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      ‘Bring back Dave,’ fumes Luke Littler as he demands Man Utd re-sign De Gea after Andre Onana’s horror blunder

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      LUKE LITTLER has pleaded for David de Gea to return to Manchester United after Andre Onana’s howler against Viktoria Plzen.The Cameroonian was at fault as the Czechs took the lead at the Doosan Arena before the Red Devils fought back to win.Andre Onana was at fault for Man United conceding against Viktoria PlzenCredit: AFPLuke Littler reacted to the error on InstagramCredit: Luke Littler / instagramHe revealed he wants David de Gea to return to the clubCredit: PAThe Spaniard is currently playing for Fiorentina in ItalyCredit: GettyOnana, 28, was trying to pass out from the back, but his ball to Matthijs de Ligt was too short.Pavel Sulc collected the ball and squared it to former Watford and Burnley ace Matej Vydra to score.The mistake left Man United fan Littler seething as he reacted on social media.The darts star posted a picture of his television showing the match with the caption: “Bring back Dave”. He has since deleted the post on X.READ MORE ON MAN UTDLittler, 17, was referring to goalkeeper David de Gea, who left at the end of his contract in 2023.The Spaniard was out of football for a whole season but is now playing in Italy for Fiorentina.Stats have even suggested that the De Gea is performing as one of the best stoppers in Europe.It is the latest error in Onana’s catalogue since joining Manchester United to replace De Gea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEarlier in the same game, he clattered into Casemiro, leaving the Brazilian in pain on the ground.In the Red Devils, defeat to Nottingham Forest, Onana was beaten by an effort from Morgan Gibbs-White despite it being down the middle of the goal.Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenOnana struggled throughout against PlzenCredit: ReutersRasmus Hojlund netted twice to spare Onana’s blushesCredit: EPABruno Fernandes defended Onana after the gameCredit: GettyFortunately, Onana was bailed out by his teammates on this occasion.Substitute Rasmus Hojlund netted twice in order to turn the match on its head.The striker benefitted after good work from Amad Diallo as he tapped into an empty net to score the equaliser.He then latched onto a clever pass from Bruno Fernandes to fire home the winner in the 88th minute.After the win, Fernandes came out in defence of Onana and insisted his error should not be “focused on”.He told TNT Sports: “We want to play from the back. Everyone knows we have to make the right decision. “Andre missed the pass, but there is nothing we should focus on. It’s not about Andre [Onana] making a mistake, we don’t look at individuals here.”It’s about all the players involved, and we have huge belief in Andre. “He knows he made a mistake, he’s a clever guy, we don’t need to tell him. He’s going to help us when playing out from the back – we trust his qualities on the ball.Man Utd ratings vs Plzen as Hojlund and Amad spare Onana’s blushes are horror showANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Red Devils stars…Andre Onana – 4It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host’s crosses convincingly.He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out.Diogo Dalot – 6Dalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks.Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back.Matthijs de Ligt – 6He was sold short by Onana’s pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes.Lisandro Martinez – 6Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers.Tyrell Malacia – 6He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford.Casemiro – 6He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana.Bruno Fernandes – 7He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first half with a good effort.His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner.Amad Diallo – 8Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United’s attack against Plzen.It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender.Marcus Rashford – 4Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third.He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough.SubsRasmus Hojlund 55′ – 8Hojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United’s equaliser.He then latched onto Fernandes’ clever pass to score the winner.Antony 60′ – 6He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo.Mason Mount 60′ – 7Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action.Alejandro Garnacho 80′ – N/AFailed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch.Manuel Ugarte 80′ – N/AHe slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on.”The most important thing is we had the resilience and fight to come back.”It’s something we’ve been doing for a long time. We know the goalkeepers are good on the ball, they can play. “We normally do it. It didn’t work this time but on many occasions it works.”We trust Andre to keep doing the things he thinks are best. Mistakes happen, and if mistakes happen, goals can happen.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOnana’s questionable form has even seen Man United be linked with potential replacements.AC Milan’s Mike Maignan has been tipped to be a target, but he is also liked by rivals Manchester City. More

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      I was sad watching Newcastle’s thriller vs Liverpool – Toon fans should have been loving it but all they feel is despair

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      GOING back home to Newcastle and St James’ Park is always special for me, having grown up in the city.But last week’s trip to cover the Liverpool match at the great  Cathedral on the hill was tinged with sadness.Amanda Staveley and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi welcomed Eddie Howe as manager three years ago at the peak of Toon fans’ optimismCredit: AFPStar striker Alexander Isak and Co should have more reasons to be cheerfulCredit: GettyThe game was fabulous, as it swung one way and then the other.Mo Salah looked like he had won it for Arne Slot’s table toppers with his second goal in the 83rd minute to cap a fantastic performance.Then, in the very last minute of normal time, Fabian Schar grabbed an equaliser to end it all square at 3-3.Few places in football match St James’ Park for atmosphere on a night like that.READ MORE TOP STORIESYet it comes against a backdrop of some despair.The night before, I had met two of my oldest friends from school — one of whom is a lifelong season-ticket holder.Talk immediately turned to football over a pint in The County on Gosforth High Street.The absolute despair being felt by Newcastle fans hit me during the conversation.Most read in FootballIt’s gone wrong for Pep Guardiola this season and Man City await the FFP case verdict but their football in recent years has thrilled the worldCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYou see, it was not that long ago that the miserable years under Mike Ashley finally came to an end.There was obvious controversy over the Saudi takeover but it offered Newcastle fans hope, having seen what similar investment from the Middle East had done at a club like Manchester City.Eddie Howe reveals worst part of being a manager that Newcastle boss has made ‘non-negotiable’ since first dayFrom perennial punchline to headline, City had torn themselves from  Manchester United’s shadow and shone bright at the summit of English football.Now it was Newcastle’s turn as the Saudis moved in just over three years ago.Under bright young coach Eddie Howe, the club finished its first full season under Saudi ownership in fourth and were runners-up in the Carabao Cup to Manchester United.I remember speaking to Amanda Staveley, who helped drive through the takeover, not long after that disappointment at Wembley.She was not down about it but saw it as the first step towards something much bigger.Few places in football match St James’ Park for atmosphere on a night like that. Yet it comes against a backdrop of some despair.Neil CustisYet a year on and a cruel reality began to hit home and still does.That the hope of smashing back through that glass ceiling, as they had done in the nineties under Sir John Hall, was going to be a short-lived dream.The ridiculous financial constraints placed on clubs, which means the game is played out as much in boardrooms and before lawyers as on the pitches, is really ruining the game.Plenty of clubs have fallen foul when, in many cases, they are only trying to further their prospects with generous benefactors’ cash.How can the Glazers be allowed to do what they have done to Manchester United and get away scot free, while City wait to hear the outcome of their trial over 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.Fabian Schar nicked Newcastle a late point against LiverpoolCredit: GettyUnder Sheikh Mansour’s ownership a club has been raised up, an area revived, the country’s best training ground has emerged from rubble.And that club has given us some of the greatest football we have ever seen.They also gave every other club the hope that one day it could be them.Newcastle had that hope and how briefly it has flickered and died is truly sad. There is a cartel who always wanted it their own way. It was nothing to do with protecting clubs from going skint.How are Newcastle or City ever going to go skint?Yet isn’t it ironic that one of the old order in Manchester United, who wanted the status quo of clubs that attracted the biggest crowds and sponsorship deals to win the biggest prizes, are also one of those suffering as well.Luke to LittlerTHE Sports Personality of the Year awards are here again with less and less interest in it by the year.Part of the problem is that the BBC monopoly on a number of sports is long since over, and the annual package of highlights that was genuinely something to look forward to no longer has  a uniqueness about it.Luke Littler has transformed the popularity and appeal of dartsCredit: PAHowever, there remain a number of very worthy names up for the award and my choice is not in any way meant to disrespect any of them.But  Luke Littler, 17, is there and for me no sportsman has had a greater impact on his chosen profession in the last 12 months.What?! I hear you cry. But think about it.Kids are taking up darts because of him.He’s convinced every teenager not interested in more traditional sports that there is a route into the headlines elsewhere.What Barry Hearn has done to elevate the sport is remarkable but the emergence of Littler has taken it to another level.Darts boards used to be just found in pubs and clubs around the country.In my daughter’s student house in Leeds one of the lads who lives there is called Presley.He has a brand new one taking pride of place in the living room as he hones his skills for the university darts team while his housemates duck and try to watch TV.A university darts team? Have you ever heard anything like it?Rocky roadsLegend Ayrton Senna died in a crash at the San Marino Gp in may 1994Credit: GettyTHE new Netflix series about the life of Ayrton Senna should be well worth a watch.Can’t imagine the drama can get close to the incredible documentary film in 2010 which had a tear running down my face.But early clips suggest it captures the drama of how the brilliant Formula One drivers rise from humble racing beginnings to the  very top.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring the early 80s Senna lived in a bungalow in Eaton, near Norwich, so he could race at the  famous Snetterton circuit — where we see the Brazilian mastering his craft.However, those who live in that area of Norfolk are a little curious as to where the snowcapped mountains in the background have exactly risen from. More

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      Man Utd ratings vs Plzen: Amad runs the show again but Rashford is lucky to stay on pitch and Onana has night to forget

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      ANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen.The goalkeeper was at the forefront of most of the action in the Europa League clash, but not for the right reasons.Andre Onana’s error cost Man United a goalCredit: ReutersMarcus Rashford was lucky not to be sent offCredit: GettyAmad Diallo was a bright spark on the wingCredit: GettyOnana, 28, started the game with a few sloppy attempts to clear crosses into the box.In one instance, he almost knocked Casemiro out of the game with a reckless attempt, which left the midfielder on the floor.Amad Diallo did impress in the attack as he was the only one not to be hooked while the team was losing.And it was his run that led to Hojlund netting the equaliser.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBruno Fernandes also combined with Hojlund to find the winning goal for the Red Devils.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the Man United players…Andre Onana – 4It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host’s crosses convincingly.He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out.Most read in FootballDiogo Dalot 80′ – 6CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks.Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out.Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd stars they are all on trial ahead of January transfer window with no player safe from axe Noussair Mazraoui – 6Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back.Matthijs de Ligt – 6He was sold short by Onana’s pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes.Lisandro Martinez – 6Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers. Tyrell Malacia 60′ – 6He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford.Casemiro 80′ – 6He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana.Bruno Fernandes – 7He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first half with a good effort.His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner.Bruno Fernandes set up the winning goalCredit: GettyAmad Diallo – 8Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United’s attack against Plzen.It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender.Marcus Rashford 55′ – 4Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third.He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee 60′ – 6Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough.SubsRasmus Hojlund 55′ – 8Rasmus Hojlund netted twice off the benchCredit: APHojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United’s equaliser.He then latched onto Fernandes’ clever pass to score the winner.Antony 60′ – 6He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo.Mason Mount 60′ – 7Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlejandro Garnacho 80′ – N/AFailed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch.Manuel Ugarte 80′ – N/AHe slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on. More

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      Viktoria Plzen 1 Man Utd 2: Hojlund scores twice off bench to rescue Amorim’s Red Devils after Onana horror show

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      RASMUS HOJLUND produced a dramatic second-half double to dig Manchester United out of trouble and give them victory in the Europa League.United had gone behind just three minutes after the break thanks to another Andre Onana howler.Manchester United came back to beat Viktoria PlzenCredit: ReutersViktoria Plzen opened the scoring against Man Utd with Matej VydraCredit: APVydra was aided by Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana’s howlerBut after coming on as a 56th-minute sub, Hojlund scored in the 62nd and 88th to give the Red Devils their first away win in Europe since March 2023.Hojlund’s Premier League record may not be one to shout about for United but he loves it in Europe.This pair makes it 10 goals in 12 appearances, plus an assist.It lifted some of the gloom hanging over the club and also means they have a foot in the next stage of the Europa League.Read More on Man UtdThings changed after a raft of substitutions early in the second half for United, which gave them a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Sunday’s derby at The Etihad.Hojlund has to start that one, Joshua Zirkzee will need to stay on the bench and was rightly hooked a minute before United had equalised.Zirkzee was certainly doing himself few favours once again here in the Doosan Arena.For every decent piece of work there are at least two glaring first touches that immediately give possession back to the opposition.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe certainly wasn’t having any chances on goal in the first period.United have been a hard watch at the moment and the first half in minus three degrees here in Plzen was taking it to another level.Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd stars they are all on trial ahead of January transfer window with no player safe from axe The 640 loyal followers from Manchester in one corner of the ground must have been longing for a warm fire at their local.Still they come and they were rewarded with that second-half comeback.In the first period United didn’t look in particular danger but then again didn’t look dangerous either.It looked like being that sort of game.The only effort of note before the break came from captain Bruno Fernandes, who, with Amad Diallo, was the only player worthy of some praise before the break.Casemiro played the ball out from the back to Zirkzee who for once found his man in Fernandes and he charged forward before having a shot towards the far bottom corner.Rasmus Hojlund equalised for Man Utd soon afterCredit: ReutersMan Utd ace Hojlund turned the game around close to full-timeCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs Plzen as Hojlund and Amad spare Onana’s blushes are horror showANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Red Devils stars…Andre Onana – 4It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host’s crosses convincingly.He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out.Diogo Dalot – 6Dalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks.Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back.Matthijs de Ligt – 6He was sold short by Onana’s pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes.Lisandro Martinez – 6Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers.Tyrell Malacia – 6He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford.Casemiro – 6He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana.Bruno Fernandes – 7He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first half with a good effort.His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner.Amad Diallo – 8Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United’s attack against Plzen.It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender.Marcus Rashford – 4Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third.He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough.SubsRasmus Hojlund 55′ – 8Hojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United’s equaliser.He then latched onto Fernandes’ clever pass to score the winner.Antony 60′ – 6He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo.Mason Mount 60′ – 7Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action.Alejandro Garnacho 80′ – N/AFailed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch.Manuel Ugarte 80′ – N/AHe slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on.Andre Onana howlerIt was a decent effort but goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka had it covered and palmed the ball away with a full-length save.Plzen’s best hope of scoring looked like it would come through United keeper Onana.He had let a shot that was virtually straight at him go into the net in United’s last game against Nottingham Forest that resulted in a 3-2 home defeat.Here he was flapping early on from a free-kick and corner as he came to punch with little conviction.It would get worse for him when he gifted Plzen the lead just three minutes after the break.No alarm bells were ringing when Lisandro Martinez laid the ball back to him.Ruben Amorim’s changesBut as he dithered in deciding what to do they sounded.He chose a pass that was no longer on out to Matthijs De Ligt and Pavel Sulc had already anticipated the error.In he charged to be first to the ball and square it for a grateful Matej Vydra to side foot home.It was a special moment for the former Burnley player while the man who assisted him had grown up a United fan.Amorim needed to make changes and off first was Marcus Rashford with no acknowledgement between player or manager as he made his way to the bench.Hojlund was on, and Mason Mount as well as Antony would soon join him in action, and moments later United were level.Man Utd equaliseAntony found Amad who produced a great little run, turn and shot that was blocked but Hojlund followed up to finish.It was Amad’s eighth goal assist in United’s last eight games.United were now looking the more dangerous and when Fernandes whipped a ball across the six-yard box, Hojlund somehow failed to connect for his second.Plzen were not finished and Vydra nearly had a second when he fired a volley just wide of the near post.United should have been ahead in the 77th minute when a good break finished with Amad teeing the ball up for Mount but his weak shot was straight at the goalkeeper.But Hojliund would grab another set up by Fernandes to turn and fire back across the goalkeeper.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis time when the United players went over to the away fans to applaud their support there was every reason to clap them back.Hojlund had made sure of that, he is ready for the derby. More

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      Real Madrid ‘interested in TWO Man Utd defenders’ with Ruben Amorim ‘willing to allow fan favourite to leave’

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      REAL MADRID are reportedly keeping tabs on TWO Manchester United defenders ahead of the January transfer window.Real have endured a mixed start this season after winning LaLiga and the Champions League titles last term.Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Manchester United fan favourite Lisandro MartinezCredit: AlamyReal are also targeting Diogo Dalot after an impressive season with Man UtdCredit: AlamyMan Utd manager Ruben Amorim is willing to let Martinez goCredit: GettyAnd their plight has has not been helped by a defensive injury crisis, with Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao all out.Carlo Ancelotti is already looking for ways to reinstate Los Blancos as the team to beat in the coming transfer window.And, according to talkSPORT, he has, for some reason, set his sights on Old Trafford.The Madrid boss is said to be keeping tabs on United’s defensive duo Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot.Read More on Man UtdMartinez, 26, has been one of the Red Devils’ biggest fan favourites since his arrival from Ajax in 2022 thanks to his talent and passion.Nevertheless, new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim would be open to letting the centre-back go as he looks to impose his own philosophy.Real also appear impressed with Dalot, 25, who enjoyed an impressive campaign at Old Trafford last season and was voted as the Players’ Player of the Year.The full-back stood out by showing his ability to cover both flanks amid the Manchester giants’ injury crisis, before struggling to match that form so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal would find that useful with ageing right-back Carvajal suffering a devastating injury that ruled him out for the season.Ancelotti has also been unable to find the right man to cover at left-back.Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in MilanThe same report claims the Italian tactician has set his sights on other Premier League targets as well.One of them of course is Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in June.Tottenham ace Cristian Romero is also being monitored by the Spanish giants.Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer REJECTS emotional return to former club three years since Old Trafford axe

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has rejected the chance to return to management, according to reports in Norway.Solskjaer, 51, has been out of work since his dismissal by United in 2021.Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been offered a return to MoldeCredit: EPASolskjaer isn’t keen to return to Molde after leaving Man UtdCredit: GettyThe Norwegian tactician, who enjoyed tremendous success with the Red Devils as a player, earned the full-time job at Old Trafford after a stint as interim manager in 2018.However, despite a promising start with United, the former striker was axed after two-and-a-half seasons.Now, according to VG, Solskjaer has been offered the chance to take over another former club, Molde.Solskjaer kicked off his coaching career with the Norwegian giants in 2011, after a stint in charge of United’s reserves.Read More on Man UtdHe then had a short spell in charge of Cardiff in 2014 before returning to Molde a year later and ultimately leaving to take over United.Molde recently sacked their manager Erling Moe after a disappointing fifth-placed finish, with Norway’s domestic league finishing last month.And chairman Leif-Arne Langoy is said to have immediately called Solskjaer in a bid to convince him to come back.However, Solskjaer is not interested in a third spell and turned the opportunity down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis was not the first offer the ex-United boss rejects as he was also approached and asked to take over as Denmark’s head coach.However, he did express an interest to work as Norway’s manager if the opportunity ever arose.‘Don’t tell anyone!’, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson said to make him stay at Man UtdSolskjaer said: “I am a proud Norwegian, and of course if the question arises, when Stale [Solbakken] decides to give up, I will happily engage in discussions.”I am a proud Norwegian and proud of where I come from.” More

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      Astana 1 Chelsea 3: Marc Guiu scores twice past keeper wearing a BEANIE as young Blues win in crazy -14C conditions

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      YOU can question why Chelsea were playing over 3,000 miles from home – but the bigger farce is the fact they are in the Conference League at all.The travel for their trip to the outer reaches of Kazakhstan, where it was -14C when Enzo Maresca’s men landed, was always going to be a bigger concern than the Astana side waiting there for them.Chelsea extended their perfect Conference League run at AstanaCredit: ReutersMarc Guiu took advantage of a rare Chelsea start in KazakhstanCredit: ReutersRenato Veiga sealed Chelsea’s three points before half-timeCredit: GettyChelsea’s youngsters stood out in subzero temperatures at AstanaCredit: AFPThis latest Conference League encounter brought three goals, five debuts and a sixth win on the bounce for the Blues – taking them into the Last 16 after Christmas.All very good, all very cheery – all rather pointless at this stage of the competition.Maresca insists he will only ever focus on the next step of the competition, but if they are not in Wroclaw for May’s final something will have gone horribly wrong.Chelsea sit top of the group stage, having won five from five, scoring 21 goals and conceding just four.Read More on ChelseaAfter the ordeal of their eight-hour flight, skirting between two warzones on the way, the Blues’ youngsters showed fine discipline in Almaty.Maresca had told his Chelsea squad to try and remain on English time during their travels.And for the most part they made this look like an afternoon stroll on a heavy surface cleared of snow by undersoil heating.Pedro Neto’s punishment for picking up a suspension for Sunday’s meeting with Brentford was a seat on the flight east.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe winger was the only player who started at Tottenham to make the journey, but made a real difference.After seeing an early effort denied by Astana’s beanie-wearing keeper Mukhammedzhan Seysen, Neto set up the first two goals for Marc Guiu.How Chelsea embarrassed Spurs with Enzo Fernandez leading genius in-game tactical shake-upChelssea ratings vs Astana as Marc Guiu shines on rare opportunity in freezing cold KazakhstanMARC GUIU impressed as Chelsea romped to victory in freezing-cold Kazakhstan.The Blues claimed a 3-1 win over Astana in the Conference League to maintain their perfect record in the competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Blues stars…Filip Jorgensen – 6Never really troubled in the Chelsea net and made a couple of comfortable saves.There was little he could do to stop Marin Tomasov’s brilliant strike.Renato Veiga – 7He netted his second goal of the Conference League campaign with an easy header in the first half.But he was beaten too easily by Tomasov before he netted Astana’s goal.Josh Acheampong – 6Looked comfortable in the defence on his return to the team despite his ongoing contract dispute.Tosin Adarabioyo – 6Dealt with the Astana attackers fairly well and put in some tidy passes.Axel Disasi – 6Took the armband for the match and looked solid in the backline for Chelsea.Samuel Rak-Sakyi – 6Did well in the midfield to win the ball back and get Chelsea moving forward.Carney Chukwuemeka – 5Chukwuemeka struggled in the game as he was clearly desperate to get on the scoresheet.The midfielder wasted multiple chances for the Blues to extend their lead.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Was involved in a lot of the build-up play throughout for Chelsea.Dewsbury-Hall also picked up an assist for his corner kick, which was headed in by Renato Viega.Pedro Neto – 6Forced a good save early on when the game was still goalless. He proved to be a constant threat on the wing.It was the winger’s cross that led to the second goal, which was bundled into the net.Tyrique George – 7Looked very composed when on the ball and threatened with his driving runs into the box.He almost netted his first goal for the club, only to see his effort cleared off the line.Marc Guiu – 8The Spanish striker broke the deadlock with a fantastic goal. He took on his defender and put in a clever finish to beat Mukhammedzhan Seysen.He made it a brace with a fortunate goal that was bundled in.SubsAto Ampah 45′ – 5Struggled to get into the game and make an impact for the visitors.Harvey Vale 66′ – 5Did okay when he came into the action.Shim Mheuka 77′ – NAGot a decent run out in the last minutes against Astana.Keanu Dyer 85′ – NAReplaced Samuel Rak-Sakyi late on in the match.The opener, though, was all to do with the Spaniard.The former Barcelona man collected the ball wide right and strode past the Astana defence like they were training mannequins before finishing at the near post.Having shown his pace and power, the second was pure instinct – given Guiu could hardly have known what was going in.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fed Neto out wide, with his cross finding the back of the net off the side of Guiu’s torso.Having raced into a two-goal lead, Chelsea eased off until, 20 minutes later, Renato Veiga added a third.The Portuguese was left free in the Astana box to rise and nod in a Dewsbury-Hall corner.Youngsters dominateMaresca’s men were cruising, though the hosts offered a sharpener on the brink at half-time as captain Marin Tomasov cut inside Veiga and poked into the far corner.Tomasov’s goal gave Astana a bit more bite after the break and Filip Jorgensen had to tip over another effort from the Croatian.Maresca started making the changes and Harvey Vale almost scored with his first touch, while Tyrique George and Dewsbury-Hall both went close.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the second half was a display of control and maturity from a very young group.On Chelsea march, with anyone who matters tucked up warm at home and ready for Brentford on Sunday. 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      Chelsea ratings vs Astana: Guiu takes advantage of rare start to triple goal tally but Chukwuemeka fails to take chance

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      MARC GUIU impressed as Chelsea romped to victory in freezing-cold Kazakhstan.The Blues claimed a 3-1 win over Astana in the Conference League to maintain their perfect record in the competition.Marc Guiu was clinical against AstanaCredit: ReutersCarney Chukwuemeka put in plenty of effort but was not rewarded with a goalCredit: APGuiu, 18, opened the scoring for Chelsea with a brilliant individual goal inside 15 minutes.He beat his defender before slotting past the goalkeeper to set the Blues on their way to victory.The striker doubled up as he helped bundle the ball in after good work from Pedro Neto.Renato Veiga also got himself on the scoresheet as he nodded in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSports’ Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of Chelsea’s players…Filip Jorgensen – 6Never really troubled in the Chelsea net and made a couple of comfortable saves.There was little he could do to stop Marin Tomasov’s brilliant strike.Renato Veiga – 7He netted his second goal of the Conference League campaign with an easy header in the first half.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he was beaten too easily by Tomasov before he netted Astana’s goal.Josh Acheampong – 6Looked comfortable in the defence on his return to the team despite his ongoing contract dispute.The state-of-the-art stadium with special features that will host Chelsea’s clash vs Astana in extreme -13C temperatures Renato Veiga netted Chelsea’s third with a tidy headerCredit: APTosin Adarabioyo – 6Dealt with the Astana attackers fairly well and put in some tidy passes.Axel Disasi – 6Took the armband for the match and looked solid in the backline for Chelsea.Samuel Rak-Sakyi 85′ – 6Did well in the midfield to win the ball back and get Chelsea moving forward.Carney Chukwuemeka 66′ – 5Carney Chukwuemeka should have made more from his chancesCredit: GettyChukwuemeka struggled in the game as he was clearly desperate to get on the scoresheet.The midfielder wasted multiple chances for the Blues to extend their lead.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Was involved in a lot of the build-up play throughout for Chelsea.Dewsbury-Hall also picked up an assist for his corner kick, which was headed in by Renato Viega.Pedro Neto 45′ – 6Pedro Neto was a constant threat in the first halfCredit: GettyForced a good save early on when the game was still goalless. He proved to be a constant threat on the wing.It was the winger’s cross that led to the second goal, which was bundled into the net.Tyrique George – 7Looked very composed when on the ball and threatened with his driving runs into the box.He almost netted his first goal for the club, only to see his effort cleared off the line.Marc Guiu 77′ – 8The Spanish striker broke the deadlock with a fantastic goal. He took on his defender and put in a clever finish to beat Mukhammedzhan Seysen.He made it a brace with a fortunate goal that was bundled in.Subs Ato Ampah 45′ – 5Struggled to get into the game and make an impact for the visitors.Harvey Vale 66′ – 5Did okay when he came into the action.READ MORE SUN STORIESShim Mheuka 77′ – NAGot a decent run out in the last minutes against Astana.Keanu Dyer 85′ – NAReplaced Samuel Rak-Sakyi late on in the match. More