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      ‘I’m sure he’s watching’ – Alan Shearer ‘got emotional’ over thought of his dad during Newcastle’s trophy parade

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      ALAN SHEARER has claimed he will “never forget” Newcastle’s epic Carabao Cup celebrations – but wishes his dad had been there to see it.The 54-year-old cut an emotional figure as hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Tyneside on Saturday.Alan Shearer cut an emotional figure during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup paradeCredit: GettyMore than 150,000 fans lined the streets to celebrate the Toon’s first trophy in 70 yearsCredit: GettyAn emotional Shearer was asked about the impact of his father, who died last yearCredit: GettyNewcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final on March 16 to win their first domestic trophy since 1955.After ending 70 years of hurt, over 150,000 fans flocked to a bus parade around the city.Shearer – a native Geordie who scored 206 goals in 10 seasons with the Toon – was a guest of honour at the event. Choking back tears on stage after the parade, the Newcastle icon said: “Yeah, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He was lucky enough to be at the [Inter-Cities Fairs Cup] final in ’69.”I just wish he could have hung on for one more year just to see and sample this.”But he would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.”Shearer’s father Alan passed away last May aged 80 following a battle with cancer. Most read in FootballThe ex-England striker opened up more on the emotional day during a new episode of podcast This Is Football.He joined Gary Lineker and Micah Richards to discuss a remarkable 24 hours in the North East.Newcastle United hold a trophy parade outside St James’ Park after winning the Carabao Cup And Shearer claimed it was “one of the best weekends ever.”He said: “It was such a pleasure to be there.”Pete Graves and Lindsay Hipgrave did the interviews on stage.”Ant and Dec were doing the interviews on the bus. One of them mentioned my dad.”I got a bit emotional. He always wanted to see Newcastle win a trophy.”Unfortunately, he wasn’t there but hopefully he’s watching.”I got a bit emotional on stage.The taste of success leaves you definitely hungry for more days like thisEddie Howe”That moment when I walked out and saw north of 150,000 people in black and white shirts, cheering my name.”That moment will live with me forever. It was really was incredible.”Shearer also revealed that even Newcastle’s players and staff were taken aback by the size of the crowds.Boss Eddie Howe gasped: “Wow. This is just incredible.Read More on The Sun”We are hungry for more, but without getting ahead of ourselves in a sense that we now have 10 huge Premier League games to go back to and try to focus on that. “The taste of success leaves you definitely hungry for more days like this.” More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson watches on as Man Utd kids suffer FA Youth Cup penalty shootout heartbreak at Aston Villa

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      SIR Alex Ferguson showed he’s still keeping his eye out for future stars as he watched Manchester United’s U18s lose to Aston Villa in the FA Youth Cup semi-final.The legendary boss, 83, was at Villa Park on Monday night to watch Adam Lawrence’s side battle it out for the chance to face Man City or Watford in the final.Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands as Man Utd crashed out of the FA Youth CupCredit: GettyThe likes of Chido Obi could not get United through against Aston VillaCredit: GettyVilla’s kids won 3-1 in a dramatic shootoutCredit: GettyUnited started Chido Obi, 17, in a signal of intent that means the wonderkid will not feature in the Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest tonight.Also in the starting line-up were Tyler and Jack Fletcher, the twin sons of Reds legend and current coach Darren Fletcher.Lawrence’s youngsters had beaten Coventry City, Preston North End and Chelsea on their way to the quarter-finals, where they came back from 2-1 down against Arsenal to win 3-2.More than 1,000 United fans bought tickets for the semi, knowing a win would earn them the right to host the final at Old Trafford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSir Alex was among those to make the trip, but he did not look too happy when Trai-Varn Mulley opened the scoring for the Villans after just four minutes.The Scot, famed for bringing through youngsters including the Class of ’92, had a fiery look on his face as he watched from the executive boxes.He would have been relieved when left winger James Scanlon equalised for United, who are also coached by former defender Phil Jones, following good work from Tyler Fletcher after 23 minutes.It was the Gibraltar international’s third goal in the Youth Cup this season and his 19th in all competitions.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordScanlon’s leveller proved to be the final goal of the game, with the tie going to extra time and penalties.But it was heartache for Fergie and the United kids as they crashed out 3-1 in the shootout.I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessRubin Amorim’s first team will be hoping for better luck in the Midlands when they face Forest.They will have had more than two weeks off since their last game, a 3-0 win away at Leicester. More

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      Maya Jama goes full Pamela Anderson in mad dash live on TV to get to Baller League dugout

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      MAYA JAMA channelled her inner Pamela Anderson as she made a mad dash to the latest round of Baller League.The competition is back and headed up by president KSI, who recently sold out Wembley in the Sidemen Charity Match.Maya Jama channeled her inner Pammie as she made a mad dash to the Baller LeagueCredit: Sky SportsJama was shown running in slow motion and arrived at half-timeCredit: Sky SportsThe Love Island host made it in the end and inspired her team to victoryCredit: GettyJama resembled Pamela Anderson’s CJ Parker character from BaywatchCredit: AlamyAnd Jama, 30, is among the celebrities backing the new-look football format and has teamed up with stunning Swiss player Alisha Lehmann to lead MVPs United.The presenter attended the event on Monday but was running late and didn’t arrive until half-time.Cameras caught the TV star making a dramatic run outside the Copper Box Arena in Stratford.Sky Sports Mix decided to show her sprint in slow motion and inadvertenly made her look like Anderson’s legendary Baywatch character CJ Parker.Read More on FootballThe iconic TV show is famous for its opening title sequence that shows stars including Pammie, David Hasselhoff and Yasmine Bleeth dramatically running on the beach in glorious slow-mo.Nevertheless, Jama managed to make it for the second half and inspired her team to come back from 2-0 down against M7 FC to make it two wins from two with a 3-2 victory.Love Island host Jama and Lehmann are not the only stars managing at Baller League.Fans joke Baller League is the ‘future’ as madcap footage of debut night emerges The likes of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and John Terry are also taking part.Most read in FootballSome former stars are also appearing on the pitch.Former England, Everton and Man City defender Joleon Lescott was a surprise addition on Monday.He appeared for Lineker’s side Deportrio and helped them win on his debut.Maya is managing alongside Alisha LehmannCredit: GettyLescott made his Baller debut on Monday nightWhat are the Baller League rule?THE Baller League promises to be “excitingBut what are the rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four play-off in May to crown the winner.Baller League managersLuis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann – MVPs United More

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      Ruben Amorim reveals conversation with Bruno Fernandes about Real Madrid interest as they target £90m transfer

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      RUBEN AMORIM has told Bruno Fernandes he is not for sale at any price — despite Manchester United being desperate to raise cash.Spanish giants Real Madrid are eyeing up a £90million summer swoop for Red Devils captain Fernandes.Ruben Amorim has issued a hands-off warning over Bruno FernandesCredit: RexMan Utd’s captain is a £90million target for Real Madrid boss Carlo AncelottiCredit: GettyBut boss Amorim said: “He’s not going anywhere because I’ve already told him.”United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been cutting costs  — with up to 450 job losses — after claiming they were in danger of going bust.Amorim admits players will  be sold to pay for summer signings.Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho may end up being sacrificed as United still struggle with Prem financial rules.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe homegrown pair could bring in at least £100m of pure profit.But ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, Amorim brushed off talk of Fernandes going. He said: “No. It’s not happening.“We’ve had low points this season but I want Bruno here as we want to win the league again.”Fernandes, 30, last August penned a fresh deal until 2027, with the option of another year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe attacker revealed last month that he could have moved on then.He said: “I sat with the club as I had an offer to leave, we talked about the possibility. I just asked  if they still saw me as part of the club’s future.”Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s scathing criticism of Man Utd captain live on Sky Sports Fernandes boasts eight goals and nine assists since Amorim’s November arrival. His hat-trick against Real Sociedad earned a Europa League quarter-final spot.Amorim said: “We’re in control of the situation and feel he’s really happy.“I think he is one more supporter of Man United and he’s the type of player that we want here.“He really feels it. Sometimes you see the frustration —  and maybe some say it is not a good thing in a captain. But it’s a sign that he wants this so bad.”Amorim also had his say on Marcus Rashford’s Aston Villa loanCredit: PAAntony is also enjoying his time away at Real BetisCredit: GettyYet selling on-loan pair Marcus Rashford and Antony would help boost United’s transfer kitty.Rashford got his first goals for Aston Villa in Sunday’s 3-0 FA Cup  win over Preston and is back in the England fold.Antony has eight goal contributions in 12 games since going to Real Betis.Amorim says it is “good news” for the club that the forwards are doing well.Read More on The SunHe said: “Rashford’s a top player, if he wants. So I’m not surprised and it’s the same with Antony.”But on their futures, he added: “I just want to focus on the game.” More

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      How Pep Guardiola used genius midfield diamond masterclass to break Bournemouth’s press and seal FA Cup semi-final spot

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      MANCHESTER CITY came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 and seal an FA Cup semi-final spot.Goals from Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush sealed another appearance at Wembley for Pep Guardiola’s men.Pep Guardiola’s tactical masterclass helped Man City beat Bournemouth 2-1Credit: GettyCity are in another FA Cup semi-final thanks to their comeback winCredit: GettyThe Man City gaffer unleashed some amazing tactical decisions that brought the best out of several stars.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert DEAN SCOGGINS explains what City did to make the final four once more…LIFE O’REILLYWe shouldn’t forget Nico O’Reilly is a Number 10. So to bring him on and play him at left-back was a bold thing from Pep – but it was for a variety of reasons.One was that Abdukodir Khusanov had been booked in the first half so he was the obvious one to take off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second is it put Ruben Dias on his natural right-hand side and meant Gvardiol came in as the left centre-back.It meant Nunes on the right and O’Reilly on the left like wing-backs, with Kovacic dropping in the gap.Nico O’Reilly had a game-changing performance from the benchThen ace had the run of the left flank thanks to his clever teammatesIt took away some of O’Reilly’s defensive responsibilities and became like a 3-4-2-1. It really confused Bournemouth. He’s got a great touch and went charging up the left, with most of those touches in the attacking half.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThere’s an argument for him to play there in the league as Pep’s always used full-backs as a weapon.There’s no reason he can’t play there, he gave City more balance. He took the pressure off Nunes on the other side and they had an out-ball that went the other way.Pep Guardiola hails Man City’s ‘legendary’ players after comeback win at Bournemouth PRESSURE MAKES DIAMONDSCity created a diamond in midfield. Kovacic dropped back between the two centre-backs.You then bring two people in very narrow, which combats Bournemouth because they press you really narrow.What City did was get De Bruyne to go on Cook, who was the full-back, and bring him into the middle of the field.Gundogan does the same, bringing the midfield in, and that left O’Reilly with all that space up the left-hand side.Man City’s players formed a clever midfield diamondIt drew Bournemouth defenders into narrow positionsPep told Grealish to come inside and don’t worry about the ball, because City were getting so much joy with O’Reilly.It was a tactical masterclass from Pep at half-time. Absolutely brilliant. He got his experienced players to carry that out and free up the young kid down the left.Silva is a tactical genius. He’s the one who carries out these little things on the field that go unnoticed.OMAR GODWe don’t know how long Haaland will be out after he suffered an ankle injury but what a replacement to have.I want to focus on Marmoush’s run for his goal, it’s absolutely amazing. O’Reilly plays a high-quality pass.But Marmoush goes the opposite way to where you’d expect him to go.As a defender, they had no idea which one of the two was going to pick him up – and nobody did.Marmoush went backwards, which opened up this big space and nobody went with him. And the finish was good too.Those little darting runs he makes around the edge of the area, he’s so dangerous. Omar Marmoush made an amazing run for his strikeCity’s half-time tweak allowed Marmoush and others to get forward moreSo impressive. I love him as a player and can’t wait to see more of him.In a tactic where you’ve got Haaland and one or two others, it suits him down to the ground.Someone like Foden is in there working hard, it gives him more freedom to play closer to Haaland.But with the striker injured, Marmoush is also a ready-made replacement. I don’t care where he plays – as long as he’s on the pitch.He was outscoring Harry Kane in the first half of the Germany season, which is no mean feat.He’ll just get better, City get a lot of chances. They create a lot and he’s playing for Pep so the sky’s the limit.THE LONG HAALCity played it long, and it was slightly different to what I thought. It was Ederson into Haaland, but they did it cleverly because he should have had a first-half hat-trick.City went over Bournemouth’s midfield early on and it worked really well.They split the centre-backs on the edge of the box, Ederson gave it to one then received it and went long.So it wasn’t long straight away, it was like a one-two. Pep also told Haaland to not stay central and create an angle for Ederson.It also creates space for others joining in for the second ball. It was very direct and Haaland got a lot of joy.Ederson’s long passes worked a treat against Bournemouth’s pressHaaland looked to drift wide and take advantage of Bournemouth errorsHowever, he looks a little off at the moment, he normally puts chances away.More teams are direct now. Ederson is so good, he’s picking out a five-yard square he’s going to land the ball in.That’s where Haaland’s going to be and you can play off him there.The midfielders and attackers supporting the striker had to work their socks off. It wouldn’t have been unfair if City had been 3-1 up at half-time.NUNES GOT COOKEDHe was a real issue. He was hitting this blind ball into midfield.Lewis Cook was marking De Bruyne and bravely left him to move towards Nunes. Before he’s even completed his pass, Cook intercepts it for the Bournemouth goal.It was really poor from Nunes, but he also had the chance to make up for it afterwards by just doing a simple defender’s job.He takes a look over his shoulder, sees Kluivert and switches off.In that split second, Brooks plays the ball behind and Kluivert goes blindside of him.Matheus Nunes had a shocker as his lazy pass ended up in a Cherries goalThe midfielder, playing at right-back, couldn’t even do the defensive basicsIt’s not far, just get across and cover. It wasn’t even midfield defending, let alone proper defending. It was terrible stuff.Thankfully for Nunes, he’s got a genius manager. But I’m still not sure what he is.I don’t know if he’s a midfielder, a 10, a winger. He’s certainly not a full back. City have to address that.Tactically they’re all in the right position but it’s that instinct in those positions that’s not quite right.Gvardiol plays in a way that he can push into the number 10 position as an inverted full-back.Read More on The SunHe moved into a left centre-back position yesterday and did a brilliant job so he’s the utility defender.Go and get a right-back, Pep. I’d love to see this shape a bit more, maybe even against Man United next week. More

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      Gary Lineker confirms his future plans after MOTD exit and reveals why he snubbed Sky to stay with BBC

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      GARY LINEKER confirmed he will not be joining a rival broadcaster after leaving the BBC next year and will instead focus on his podcast empire.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of Match of the Day in May after 26 years in the presenter’s seat and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Gary Lineker confirmed he will not be joining a rival broadcaster after leaving the BBCCredit: PALineker is leaving the BBC next year and will focus on his podcast empireCredit: GettyThere were questions regarding the England legend’s future and many wondered if he would sign with another channel amid intense specualtion involving Sky Sports.However, the former hitman insists he will not be seen on any TV rival and will instead be doing podcasts.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”Read More on FootballLineker admitted that there were talks with Sky but he was too loyal to the BBC.Thus, the ex-Barcelona star will be focusing on his esteemed Goalhanger Podcasts, which consists of shows including The Rest Is Football, which he hosts alongside MOTD pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History.Astonishingly, all 13 pods collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.And according to Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify, Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker added: “We’ve had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC.”I could have earned a lot more, though I know I’ve been well paid anyway, obviously.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left in”I’ve had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do.”It’s not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays.”Also, I’m quite loyal. I’ve had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18…”Lineker will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisted of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Mark Chapman will be among Gary Lineker’s replacementsCredit: PAChapman will be joined by TV star Gabhy LoganCredit: PAKelly Cates will complete the three-person presenting teamCredit: PA More

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      Man City release worrying Erling Haaland injury update and hint striker will miss most of season with ankle problem

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      MANCHESTER CITY have hinted that Erling Haaland will most of the season with an ankle injury.The striker was forced off the field in his side’s FA Cup quarter-final win at Bournemouth on Sunday.Man City have hinted Erling Haaland could miss most of the season with an ankle injuryCredit: RexHe was forced off in City’s FA Cup win over BournemouthCredit: RexHaaland was spotted on crutches and will now see a specialistPep Guardiola faces a nervous wait to discover the extent of Haaland’s injuryCredit: GettyPep Guardiola had been praying for good news despite the striker being seen limping on crutches afterwards.And it appears Haaland is in line for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after City released a worrying injury update.The Premier League champs told fans that Haaland has indeed suffered an injury to his ankle.He will now see a specialist after undergoing initial tests today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they hinted that Haaland could miss almost all of the rest of the season, including next month’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, by only making reference to a potential return for the Club World Cup.City’s statement read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Erling Haaland has suffered an injury to his left ankle.”The Norwegian striker sustained the injury during Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final victory away at AFC Bournemouth.”Erling underwent initial tests in Manchester on Monday morning and will now seek specialist consultation to confirm the full extent of the injury.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHaaland was unable to drive his new Aston Martin when he returned to ManchesterCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe luxury motor was picked up by City staffCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke”Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain a full prognosis. The expectation is that Erling will be fit in time to play a further part in the remainder of this season, including this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.”Everyone at the Club wishes Erling a speedy recovery and mancity.com will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation.”Man City fans will now be hoping Haaland can be back in time for the crunch part of the season.The ace was forced to leave Bournemouth in a protective boot on Sunday.It meant Haaland was unable to drive his new £350,000 Aston Martin DBX 707 when he got back to Manchester.The lime green vehicle was instead collected by a City staff member.City face Leicester on Wednesday before heading to Old Trafford for the derby on Sunday afternoon, with next season’s Champions League places still very much up in the air. More

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      TNT Sports pundit, 42, joins Baller League team out of the blue and will play for Lineker, Shearer and Richards

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      TWO-TIME Premier League winner Joleon Lescott became the latest big name to join the Baller League.The former England star, 42, was announced as a Week Two wildcard pick for Deportrio.Joleon Lescott made his Baller League debut on Monday nightThe ace was a wildcard choice for DeportrioCredit: X @BallerLeagueUKThey are managed by fan favourites Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Gary Lineker.And now-TNT Sports pundit Lescott started from the beginning in Monday’s 7-3 win against N5 FC, managed by Arsenal legends Jens Lehmann, Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg.His arrival even saw KSI react by saying: “Lmao well then…” before the YouTube star cheekily joked that the veteran defender needed a new haircut.Lescott is certainly a fine addition to Deportrio’s squad and he helped them seal a 7-3 on his debut.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey already boast several former Premier League stars in Marvin Sordell and Bakary Sako.But Lescott’s pedigree might make him the most accomplished player in the entire Baller League.The ace played 235 times for Wolves before moving to Everton in 2006.He starred 143 times for the Toffees and then sealed a £22million switch to Manchester City in 2009.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLescott clocked up 160 games at the Etihad while helping the club to two titles, an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup.The 26-time England international then starred for West Brom, Aston Villa and AEK Athens before ending his career at Sunderland in 2017.Maya Jama in mad dash live on TV to get to Baller League dugout before becoming team’s ‘lucky charm’Lescott won two titles at Man CityCredit: PA:Empics SportHe is now a pundit at TNT SportsCredit: GettyFans were certainly left amazed by Deportrio’s capture of Lescott.One said: “What a coup.”Another declared: “Micah Richards pulling big punches.”One noted: “Flipping heck.”Another added: “Fair enough.” More