FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Cup confirm major broadcasting change as they respond to furious backlash from EFL clubs and Number 10 wades in

      by

      THE FA have announced a major broadcasting change in response to the backlash from EFL clubs.Teams outside the Premier League were left furious on Thursday after the latest changes to the competition.The FA have announced a major broadcasting change to the FA CupCredit: APFrom next season, replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards following a deal between the FA and Premier League.The decision was met with criticism from supporters and lower league clubs with concerns over the financial impacts of the decision.Number 10 has also waded into the row.The FA have now confirmed that more matches from the earlier rounds will be broadcast live on TV as a result.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a statement, they said: “To clarify, we have also increased the number of Emirates FA Cup matches that will be broadcast in the early rounds, which will lead to additional guaranteed broadcast revenue for EFL and National League teams.”Additionally, we review the prize money annually for the competition, together with representatives from the EFL and PL and will do the same for the 2024-25 season.”Additional changes will see the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarter-finals, played without clashing with Premier League matches.Meanwhile, the fourth round will be played in an extended window from Friday to Wednesday and the final has been moved to the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season.Most read in FootballThe statement continues: “The calendar for next season was approved by the Professional Game Board, which consists of four EFL representatives and four Premier League representatives, last month, and then by the FA Board, which includes Premier League, EFL, National Game and grassroots representation.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy 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.

      “This is the process we undergo every year to approve the calendar.”We understand the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours, and we will be sharing more details with clubs very shortly to explain the additional revenue opportunities in the early rounds.Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision”We will keep this under review as the new calendar begins to ensure that EFL and National League clubs do not lose out.”Number 10 has also joined the growing row, saying: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup and we know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities. But clearly its incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interest of fans.” More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Chips Keswick dead at 84: Former Arsenal chairman who oversaw four FA Cup triumphs dies as tributes pour in

      by

      FORMER Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick has died at the age of 84.Keswick was a lifelong Gunners supporter, and was a regular feature at Highbury when he was younger.Former Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick has diedCredit: Getty – ContributorKeswick took over as chairman in 2013 and oversaw four FA Cup triumphsCredit: Getty – ContributorAn Arsenal statement announced the sad news this morning.The club said: “It is with great sadness that the club reports the death of former Chairman, Sir Chips Keswick.”A lifelong Arsenal supporter, he was a regular at Highbury after first standing in the boys’ enclosure in 1949 and listed his early heroes as the Compton brothers and Jimmy Logie but, above all, goalkeeper – and later manager – George Swindin, as young Chips was a budding schoolboy keeper himself.”Keswick became the chairman of the north London side in 2013 having initially joined the club’s board alongside Lord Harris in November 2005.READ MORE ON ARSENALIn becoming chair he replaced Peter Hill-Wood.During his time there he oversaw the team winning four FA Cups, with his final year fittingly seeing the team win the 2020 FA Cup as he stepped down in May of that year.The tribute continued: “Retirement allowed him to spend more time with his beloved family as well as indulge in his other great sporting passion, horse racing – he was a respected owner of numerous racehorses over the years. “Sir Chips will be greatly missed by everyone at Arsenal who knew him and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Lady Sarah and their children David, Tobias and Adam.”Most read in FootballKeswick had previously been a vice-chairman of Hambros bank between 1986 and 1998 and knighted by the Queen for services to banking in 1993.He was known to be a keen racehorse owner and owned some with the Queen.Keswick won the Cheltenham Festival Novices’ Handicap Chase in 2014 with Present View, trained by Jamie Snowden, but missed it because Arsenal were playing in Europe.After landing another Cheltenham win last year, he said on his first time miss: “It is great to be here this time. I had to watch Arsenal against Bayern and they beat us 3-1 (on aggregate).”I retired when I was 80 from the board. I think when you leave, you leave. “You shouldn’t hang around, but rest assured I watch Arsenal every time on the television.”Sir Chips Keswick “the perfect chairman”
      Sir John Chippendale “Chips” Lindley Keswick was a major figure at Arsenal Football Club.
      He joined the board in 2005 and then in 2013 was named chairman – a role he held for seven years.
      During that time as chairman, Arsenal won the FA Cup four times.
      He earned his money as chairman of Hambros Bank and as a director of the Bank of England.
      Upon his retirement as the most powerful man at Arsenal in 2020 he said: “It has been an honour to be the chairman of this great football club.
      “Arsenal has always held a special place in my life and that will remain the case in the future.”
      Current Arsenal owners Stan and Josh Kroenke said at the time he stepped down: “His extensive business knowledge and experience coupled with his deep love of Arsenal have made him the perfect chairman.”
      He was a lifelong Arsenal fan. More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City vs Chelsea tips: Back our 28/1 #PickYourPunt for FA Cup semi final with Betfred

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY and Chelsea do battle for a spot in the FA Cup final when they meet in a blockbuster semi on Saturday.So our team of betting experts have selected a #PickYourPunt for the big match, which Betfred have priced up at a cool 28/1.Back our 28/1 PickYourPuntMan City vs Chelsea: Back our 28/1 #PickYourPunt for FA Cup semi with BetfredMan City vs ChelseaOur #PickYourPunt selections: Match result to be a draw, Phil Foden to score anytime and Man City over 6.5 corners.Here’s why we’ve made those selections:
      Draw: After a tough week for Man City, they have a chance to bounce back in a big way. But Chelsea are eight games unbeaten now and in a good place themselves and will look to pounce on any vulnerability. Can cancel each other out.
      Phil Foden to score: City’s main man this season, scoring four in his last three games. Will get chances with City more than likely set to dominate the ball. After Haaland’s midweek flop, he’s probably City’s best chance at a goal.
      Man City over 6.5 corners: They registered 15 corners in normal time against Real Madrid, before three more in extra time. 12 in the game before against Luton. Wingers create corners and City’s are the up with the best at doing so. Achievable number.
      Back our 28/1 PickYourPuntPickYourPuntYou’re in control with PickYourPunt, create and customize your own unique bets.Go to any qualifying event and click the #PickYourPunt tab, here you will find the current selection of available bets. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, simply tweet @Betfred with your bet along with #PickYourPunt.Our PickYourPunt builder covers all the major football leagues from around the world, enabling you to build your bet and get your price instantly. For example, in the Premier League you could back Newcastle United to win, with 15 or more corners and Fabian Schar to score from outside the box, open the builder and build the bet yourself.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:
      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      FA slapped with Community Note as X users rage about ‘untrue’ claims over controversial FA Cup replay change

      by

      THE FA have received a Community Note on X following a post about their controversial changes to the FA Cup.A series of revisions to the famous old competition were confirmed yesterday, much to the fury of many fans.Major changes to the FA Cup are coming from next seasonCredit: ReutersA post by the FA Cup was Community Noted on XThe changes will see replays scrapped and the final brought forward to before the end of the Premier League season.Announcing the news, the FA Cup’s official X account wrote: “The FA and The @premierleague have reached an agreement to strengthen the #EmiratesFACup format and increase support for grassroots football.”Community Notes are designed to help stop the spread of false information.They come from X users who sign up to write and rate notes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe note under the FA Cup’s post reads: “To suggest that the revised format ‘strengthens the format’ of the FA Cup is fundamentally untrue.”The decision to remove FA Cup replays deprives lower league clubs of crucial revenue and has been taken without consulting EFL or non-league clubs. The £33m is inadequate.”Plenty of fans shared their fury by replying to the post.One wrote: “Disgraceful decision and you know it.”Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhile a second blasted: “You are a disgrace to the sport.”A third fumed: “Disgraceful to drop replays so early in the competition.”Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decisionAnd another added: “Where’s the representatives of the EFL or Non-League clubs? There’s not 20 clubs in England.”The changes will be brought in from next season and are set to remain in place for at least six years.Further alterations include moving the fifth round back to a weekend slot.While the Premier League’s January winter break has been scrapped.Changes to prize money – which could involve compensation to lower division clubs for the loss of replay income – have yet to be agreed.But Prem chiefs have allocated a further £133m per season from 2025-26 for the pyramid.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

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision

      by

      CHRIS WILDER led a furious backlash after FA Cup replays were scrapped.Yesterday’s deal between the FA and Premier League will end 151 YEARS  of tradition in the world’s oldest cup  competition, starting next season.Already troubled by Prem relegation fears, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is now also upset by FA Cup replays being ditchedCredit: GettyThe FA Cup will see replays disappear from the first-round stageCredit: ReutersMillwall chief Neil Harris slammed the ‘absolutely ridiculous’ decisionCredit: RexBut  it sparked an EFL demand for  compensation, while League Two Tranmere branded it a “disgrace” — and called for fans’ protests and the introduction of an independent football regulator.Sheffield United boss Wilder claimed it was the latest example of the top-flight’s leading clubs overwhelming all opposition.Wilder, who has also bossed Halifax, Oxford and Northampton, said: “The game is dominated and dictated by the big boys — and they don’t want FA Cup replays.“What does that do to non-league clubs who get into the fairytale rounds and the financial implications?READ MORE TOP STORIES“I’ve been at both ends of the scale. The replay is a great reward. I’d have liked them kept.”Wilder’s criticism was echoed by EFL bigwigs and club chiefs.Tranmere’s vice-chair Nicola Palios — the  wife of club chairman and former FA chief executive Mark — claimed the Prem and their boss Richard Masters wanted to ­“strangle” football’s pyramid.That came despite top-flight chiefs agreeing to pay a total of £133m per season to the lower tiers.Most read in FA CupBut angry Palios wrote on X: “The FA and the Premier League have reached an agreement to suit themselves at the expense of the rest of the football pyramid.“Why were EFL clubs not given a say? Why is the Premier League even dictating whether replays are allowed in rounds they don’t participate in? Protest is needed!Huge changes being made to English football schedule next season“Bring on the regulator and make sure it has some teeth before the Premier League strangle the pyramid.”Fuming Accrington chairman Andy Holt also posted his views on social media.He said: “Why would the hapless FA scrap early round replays that can be lucrative  to minnows? Against EFL clubs? I expect nothing less of Richard Masters and Co.”The changes to the FA Cup come in the wake of an expanded Uefa Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup — which both kick in from next season — plus the axing of the Prem’s mid-winter break.The EFL were involved in discussions over the domestic calendar, including the potential end of two-legged Carabao Cup semis.But they pulled out of the talks over the failure of the Prem to agree a new funding deal for the lower divisions.EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said the decision was “frustrating and disappointing” and added: “Our domestic calendar has been put under extreme pressure by the expansion of Uefa competitions.“This represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing bigger than ever.“We will now be and seeking appropriate compensation arrangements.”Tranmere vice-chair Nicola Palios claims the FA and Prem have ditched replays to ‘suit themselves’ rather than the wider football pyramidCredit: PAAnd Millwall boss Neil Harris stormed: “It is absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It’s all about money!”Under the new agreement, all Cup rounds will return to weekend dates with the final played on the penultimate Saturday of the campaign and not as the season finale.Changes to prize money — which could involve compensation to lower-league clubs for the loss of replay income — have yet to be agreed.The 2024-25 Prem season kicks off a week after the Community Shield, which takes place at Wembley on Saturday, August 10.Niall Couper, chief of the Fair Game football reform group, described the changes as “another nail in the coffin for the already crumbling football pyramid”.But FA chief Mark Bullingham insisted: “The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset. READ MORE SUN STORIES”This agreement ensures the magic of the Cup is protected and enhanced, whilst working for the whole of the English game.”And his Prem counterpart Masters added: “The FA and the Premier League have worked  to deliver more exclusive weekends without compromising the excitement of knockout football.” More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Spare a thought for long-suffering Coventry fans like ‘Simon’ who should have whole country backing them against Man Utd

      by

      THE NEXT time Simon from ­Surrey pours out his heart to talkSPORT about the woes of supporting Manchester United, spare a thought for ‘Steven’ from Coventry.‘Steven’ is not his real name. We are keeping his identity secret to spare the shame and indignity of being outed as a Coventry City supporter.Long-suffering Coventry fans should have the majority of other clubs backing them at WembleyCredit: PABecause unlike United in recent years who may have been a bit crap, the Sky Blues really have been to s***ville and back.Which is why there should be no debate about who I and the rest of the country should be rooting for on Sunday when the two teams meet at Wembley in their FA Cup semi-final.Being ‘sent to Coventry’ is a metaphorical punishment. But being temporarily ghosted by pals is nowhere near as extreme as having to stay there and support the city’s football team.‘Steven’ is just one of hundreds if not thousands of helpless victims unable to escape this miserable addiction — like eating toilet paper (yes, people do do it).READ MORE ON FOOTBALL‘Steven’ moved away and found a new life with a successful career but still couldn’t shake the drug of watching the Sky Blues.One day in 2016 he took a mate with him to see City play at Cambridge, appropriately in the FA Cup.‘Steven’ was hoping to turn his pal into a fan like him and imagined them enjoying memorable boy time together on road trips to and from games. Firming up their friendship by celebrating famous victories in the pub and on long car journeys with a mix tape blaring away.But things went wrong when League Two Cambridge stuck four goals past League One Cov, with Luke Berry scoring them all.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS‘Steven’ noticed a change in his mate, who seemed more distant, ­different somehow. Finally the ‘friend’ came clean and confessed that he would prefer to support Cambridge instead — and he still does.‘Steven’ also got done for speeding on the way home (three points is still three points, son) and Coventry were relegated to League Two at the end of the season.Shocking moment Coventry boss wildly celebrates in ball boy’s FACE after FA Cup winner – then accuses him of ‘smirking’Still the nightmare went on. The ­following season ‘Steven’ went with his dad to see City play Yeovil in League Two.He told me (in a disguised voice): “We were outclassed and outplayed. I had now seen City lose in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two.  I made a point of going to the home game later that ­season as we had finally picked up form — we lost 6-2.”Coventry went 51 years without a promotion season between 1967 and 2018.Since winning the 1987 FA Cup courtesy of Gary Mabbutt’s knee, there have been three relegations, one administration, countless humiliations and years of frustration.Home games played in entirely ­different cities, ownership strife, fan ­protests and being forced to groundshare with London rugby club Wasps.After plummeting out of the Premier League in 2001, there have been 13 different full-time managers — but even Sky Blue diehards lose count when you ask.Coventry lifted the FA Cup at Wembley back in 1987Credit: GettyIn that same period Manchester United have won six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, five League Cups, the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup.But they haven’t won the league for 11 years and have American owners they don’t particularly like. Heartbreaking.There are more like ‘Steven’. ‘Mark’ drove from home to Oldham one night and broke down on the M6 en route. He arrived at half-time with City 1-0 up. They lost 2-1.One of ‘David’s’ first dates with his new girlfriend was to see Coventry at home to non-league Worcester City in the FA Cup first round. What a way to impress a girl.City were knocked out by the Conference North side 2-1. ‘David’ and his new beau were two lovebirds among 8,000 devotees on a blustery Sunday in November 2014.There is at least a happy ending. ‘David’ is soon to wed that loyal lady who can see beyond his obvious weakness and will dedicate her life to ­caring for the man of her dreams.‘David’ tells me he will be at ­Wembley on Sunday cheering on the love of his life in full kit.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.

      THE END OF THE MAGICTHE dear old FA Cup is being forced to make room for boring group stage European matches.Sorry, that should read, boring ‘Swiss-style format’ European matches.There’s a difference apparently.I love the third-round replays because I am a bit of a dinosaur and watching the big clubs cock it up at home then lose away is cracking entertainment. But that’s not the issue.Bringing forward the FA Cup final to the penultimate weekend of the domestic season means the oldest cup competition in the world is now robbed of its grand finale place in the calendar.Yes, it has happened before but that doesn’t mean it’s OK.Even though the Cup is normally dominated by the elite teams, the likes of Crystal Palace and Hull can enjoy a huge day out and a puncher’s chance of victory.The Premier League is scrapping games the night before to allow build-up to the big occasion next season. But there might be some the day after.Thus making the FA Cup final merely a bridging tournament as the title race hots up.RIP FA CUP.Gabriel Jesus is shown a yellow card by referee Danny Makkelie against Bayern MunichCredit: ReutersCLOCK UPWATCHING Gabriel Jesus petulantly toss the ball away and mouth off to the referee in the final, frantic few minutes of Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich, something struck me.Instead of booking tetchy footballers for such unsportsmanlike acts, why don’t refs just knock 30 seconds off whatever stoppage time is left?The Gunners were desperate for an equaliser on Wednesday night and every second was precious.If the losing team knows that any outburst like that will cost them on the clock, it will soon put an end to it.ALL DUN?THE goalless draw for Rangers at Dundee means they are now without a win in three games.It has blown the Scottish title race wide open.READ MORE SUN STORIESSuch drama north of the border.Who on earth do you think might win the Premiership instead of them? More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd still have TWO players from squad that suffered shock 2-0 loss to Coventry 17 YEARS ago

      by

      COVENTRY CITY sprung a huge shock the last time they faced Manchester United – and two members of the Red Devils squad are still there.United meet the Sky Blues in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.Michael Mifsud fired Coventry to a famous win at Old Trafford in 2007Credit: PA:Press AssociationJonny Evans pictured in action for United against the Sky Blues 17 years agoCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side head into it as huge favourites against the Championship team that are managed by their former striker Mark Robins – who famously saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job.United and Coventry were regular opponents in the Premier League throughout the 1990s.But they have barely met since the Midlands outfit were relegated from the top-flight in 2001.However, a major upset occurred when they last went head-to-head back in September 2007.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat was when Old Trafford hosted a League Cup third round tie between them in front of over 74,000 fans.And it was Coventry that were left celebrating as they ran out 2-0 victors thanks to a brace from Michael Mifsud.It was a much-changed United line-up that night, which included future World Cup winner and Barcelona legend Gerard Pique.And, despite 17 years passing since then, two players in the United squad that night are still at the club today.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSVeteran defender Jonny Evans, 36, rejoined on a free transfer following an eight-year absence last summer after spells at West Brom and Leicester.He will be hoping to do better than he and central defensive partner Pique did against Mifsud if he gets the nod at Wembley.Man Utd fans think wonderkid ‘on the verge of his debut’ after spotting ten Hag giving him ‘Mainoo treatment’Danny Simpson and Phil Barsdsley lined up either side of them at full-back, while the midfield four in front of them consisted of Anderson, John O’Shea, Lee Martin and Chris Eagles.Portuguese star Nani was in attack with infamous Chinese flop Dong Fangzhou and Polish international Tomasz Kuszczak made up the starting XI in goal.His back-up that night was Tom Heaton on the bench – and he is another who has returned to United in his latter years.Tom Heaton is still at United and was in the squad the last time they faced CoventryCredit: GettyThe 38-year-old came through the ranks at United and was part of the squad between 2002 to 2010 but failed to make a first-team appearance.He spent six years at Burnley and won three caps for England prior to moving to Villa for two years before making his romantic comeback.Man Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
      Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
      Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
      On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
      And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
      If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes dons tracksuit as he heads to swanky restaurant for lunch with wife Ana and pals

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes was spotted enjoying some time out with his wife and friends.The 29-year-old was seen heading out of Juniper Restaurant in Wilmslow, Cheshire, with Ana and another couple on Thursday afternoon.Bruno Fernandes and his wife Ana were joined by another couple for lunch in WilmslowCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeFernandes was seen at Juniper RestaurantCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe midfielder and his male pal wore an all-black tracksuit, complete with white T-shirt and grey trainers.Both partners kept the ‘twinning’ alive with big white coats and blue jeans.Fernandes is set to captain Man Utd at Wembley this weekend when they face Coventry in an FA Cup semi-final.The midfielder has been an integral player for the Red Devils so far this season.Read More on Man UtdIn 42 appearances across all competitions he has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists.Gary Lineker heaped praise on him earlier this week for his influence in the squad.The England legend said: “He’s a very talented player. It would be interesting to see him in a team that was really structured and going well and successful.”He’s not had that really at Man Utd, whether he’s part and parcel of that I don’t know.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
      Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
      Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
      On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
      And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
      If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here.

      “He’s a wonderfully gifted footballer, there’s no question about that.”Fernandes played 120 minutes as United beat Liverpool 4-3 in a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.Bruno Fernandes left stunned after Man Utd star’s brother scores wonder goal for non-league minnowsThe Red Devils approach Sunday’s match with several injury concerns.Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia are all set to be absent.However, Scott McTominay could return after missing last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth with a knee issue. More