improved since he came here.”
      Another player looking for a continued run of starts is Mason Greenwood, who has begun five of the last six games after a disappointing start to the season.
      While he has only one league goal to his name this season and four in all competitions, Solskjaer saw signs against Everton that the 19-year-old striker is getting back to the form he showed in his breakthrough campaign last season.
      Solskjaer said: “Mason was different class, the standout performer on the pitch, he just didn’t get the goal that his performance deserved.
      “He’s improved and matured immensely. He’s working with some of the top forwards in the country, learning off them, and it’s exciting to see that he’s come over his blip and is playing really well.”
      With the Premier League title starting to look like a distant dream now, the FA Cup takes on even greater significance for Solskjaer in his quest to get his first trophy as manager.
      He guided United to three semi-finals last season but knows this new team needs silverware to take the next step.
      He said: “That’s the ultimate challenge and test for a team – to go all the way.

      “We’ve improved, we’ve had a plan in place and I think the team is getting better and better, last season we got to the semi-final, and it was disappointing to lose that one.
      “You want to go all the way and lift a trophy. To win a final all the good teams have been beaten so that’s the next step for us in the development of this team.”
      United are up against an in-form West Ham side under former Red Devils boss David Moyes, sat sixth in the Premier League and on a run of just one defeat in 11 in all competitions.
      Solskjaer said: “They’ve improved a lot – David has got his team really well organised, as he always does and he’s got some very good players.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Man Utd ace David De Gea doesn’t let a single ball get past him in practise More

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      How Man Utd could line-up against West Ham in FA Cup with David De Gea axed after blunders and Paul Pogba huge doubt

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      DEAN HENDERSON is set to be handed a golden opportunity to stake his claim for the No1 jersey in Manchester United’s FA Cup showdown.
      The England stopper is likely to start in the fifth-round showdown with West Ham on Tuesday night.

      While Henderson has been Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s cup keeper this season, the current No1 shirt is up for grabs following David De Gea’s latest blunders.
      The Spaniard was heavily criticised for not being brave enough to stop Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s last-gasp equaliser in the 3-3 draw with Everton at the weekend.
      De Gea was also blamed for pushing the ball out straight to Abdoulaye Doucoure for Everton’s first.
      Henderson, 23, is chomping at the bit for regular starts following his two-year successful stint at Sheffield United and knows a solid performance could see him get the nod in the league.

      Meanwhile Solskjaer is likely to field almost his strongest side as he looks for his first piece of silverware at United boss.
      Alex Telles could come in for Luke Shaw but Paul Pogba remains a huge doubt in midfield.
      The Frenchman hobbled off against Everton with a thigh injury and went for a scan on Sunday.
      That could mean a midfield of Scott McTominay and Fred with Nemanja Matic also an option.

      Bruno Fernandes is likely to start in the No10 role ahead of Donny van de Beek while Anthony Martial could come back in.
      The forward has started on the bench for their last three matches.
      Edinson Cavani could be rested in attack giving Martial the chance to prove his worth.
      Phil Jones remains sidelined with a knee injury while fellow centre-back Eric Bailly is also likely to miss out with a knock.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Phil Jones given hope of future at Man Utd after disheartening year through injury More

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      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down in 45 mins

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a disaster full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright was hauled off with Crawley getting hammered by half-timeCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
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      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display as Crawley go 3-0 down in 45 mins

      by

      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a nightmare full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
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      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

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      Man Utd clash with West Ham and Chelsea at Barnsley to be shown FREE on BBC as FA Cup fifth round TV matches announced

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      FANS will be able to watch three FA Cup games for free in next month’s fifth round including Manchester United versus West Ham.
      The television schedule for the last-16 has been announced with BBC and BT Sport sharing the fixtures.

      With the fifth round taking place in midweek, the first game kicks off on Tuesday, February 11 at 5.30pm.
      Burnley host Bournemouth on BT Sport 1 before United face West Ham at Old Trafford.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s quest for a first trophy from the Red Devils dugout continues at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
      BT have scheduled in a triple header for Wednesday February 12 starting with Swansea versus Manchester City.

      The 5.30pm kick-off will be shown on BT Sport 1 with Everton and Tottenham facing off on the same channel at 8.15pm.
      In between, Leicester’s game with Brighton will start at 7.30pm on BT Sport 2.
      And a busy evening of cup football also sees Sheffield United host Bristol City at 7.30pm in a game shown online only, on BBC iPlayer.
      Thursday February 12 rounds off the action with BT Sport 1 showing Wolves versus Southampton at 5.30pm.

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      Manchester United host West Ham having beaten the Hammers earlier this seasonCredit: Getty – Pool

      Barnsley are out to inflict another famous FA Cup defeat on ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      At 8pm, Barnsley host Chelsea aiming to emulate their famous 2008 win over the Premier League side at Oakwell.
      BBC are scheduled to show the game on BBC One and via the iPlayer service.
      The victors will look forward to the quarter-finals taking place on the weekend of March 20.

      Rio Ferdinand bets Peter Crouch that Man Utd will finish above Liverpool in Premier League More

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      Zlatan Ibrahimovic shows off dramatic bald look – but fans suspect AC Milan star is faking shaved head

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has stunned fans by unveiling a shocking bald look… but some aren’t convinced the striker has axed his famous top knot.
      The AC Milan ace has sported long hair for most of his career with his iconic ponytail becoming synonymous with his look in recent years.

      Zlatan Ibrahimovic posted a photo showing a shaved headCredit: Instagram @iamzlatanibrahimovic

      But fans are not convinced the AC Milan star has really got rid of his long hairCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Ibrahimovic, 39, has netted 12 goals in just eight Serie A starts this season – with only Cristiano Ronaldo above him in the scoring charts.
      Yet he drew a rare blank for the league leaders this weekend as they fell to a surprise 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta on Saturday.
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      But the Swede still managed to grab the headlines by apparently unveiling a new hairdo on Instagram, alongside the caption: “All in.”

      One fan tweeted: “Looking like Stone Cold Steve Austin, as if defenders weren’t scared before, now they’ll be terrified.”
      Another said: “Serie A aint ready, bald Zlatan seems more dangerous.”
      A third added: “Bald Zlatan looks like an extra from Game of Thrones.”
      However, some suspicious fans noted that a mysterious smudge behind the ex-Manchester United striker’s head may have been the giveaway sign of some Photoshop shenanigans.

      When Ibra is not sending fans wild on social media, he is busy helping Diogo Dalot settle in Italy.
      The Portuguese full-back has recaptured his form on-loan in Milan after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.
      And after missing out on the chance to play with Ibrahimovic during his two-year stint at the Red Devils, the 21-year-old has credited the Swedish international for bettering him.

      Zlatan Ibrahimovic makes his huge lion tattoo on his back ROAR in amazing party trick as he tenses muscles More