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      As major competition refuses to introduce VAR, the question is: ‘Is it all worth the trouble?’

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      ONE MINUTE young fans were jumping up and down, flinging their arms wide.Next, they were in tears. And so were their dads. Not so much Sky Blues as the deepest blues.VAR denied Coventry a sensational late winner against Manchester UnitedThat’s what VAR can do. And did to Coventry City whose FA Cup final dreams were soon to be dust after the decision that Victor Torp’s goal against Manchester United a minute before the end of extra-time was an illusion.It was a toenail short of the truth, ruled VAR advisers. The line they use showed Torp was fractionally offside.The linesman hadn’t flagged, but no matter because he’s practically redundant since his job was re-named assistant referee.Soon those joyful moments of promise had become poison as United won in the penalty shoot-out and every viewer, bar United fans, had to wonder again about VAR.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor many of us it is menacing the magic of our game.Forest people are going ape against it, maybe because they sense football is becoming the pen pusher’s revenge on human judgement.Wolves might have agreed a few weeks ago when a headed goal from five or six yards was disallowed because a team-mate was blocking the West Ham goalkeeper’s vision.But the truth is we have all had marginal, or worse, just plain wrong VAR decisions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOur beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      It was interesting to note this week Sweden became the first European country to reject the chance to introduce VAR in its top flight.It’s futile to boo a few blokes peering into monitors and advising the ref often three or even four minutes after a controversial incident.Mike Dean lost for words live on Sky Sports after VAR mix up for ‘stonewall’ penalty during Premier League clashIndeed, these delays drain the drama and excitement from football and might in themselves be enough to warrant sacking the whole system. Overall, they can add as much as ten minutes to a match.I resisted a few boos — not done in the House of Lord’s never mind the directors’ box at Stamford Bridge — when Maxwel Cornet’s goal for the Hammers was disallowed for a foul on Edouard Mendy.The ref’s poor decision was supported by VAR and Chelsea won 2-1 soon after.It may surprise us that VAR staff are human but John Brooks proved it when he drew the line between Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan and a defender and declared the Ecuadorian was offside.Whoops! Wrong defender. Brighton suffered a 1-1 draw with friends from Palace.A Premier League check concluded over four years VAR support to refs improved their performance by 14 per cent to 96 per cent correct.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s possible to argue with those figures on several grounds but fans’ question is simply: Is VAR worth all the friction?My stance is ‘yes’ on line decisions alone. But not for much else. More

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      ‘Just let him f***ing defend’, slams Man Utd icon as he blasts Ten Hag’s ‘crazy’ tactics for star tipped to be replaced

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED legend says they don’t need Jeremie Frimpong – instead erik ten Hag should just let Aaron Wan-Bissaka “f***ing defend” instead.Pressure has been mounting at Old Trafford and as they narrowly avoided disaster to beat Coventry on penalties and set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup final last weekend.Erik ten Hag has been told to let Aaron Wan-Bissaka ‘f***ing defend’Credit: GettyThe Red Devils have been linked with a move for Jeremie Frimpong as a replacementCredit: PAHowever, they did not avoid embarrassment after blowing a three goal lead against the Championship outfit.Ten Hag’s side then trailed twice to bottom club Sheffield United before scraping a 4-2 win at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Wednesday.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the 71-year-old billionaire, has taken over football operations at United after buying a 25 per cent stake in the club.And he has set about overhauling things off the pitch, appointing Jason Wilcox as technical director Southampton after revealing ex-Man City man Omar Berrada as their new chief executive.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd talks are still ongoing about Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth, who is on gardening leave, coming in as new sporting director.Meanwhile, the new top brass are reportedly trying to offload 11 players this summer in order to help fund six new signings with right-back Wan-Bissaka among them.And United’s new regime have identified Jeremie Frimpong as a perfect signing to bolster their defence.The highly-rated Dutchman, 23, was previously at Man City before joining Celtic five years ago and now plays for Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWe reported how “concrete talks” had taken place over a potential transfer move for Frimpong.But 1999 treble-winning striker Dwight Yorke believes United already have a good right-back in Wan-Bissaka – if Ten Hag would let him do his job.I won iconic Treble at Man Utd… but I fear I’ll have to BUY a football club to ever land another managerial jobKlopp copied Fergie’s ‘biggest mistake’ and it’s derailed his final season, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd

      JURGEN KLOPP was genuinely surprised to hear it, on the January day when he announced his intention to quit Liverpool at the end of the season.
      It was put to him that Sir Alex Ferguson had told his Manchester United players in the summer of 2001 that the coming season would be his last.
      Ferguson later performed a U-turn and stayed at Old Trafford for another 11 years.
      But the great Scot admitted that revealing his intentions had been the ‘biggest mistake I made’.
      “I think a lot of them put their tools away,” said Ferguson, “They thought, ‘Oh, the manager’s leaving’.”
      It was a part of English footballing history which Klopp knew nothing about and he raised his eyebrows when he was told about it.
      Liverpool were top of the Premier League, having lost only a single domestic match all season – and that a controversial VAR-infested affair at Tottenham.
      But their form has nosedived since, with dreams of a farewell quadruple long gone.
      And Klopp may well now be reflecting on the wisdom of his announcement.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

      Yorke told Crypto Casino LTD: “If Jeremie Frimpong is a bit fragile defensively, then he’ll be bought for a certain system by the manager.“Nowadays, fullbacks play much higher up the pitch and can play in all types of systems, but I don’t know how Erik ten Hag wants to play.“Man United already have a good right back in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but you can say he’s the opposite of Frimpong, great defensively but not that great going forward. “When we attack, we should be letting Wan Bissaka sit back and offer more defensive protection, handling the one v one on the wing. But instead, he’s told to bomb up the wing and try to take on a player, which he can’t do.“Erik ten Hag should take away Wan-Bissaka’s attacking duties and make him defend, then they can have some solidarity in the defence.“Instead, Wan-Bissaka, who doesn’t score or create, run around like a headless chicken in the opposition box, running in his teammates’ way.Yorke added:  “It’s not rocket science, watching this unfold is crazy.“The one thing you need in the defence is to be able to defend one v one. Just let him f***ing defend.”Wan-Bissaka was signed from Crystal Palace for £50m in 2019 and he made the highest number of tackles in the Premier League during his first season but his form has been up and down since.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe struggled with illness and injuries last term and that has seen Diogo Dalot overtake him in the pecking.He’s played 24 times this term but Inter Milan have been eyeing a cut-price £13m swoop with the full-back only having a year left on his deal.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Man Utd fans blown away by club’s classy FA Cup final gesture and say Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘already making smart decisions’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have impressed fans with a classy gesture for the FA Cup final.The Red Devils booked their place at Wembley after narrowly overcoming Coventry on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra-time.Man Utd will subsidise young fans attending the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThey take on fierce rivals Manchester City and the club have come up with a goodwill gesture ahead of kick-off.United will subsidise tickets for every Under-16 season ticket holder attending the match.Fans will receive a £30 discount, meaning some supporters will be able to buy a ticket for just £5.Director of Fan Engagement Rick McGagh explained the reasons behind the decision, saying: “Every young football fan dreams of seeing their team win the FA Cup at Wembley.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“Working alongside the Fans’ Forum, we are delighted to make this dream a more affordable reality for our under 16 season ticket holders by subsidising their tickets so they can attend for as little as £5.“Promoting and investing in youth is part of the fabric of this football club and we are proud to offer more support to our young fans. “We know two trips to Wembley – and three for those also attending the women’s FA Cup final – in the space of a month is expensive for all fans, but especially so for young fans who usually attend with other family members. We look forward to having lots of our young supporters cheering the team on at Wembley.”Fans are delighted by the move with one saying: “Sounds pretty great.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother added: “Lovely to hear!”A third wrote: “Jimbo [Sir Jim Ratcliffe] already making smart decisions.”Man Utd best XI of academy graduates would walk the Premier League and boasts two Ballon d’Or winnersAnd another commented: “This is class fair play to the club.”Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      England risk World Cup ban as huge storm kicks off over FA Cup replays being scrapped

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      MPs demanding a U-turn on the FA Cup replay row could risk England being banned by Fifa.During the second reading of the Football Regulation bill in Westminster on Tuesday, former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron promised to propose an amendment to give the Regulator the power to force the FA to reintroduce replays.England risk being banned from the World Cup over the FA Cup replay rowCredit: APHe argued, with backing from MPs across the House, that all member clubs must have a vote on deciding the rules of the competition.Yet such a move by the Regulator would leave open the possibility that Fifa could determine the FA had been subjected to “government interference” in the running of the game.That would be a breach of membership rules.In recent years, the world governing body has temporarily suspended the football associations of Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Pakistan because of outside influence.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLast night, it emerged that Spain’s government could take over the RFEF (Spanish FA) following disgraced ex-president Luis Rubiales’ kiss-gate scandal at the Women’s World Cup final.That could see them run the same ban risk as England, although in reality such a punishment is unlikely. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLast week, the English FA announced plans to scrap all replays in the FA Cup.Every round will now also be played on a weekend.Most read in FootballChris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decisionWhile there will be no clashes with the Premier League in the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarters.The final will also be played on a Saturday, with no Prem fixtures to take place on the same day.But in another major change, it will take place before the final match of the Premier League campaign.Lower-tier clubs have been left in uproar, with some EFL and National League sides even threatening to boycott the FA Cup next season.An EFL statement read: “The EFL wishes to clarify further its position in respect of yesterday’s Premier League and Football Association bi-lateral announcement over the removal of FA Cup replays and the role of the League’s representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB). “The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA.”Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.”In September 2023, the EFL did initially discuss with clubs potential changes to the FA Cup format but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions.”As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.READ MORE SUN STORIES”This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just a further example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game.”The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs.”Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Man Utd Class of 92 legends look glum as they meet up for coffee days after embarrassing FA Cup semi-final

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      PAUL SCHOLES and Nicky Butt struggled to raise a smile as the Manchester United legends met up this morning.The Class of ‘92 icons enjoyed countless successes under Sir Alex Ferguson back during their playing days for the club.Man Utd legends Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes looked glum as they enjoyed a catch-upCredit: ZenpixThe pair were spotted meeting upfor a coffee in Cheshire this morningCredit: ZenpixThe two were team-mates for both Man Utd and EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdNeither Utd or Salford have provided any joy for Butt or Scholes this termCredit: ZenpixHowever, currently the Red Devils are a million miles away from those glory days.Erik ten Hag’s side narrowly avoided disaster by beating Coventry on penalties to secure a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final last weekend.The Dutchman won the Carabao Cup during his first term at the helm but this season he has failed to build on that.They are seventh in the Premier League, 16 points off the top four, and speculation continues to mount over whether part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will stick with Ten Hag this summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited have produced a series of underwhelming displays and embarrassments, including Champions League elimination at the group stage.The pressure is still mounting on the Dutchman ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United despite setting up that date at Wembley next month.And it looked like Scholes and Butt, who both lifted the FA Cup three times with United, had little to laugh about as they were spotted having a catch-up in Cheshire earlier.The 49-year-old Scholes, dressed in jeans and a dark top and coat, has made no secret about feeling that Ten Hag’s time at the club will soon be over while working as a pundit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd there was little on display on Sunday to suggest that he might have changed his mind.Even though neither are officially still tied to United, they are both co-owners at League Two side Salford City along with fellow Red Devils icons Gary and Phil Neville, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.Arsenal fans say they ‘live rent free in Ten Hag’s head’ after watching video of Man Utd boss’ FA Cup press conferenceButt is also the club’s chief executive officer – but they have had little to celebrate at Moor Lane this term either.They have stuck down the lower reaches of the fourth tier for most of the campaign but Karl Robinson’s arrival as manager in January has resulted in them beating the drop back to non-league.Meanwhile Roy Keane, who lined-up regularly alongside both Scholes and Butt in the 1990s and early 2000s, claimed United’s players looked “embarrassed” after the win over Coventry.He said: “I think from the United players and the supporters they weren’t really going over the top with the celebrations.“Because they know that they were quite lucky today. They had the game won at 3-0 and they are almost embarrassed to win in the end.”Keane added: “Every time I see this United team I don’t like what I see.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      “They’re hard to like and they just play in moments.“We keep talking about leadership and characters – I don’t see any of that in this United group.“The team management when you’re 3-0 up… you don’t give a Championship team any sort of hope that they can get back in the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But that’s what they do, they give up chances, they give up goals.“We’ve seen it all season so I don’t know why we’re that surprised, but my goodness they rode their luck in the end.”Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
      Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
      Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
      Victory has never been less glorious.
      As a party-starter, it fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
      Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
      Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
      After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
      Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Roy Keane tipped for stunning Man Utd manager job to replace doomed Erik ten Hag and perform huge overhaul

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      A FORMER Manchester United forward believes Roy Keane is the ideal man to bring the glory days back to Manchester United.Erik ten Hag’s side narrowly avoided disaster to beat Coventry on penalties and set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final on Sunday.Roy Keane has been tipped to make a shock return to Man Utd as managerCredit: PAPressure continues to mount on Erik ten HagCredit: PABut the pressure is still mounting on the Dutchman ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United.He won the Carabao Cup last season during his first term at the helm but this season has led to a series of underwhelming displays and embarrassments, including Champions League elimination at the group stage.They are seventh in the Premier League, 16 points off the top four, and speculation continues to mount over whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe will stick with Ten Hag this summer.Ex-United and Italy international Giuseppe Rossi, 37, spent three years at United under Sir Alex Ferguson.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd he believes that United’s former captain Keane, now famous for his rants as a pundit, is the ideal person to take over from Ten Hag.He told  DAZN: “When I think about potentially having Roy Keane as manager at Old Trafford, that sounds like it could be really great. It would be something very cool.“The club should definitely think about it if they have a change in management.“A man who is a legend of the club and helped build their culture, that’s exactly what is needed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“Maybe some of the players that are not playing for the shirt would understand it more.“Maybe you need someone to go into Manchester United and clean the house so to speak and build from there. It could be a great situation.”Roy Keane reveals only sport that relaxes him as hothead pundit describes lifelong passion for itKeane enjoyed success at Sunderland, leading them to the Premier League, in his first job in management.He failed to replicate that at Ipswich and has since had coaching stints at Aston Villa, Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest, where he left in 2019.Whether or not he would be interested in returning to Old Trafford remains to be seen, but Rossi is adamant that the current manager can transform the club.He added: “I really don’t know if Erik ten Hag is the right man to bring glory days back to United because there has been too much inconsistency.“For me it’s of course about the results but more because of the playing style. There doesn’t seem to be an identity to his team.ROY KEANE’S COACHING CAREERCheck out the stats from his time in the dug-out:
      Sunderland (Sep 1, 2006 – Dec 4, 2008)
      Championship title (2007)
      Premier League – 15th (2008)
      Total matches: 100
      Points per game: 1.45
      Ipswich Town (April 23, 2009 – Jan 6, 2011)
      Championship – 15th (2010)
      Total matches: 81
      Points per game: 1.37
      Other coaching roles:
      Republic of Ireland (Assistant manager)
      Aston Villa (Assistant manager)
      Nottingham Forest (Assistant manager)

      “The best teams always have an identity no matter who they are playing or who is on the pitch.“We see a different Manchester United against Luton Town to the one we see against Bournemouth.“Losing to the big teams now and again is normal but the identity of Manchester United has been lost.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s clearly very knowledgeable and understands the game, we saw that at Ajax, but you have to look at the facts. We get glimpses and then it’s back to square one.“He deals with the stuff off the pitch very well and all respect to him for that, but we need to see the United identity on the pitch.”Former Man Utd striker Giuseppe Rossi says Keane could bring the glory days backCredit: GettyPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Phil Jones already achieving success as coach as former Man Utd star oversees incredible double in first season

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      PHIL JONES was celebrating today after he helped Manchester United return to winning ways.The Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster to beat Coventry on penalties and set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final on Sunday.Phil Jones pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson after winning the 2013 Premier League titleCredit: GettyThe former England star is now helping Man Utd’s youngsters to achieve successCredit: GettyBut the pressure is still mounting on boss Erik ten Hag ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United.However, there was cause for celebration at the club yesterday as Man Utd’s U18s celebrated a league and cup double.Adam Lawrence’s young guns had already secured the Premier League North title last week with a victory at Wolves.They had gone unbeaten in the league until March only for neighbours City to end that incredible run.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, their season got even better as United claimed revenge on City to lift the Premier League Cup at Leigh Sports Village with a 2-1 win in front of Wayne Rooney.Head of the academy Nick Cox, Lawrence and United’s U21 boss Travis Binnion have all been widely-praised for their work in transforming the club’s academy around.But Jones, who was part of United’s last Premier League title-winning side, has also played his part.The ex-England international retired last summer after his contract at Old Trafford expired.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 32-year-old then started a global football sport directorship course but has also been back on the training pitch at United as part of the U18s’ coaching staff this term.Lawrence, who took over the U18s last summer, spoke earlier this term about the impact Jones was having on the group of players while he studied for his coaching badges.Phil Jones presented with amazing memento by Man Utd after announcing exit but fans demand ‘proper sendoff’ for ‘legend’He told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s been great with Phil, he is with us weekly.“He spends time with the under-14s and under-18s as well so he gets to experience like the different age groups of the academy.“But for us, he’s been great. He’s obviously from the club in terms of his background and what he’s done here and I think as well for the players, to not just learn from him in terms of the areas of his game and his knowledge, but also some of the off the field stuff and what they’re going through – whether it be team selection, how you prepare for games, diet, nutrition.“He’s added some real value from a different way.“Hopefully, we’ve given him the opportunity to start coaching on the field with players. I know he’s been of massive value and he’ll continue to do that as well.Jones spent 12 years at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from Blackburn in 2011.He was plagued by injuries in his final years, making just five appearances since the start of the 2020/21 season until hanging up his boots.Jones made 229 appearances for Man Utd, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also racked up 27 caps for England between 2011 and 2018.Jones turned down a testimonial and explained he did so because “there’d be only my mum and dad who would turn up”. More

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      Antony should be EMBARRASSED over Coventry antics… I hope Man Utd lose 5-0 in FA Cup final, blasts Sneijder

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      WESLEY SNEIJDER says Antony should be “embarrassed” over his Coventry antics and now wants Manchester United to get hammered in the final.The shock incident came as the Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster and beat the Sky Blues on penalties to set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final.Antony cupped his ear to taunt the Coventry players at WembleyCredit: GettyDutch legend Wesley Sneijder has slammed the Brazilian’s anticsCredit: GettyThat came after the Championship side fought back from 3-0 down to take it to extra-time and then having a late strike ruled out for offside to deny them a famous victory.Antony had been brought on just before Coventry’s first goal, and he did not step up once the match came to the shootout after Victor Torp’s 120th-minute strike was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up.Callum O’Hare had a penalty saved and Ben Sheaf fired over the crossbar, allowing Rasmus Hojlund to step-up and convert to win the shoot-out.However, viewers were disgusted to see Antony cupping his hands to his ears in the direction of the Coventry players after the final kick.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe £85million man’s actions were put to manager Erik ten Hag during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s visit of Sheffield United.And the Dutchman sensationally DEFENDED his player’s actions.Antony, meanwhile, sensationally claimed he cupped his hands to his ears in response to the actions of some Sky Blues stars during the shootout.He wrote on X: “Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“We seeked this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved.“The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, I’ve reacted to the provocations in a natural defense of my club!”’I don’t like what I see’ – Disgusted Roy Keane blasts Man Utd and says they ‘looked like the Championship team’Antony later deleted the post.But the incident caught the attention of Dutch legend Sneijder – and he was quick to stick the boot in.He told Ziggo Sport: “Antony should be absolutely embarrassed for what he did.“He should have walked straight off the pitch instead of doing that. I hope Manchester United lose 5-0 in the final.”And even the Premier League’s “most disliked player” has slammed Antony for his antics.Brentford’s wind-up merchant Neal Maupay declared it was a step too far.Posting a clip of Antony’s reaction, the forward said: “Just for the record, not even I would do this.”Our beautiful game is brokenBy Dave Kidd
      When Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More