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      Desperate Leny Yoro ‘does a Phil Jones’ in Lyon clash as Man Utd fans say ‘he just gets it’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left stunned after Leny Yoro blocked a shot on the floor with his HEAD against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final second leg.With Lyon battling to get back into the match after going 2-0 down, Malick Fofana cut into the United box from the left and looked to move past the 19-year-old French centre-back.Leny Yoro managed to block a shot with his head after falling overFans likened it to Phil Jones’ head-first tackle against ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – GettyYoro appeared to lose his balance and subsequently fell to the floor.But he somehow managed to block the shot with his head.Fans were left completely baffled, with one person taking to social media to write: “LENY YORO SAVED IT WITH HIS HEAD!”Another said: “Leny Yoro just gets it man.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile a third commented: “MY CENTRE BACK.”Meanwhile, other fans likened it to the iconic head-first challenge made by Phil Jones against Arsenal during his time at Old Trafford.One said: “Leny Yoro going full Phil Jones!!”While another wrote: “VIDIC AND PHIL JONES WOULD BE PROUD.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMan Utd went on to win 5-4 to progress to the semi-finals with a 7-6 victory on aggregate.After going 2-0 down in the first half following goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, Lyon took the game to extra time with two goals in six minutes.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim issues open invite to Rory McIlroy as Masters champion’s private jet lands in EnglandThe visitors then scored another two goals in quick succession to go 4-2 up in extra time.But last-minute strikes from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire after a Bruno Fernandes penalty saw United win the match. More

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      ‘Keep the ball away from him’ – Furious Paul Scholes ends Man Utd star’s redemption hopes with rant on live TV

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      PAUL SCHOLES has delivered one of the most withering verdicts yet on Manchester United keeper Andre Onana.The Cameroonian remained under a fierce spotlight after conceding four goals in United’s astonishing triumph over Lyon.Andre Onana was also under pressure during the match as he let in four goals, but United went through with a late triple in extra timeCredit: PABut Onana celebrated wildly when United completed a stunning comebackCredit: APThe Red Devils trailed 4-2 deep in extra time but a seven-minute treble nicked a jaw-dropping 5-4 win as they reached the Europa League semi-finals 7-6 on aggregate.But as Scholes prepared for a night that became more dramatic than even he could ever have imagined, the Old Trafford legend suggested Onana couldn’t be trusted with the most simple of tasks.The 29-year-old had gifted Lyon both their goals in a 2-2 first-leg draw.Altay Bayindir replaced him on Sunday – only to blunder himself in a 4-1 Premier League defeat at Newcastle.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBack came Onana on Thursday evening – but Scholes could hardly have been more scathing ahead of kick-off.Assessing United’s hopes on TNT Sports, the ex-England midfielder dished out some astonishing advice.Scholes urged the Red Devils: “Keep the ball away from him. “Honestly, don’t even pass it back to him… get the ball up to (Rasmus) Hojlund.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother United legend, Rio Ferdinand, tried to turn that view around.The ex-Three Lions centre-back told TNT: “I liked playing with keepers who I don’t want to see or hear much. I don’t want to worry about them.Amorim is officially WORST Man Utd manager of post-Sir Alex Ferguson era as under-fire boss admits- I’m underperforming”The thing is when confidence goes you need to play games and no one talk about you. You don’t want the spotlight on you in games.”Onana’s ensuing display didn’t exactly win over his doubters, especially when a 2-0 lead on the night became a 4-2 deficit.But after Harry Maguire completed one of the greatest extra-time comebacks in history, fans loved his “genuinely insane” show of sheer joy.Paul Scholes gave some amazing advice to the Red Devils over OnanaCredit: Getty More

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      Pop icon with £580MILLION net worth makes shock appearance at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea vs Legia Warsaw

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      POP icon Madonna was a surprise attendee of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw.The Blues welcomed the Polish big boys to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday night.Chelsea welcomed Legia Warsaw to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tieCredit: GETTYPop superstar Madonna was a surprise attendee of the matchCredit: CBS SPORTSStamford Bridge wasn’t at full capacity for the game as Enzo Maresca’s troops had effectively killed off the tie with a 3-0 win in the first leg earlier this month.But the 29,027 Blues fans in attendance were joined by the music legend, 66.Cameras spotted the ‘Like a Virgin’ star – who has a net worth of £580million – in one of the Bridge’s swanky boxes during the second half.And the viewers were stunned to see the American icon at the match.READ MORE SPORTS NEWS One wrote on X: “Madonna is at the game.”Another said: “Why is Madonna watching Chelsea vs Legia Warsaw?”And another said: “Madonna in the house.”One remarked: “I can’t believe Chelsea is about to lose while Madonna is there watching.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLegia Warsaw won the return leg 2-1 but lost the tie 4-2Credit: EPAAnother chimed in: “Never knew Madonna was a Chelsea fan.”Madonna – real name Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone – saw the Blues suffer a 2-1 defeat on the night.Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says it is up to fans to decide whether to back the teamBut it mattered little due to the west Londoners’ 3-0 advantage from the first leg, which saw them win the tie 4-2 on aggregate. More

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      Man Utd 5-4 Lyon (AET) (agg 7-6): Harry Maguire nets last-minute winner to save Red Devils season in rollercoaster clash

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      HARRY MAGUIRE was the last-ditch hero on a night of incredible drama at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be heading out as they slipped two goals behind against ten–man Lyon with just 11 minutes remaining.Harry Maguire headed in a dramatic winning goal for Manchester UnitedCredit: RexRuben Amorim would later describe the former captain as ‘our only player who can score a goal with his head’Credit: GettyThe England star has come back into favour under Amorim and repaid the Portuguese boss’ faith with United’s most important goal of the season so farCredit: GettyMan United scored three goals in seven extra-time minutes to win the matchCredit: AlamyThe Theatre of Dreams has seen some astonishing drama over the years but rarely has it witnessed anything like this.Bruno Fernandes scored from the spot, sub Kobbie Mainoo got the equaliser.And when makeshift striker Maguire got on the end of Casemiro’s cross to nod home the old place was shaking to its foundations.Three goals in seven minutes and United’s hopes of finishing a disappointing season in glorious fashion are still alive.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSRuben Amorim stuck to his word and restored Andre Onana in goal – after giving him the weekend off to clear his head.The tie was on a knife-edge due to his two blunders in France last week, but it made for an atmosphere Old Trafford has not seen in some time.The old place even unveiled its first ever Tifo before kick-off bearing the words ‘Never Gonna Stop’.And to be fair – for around an hour they were unstoppable.  United began looking like their season depended on this fixture – which, of course, it did.  Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAn early goal was just what they needed and it arrived in the 10th minute as Bruno Fernandes and Noussair Mazrouai combined well on the right.That freed up Alejandro Garnacho, who just stayed onside before squaring for Manuel Ugarte to slide home and round off a brilliant team goal.Manuel Ugarte gave Man Utd an early leadCredit: AFPThe Red Devils looked out of site when Diogo Dalot doubled the advantageCredit: GettyBut Corentin Tolisso headed Lyon back into the matchCredit: GettyNicolas Tagliafico then levelled the contest as United suffered an astonishing collapseCredit: ReutersIt was only the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder’s second for United and what a time to get it.Veteran midfielder Casemiro came close to adding a second but his shot brought a smart low save from Lucas Perri.After a slow start, Paulo Fonseca’s men worked their way into the game and Thiago Almada, who scored the free-kick which embarrassed Onana last week, saw a shot bravely blocked by Harry Maguire.From the resulting corner, Paul Akouokou’s header was smartly pushed over by the home keeper – a straightforward save but one which will have done him good.Goalscorer Tolisso was then controversially sent off after receiving a second booking when Leny Yoro tripped over his own feetCredit: EPABut Lyon did not let up and went ahead with a crisp Rayan Cherki strike in extra timeCredit: GettyAlexandre Lacazette netted from the spot to give the Ligue 1 side what looked an unassailable leadCredit: GettyBut Casemiro then won a penalty which Bruno Fernandes coolly convertedCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs LyonMANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United stars on a night that went from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again.When Ugarte got his goal, the keeper celebrated wildly – doing a little dance in front of the Lyon fans who had goaded him last week.  All his problems at Old Trafford have obviously not dented his confidence.And he was called into action again as highly-rated Cherki weaved his way through the home defence but saw the home keeper dive full length to save his effort.Not to be outdone, Fernandes almost brought the house down as he tracked a wonderful pass from fellow Portuguese Diogo Dalot and thumped a first-time volley against the bar.A couple of minutes later, his 20-yard curler beat the outstretched hand of Perri but also drifted just wide of the post.Right on half-time, his mate stole his thunder as Dalot controlled a long ball and shrugged off Nicolas Tagliafico before firing into the bottom corner.The Argentine defender claimed he was fouled but replays showed he went down too easily and the VAR allowed the goal to stand.It was an excellent half from United but begged the question where has this team been all season?They could and should have put the game to bed in the opening minutes of the second half as Garnacho out-stripped Clinton Mata for pace and put the defender on his backside.But then he fired his shot straight at Perri – maybe he did not see Fernandes alongside him, as he would have had a tap-in.  As it was, the tie was not quite over and Onana kept the two-goal lead intact – diving full stretch to keep out a low shot by Corentin Tolisso.Patrick Dorgu also blazed a golden chance wide, and within minutes, United were ruing the fact they had not killed the French side off.Kobbie Mainoo’s equaliser set up the scene for the winnerCredit: GettyOld Trafford erupted after Maguire’s heroicsCredit: PAAndre Onana risked embarrassment when he goaded the Lyon fans after United’s opening goalCredit: GettyNobody at Old Trafford was more relieved than the Man Utd goalkeeper when Maguire headed in the winnerCredit: GettyMoussa Niakhate and Alex Lacazette both got a touch on a free kick and Tolisso’s header flashed past Onana.Now you sense the tension in the stadium and within seven minutes their worst fears were realised.Sub Malick Fofana crossed to the back post and Tagliafico’s shot was clawed out by Onana before sub Lacazette thumped home the rebound.Replays showed the full-back’s effort had crossed the line – meaning he had made up for his earlier error.The home fans could barely believe what they had seen – their team never does it the easy way these days.Still there was another twist as the influential Tolisso got a second yellow card for tripping Leny Yoro.  So into extra time it went with United hoping to make the extra man count – but it was the visitors who had the momentum.And right on half-time, the comeback was complete as Fofana sped away down the left and was stopped by a last-ditch tackle by Dalot.The ball fell kindly to Cherki, who took a touch before beating Onana from 15 yards.In the second period of extra time, they Lyon bagged another with Fofana chopped down by Luke Shaw and Yoro – before Lacazette sent Onana the wrong way from the spot.Still there was time for more drama as Tagliafico went through the back of Casemiro and after a VAR check, a penalty was given.Fernandes beat Perri to set up a dramatic finish.Read More on The SunAnd in the final minute of stoppage time they were all square as Fernandes and Casemiro teed up sub Mainoo to slot home.Incredibly, there was still time for Maguire to nick it.Ruben Amorim was distressed on the touchline as Lyon fought backCredit: EPAHe was overjoyed at Maguire’s headerCredit: PAFormer Arsenal star Lacazette was distraught at the end of the epic clashCredit: TNT SPORTSJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Man Utd vs Lyon LIVE RESULT: Maguire’s winner keeps United’s season alive as Red Devils dramatically secure semi spot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have beaten Lyon 7-6 on aggregate to progress to the semi-finals of the Europa League in the most dramatic of circumstances.Manuel Ugarte broke the deadlock on 10 minutes, finishing a superb move to put the English giants ahead in the crunch tie.Diogo Dalot gave the Red Devils breathing room just before half time with a striker-like finish.Corentin Tolisso got one back for Lyon with 70 minutes on the clock before Nicolas Tagliafico made the clash 2-2 and sent the dramatic tie to extra-time.The French side went into the additional period with 10-men after Tolisso received his second yellow card moments before the full time whistle, but it didn’t matter as Rayan Cherki’s rocket put Lyon in front.It went from bad to worse for United as Alexandre Lacazette netted a penalty to make it 6-4 on aggregate in the second half of extra time.But an unbelievable seven-minute period saw United turn the tie on its head after goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and finally a stunning winner from Harry Maguire at the death put Man Utd in the Europa League semi-finals.The Red Devils will face Athletic Club in the last four of the European competition.Match result: Man Utd 5-4 Lyon (agg 7-6)Man Utd team: Onana, Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Garnacho, Hojlund, FernandesLyon team: Perri, Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico, Vertout, Akoukou, Tolisso, Cherki, Mikautadze, AlmadaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Red Devils treat fans to dramaNo manager would ever want to go through that every week but the fans could not believe what they were seeing out on the pitch.Their side were dead and buried but came back to win in the most dramatic fashion possible.These are the nights that fans dream of when you talk about European football.Now they will start dreaming about getting their hands on that trophy.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBoss to focus on Europa LeagueWith nothing but pride to play for in the Premier League, Ruben Amorim will now focus on Europe.You can expect to see the Red Devils playing weakened teams domestically, as they look to keep key players fit.It offers them their only real chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League tournament now as well.Copy linkCopiedOnly knowing one way to do itNothing seems to be simple for Man Utd in recent years.They were looking comfortable at two-nil but seemed to throw it all away when letting the visitors take control of the game.Ruben Amorim’s side then shocked everyone, scoring three late goals to almost take the roof off Old Trafford.The fans who stayed certainly got their money’s worth this evening.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDefender buzzing after crazy winLeny Yoro spoke with TNT Sports after the match:I still don’t know what happened, it was crazy. It was difficult, when you hear the fans at 4-2, anything is possible. You need to believe, if you do not believe, you cannot win. Honestly, this is what the fans deserve, they give everything. It is because of them we win the game. Our target is to win the trophy, I am sure we can do it.Leny YoroMan UtdCopy linkCopiedPundits cannot contain their gleeRio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes are used to putting a brave face on after Man Utd implosion over the last few years.After such a dramatic end to the game neither ex-Man Utd player could contain their happiness at the end.The Red Devils were out of the Europa League and then something unthinkable happened and they now have a semi-final to plan for.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLyon throw it away lateThe visitors thought they were through to the semi-finals when Lacazette scored his penalty to put them two goals up.Giving away a needless penalty gave Man Utd the adrenaline boost they needed to turn this game around.It seemed we were heading to a penalty shootout but Maguire scored late on to book the Red Devils’ place in the next round.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBoss beaming from ear to earA smiling Ruben Amorim spoke with TNT Sports after this mammoth tie:It was fun. It was a great night, we were tired. When it was 4-2, you thought it was over. But anything is possible here. We try to put Maguire [up front] as he is the only person who can score with his head. Mount brought us experience, Shaw was only supposed to play thirty minutes. But in the end it was a good day. I think we start well but we are not too consistent. I feel when the team is a little bit tired we drop a lot. We have a lot to improve, but the character was there.Ruben AmorimMan UtdCopy linkCopiedEuropean dreams still alive for Red DevilsWhen Alexander Lacazette slotted his penalty home, the season seemed to be over for Man Utd.Three goals in the final six minutes of the game saw Ruben Amorim’s side do the impossible.The Red Devils have booked themselves a Europa League semi-final with Athletic Club as their hopes of silverware this season live on.Credit: GettyCredit: PACopy linkCopiedKnow what I mean ‘ArryMakeshift striker Harry Maguire spoke with TNT Sports after the game:Obviously it is an incredible game. We made really hard work of it. Two-nil up at half-time. We had chances to score then and they scored out of nothing. They have great forwards, they play good football. We dug in and to come back like that in unbelievable. I felt we were going to get chances to get back into it. When I saw it hit the back of the net it was just amazing.Harry MaguireMan UtdCopy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 5-4 Lyon (AGG: 7-6) ETFrom zeros to heroes for the Red Devils.The Lyon players looked absolutely devastated.Ruben Amorim’s side have done the unthinkable tonight.Credit: APCredit: PACopy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 5-4 Lyon (AGG: 7-6) ETWhat a dramatic end we have see here at Old Trafford.Man Utd looked dead and buried when Lacazette scored his penalty.Three goals in six minutes then turned this game on its head.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 5-4 Lyon (AGG: 7-6) ETThat’s it, the referee blows his whistle.Man Utd are through to the semi-finals of the Europa League.Nobody would have predicted this when they were two goals down in extra-time.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-4 Lyon (AGG: 7-6) ET120+3. Imagine if you left this game early.Those fans are getting the karma they deserve for having no belief in their own football team.Two goals in a minute have turned this game on its head.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedMan Utd 5-4 Lyon (AGG: 7-6) ET120+1. Unbelievable scenes at Old Trafford.A cross comes in and it hits Maguire’s shoulder and goes in.VAR is reviewing it to see if there was a foul by the defender but decide the goal stands.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Harry Maguire (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-4 Lyon (AGG: 6-6) ET120. Wow, what are we seeing here!Mainoo controls the ball before drilling an effort into the far corner.We are going to have five added minutes.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-4 Lyon (AGG: 5-6) ET118. What an end to this game we have here.It has been pure entertainment at Old Trafford tonight.None of that will mean anything for these Red Devils’ fans if they do not progress.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-4 Lyon (AGG: 5-6) ET116. The fans who decided to stay are making this a cauldron of noise now.Maguire goes down in the box, demanding a penalty.The referee waves away his protests.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-4 Lyon (AGG: 5-6) ET114. Fernandes passes the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.The keeper went the right way but could not get anywhere near it.Many Man Utd fans have already left the stadium, they are certainly missing out.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedPenalty to Man UtdCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-4 Lyon (AGG: 4-6) ET112. Casemiro goes down in the box demanding a penalty.The referee waves away their protests.However, after a VAR review, the referee is sent to the monitor.Copy linkCopiedVAR review in progressCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-4 Lyon (AGG: 4-6) ET110. This is a terrible showing from Man Utd.Since going down to ten men, Lyon have scored two goals.The uphill struggle the Red Devils faced has now become a mountain.Lacazette sends Onana the wrong way and buries his spot kick into the bottom corner.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Who will Man Utd play in Europa League semi-final?

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      MANCHESTER United are heading to the Europa League semi-final after BEATING Lyon.Ruben Amorim has something to celebrate in the midst of his side’s disastrous Premier League season.Ruben Amorim has guided United to the Europa League final four in his first season at Old Trafford.Credit: GettyHarry Maguire scored a late winner in one of the most dramatic games of the seasonCredit: REUTERS/Phil NobleUnited are almost certain to record their lowest-ever Premier League finish and points total, but their dream in the Europa League is still alive.They have secured a spot in the final four, and winning the competition would see them play Champions League football next season.Andre Onana was the talk of the town in the first leg, gifting two goals to Lyon as they held United to a 2-2 draw.However, Amorim’s side edged past Lyon in the second leg at Old Trafford.READ MORE IN MAN UNITEDManuel Ugarte opened the scoring for the Red Devils, before Diogo Dalot added a second to put United in the driving seat at half-time.Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico scored to level the game on the night AND the tie.The game was then sent to extra time, where Lacazette and Rayan Cherki thought they had settled the game, but Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo both scored to make the tie 6-6 on aggregate. Then, Harry Maguire WON the game for Man United in added time at the end of ET, with the score ending 7-6 to Amorim’s side on aggregate. Most read in Europa LeagueWho will Man Utd play in Europa League semi-final?Man Utd will play Athletic Club in the semi-finals of the Europa League.The first leg will be played in Spain on Thursday, May 1, while the return leg at Old Trafford will be played on Thursday, May 8.Athletic Club booked their spot in the semi-finals with a 2-0 aggregate win over Rangers.On the other side of the draw, Tottenham face Bodo/Glimt in the last-four, meaning an all-English final could still take place. More

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      Wayne Rooney watches travels to Spain to watch son Klay, 11, as he takes on fellow ex-Premier League star’s child

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      Wayne Rooney watched son Klay take on an ex-Premier League rival’s child in Spain – as the legend took a break from talk of a shock managerial return.Klay, 11, starred for Manchester United’s kids against Spanish club UE Quart at Girona.Wayne Rooney had a rest from both punditry and speculation of a managerial return to see son Klay play in GironaCredit: GettyCristhian Stuani spent two years with MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd it meant Rooney Jr doing battle with Constantino Stuani in the U12-A category of the MICFootball event.Stuani’s dad Cristhian Stuani is rated the greatest player in Girona’s history.And at 38, the 50-cap Uruguayan is still going strong for the LaLiga side – as skipper.The striker also had a stint in England in the two years prior to that.READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEYStuani was at Middlesbrough from 2015-17, helping them earn promotion to the top flight.He even netted twice in his first Prem match – clinching a 2-1 derby victory at Sunderland.Rooney Senior, an Old Trafford icon and ex-England skipper, looked on intently along with Stuani as their sons locked horns – perhaps not for the last time if their rich potential blossoms.The young Red Devils came out on top with a 3-1 win.Most read in FootballWayne Rooney and Coleen’s sons Kai, 14, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six, posed for a back-to-school picture last SeptemberCredit: InstagramBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd that suggests there were no home favours – as Stuani Senior is the event sponsor!Meanwhile, Klay has been packing his bags to go off for tournaments with United since he was just eight.Rooney forced to defend himself to Gabby Logan live on Amazon Prime Video And older brother Kai, 15, is a free-scoring frontman in the Red Devils’ academy.Wayne and wife Coleen also have two younger sons – Kit, eight, and six-year-old Cass.Rooney Senior’s axing as Plymouth chief on New Year’s Eve might not be his last taste of Championship bossing this season.The former Everton frontman and ex-Derby manager, 39, has been linked with Blackburn.Current Rovers boss Valerien Ismael is under pressure as the side slumped to seven points of the play-off zone after he replaced John Eustace.For now, though, Rooney is impressing as a pundit, notably with Amazon Prime. More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Filip Jorgensen anxiety personified with Nkunku no better… but Cucurella shines once again

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      CHELSEA are Europa Conference League semi-finalists – but they made hard work of it at home to Legia Warsaw as they suffered defeat in the competition for the first time. It took just ten minutes for the deadlock to be broken when Filip Jorgensen brought down Tomas Pekhart inside the box – and the Czech forward slotted his penalty into the bottom right corner. Filip Jorgensen struggled between the sticks as Chelsea made hard work of Legia WarsawCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper gave the visitors the perfect start when he gave a penalty awayCredit: GettyMarc Cucurella settled any nerves by getting on the scoresheet againCredit: GettyWith Chelsea behind, they needed someone to step up and it was Marcos Alonso re-born who did so, in Marc Cucurella. The Spanish full-back converted a Jadon Sancho square ball to level the scoring, before being denied a second goal just moments later by the offside flag. If the Warsaw fans hadn’t already stolen the attention of everyone at Stamford Bridge by taking their shirts off, they certainly did so in the second half, when they lit flares in celebration of their side’s second goal. It was Steve Kapuadi who capitalised on more questionable Chelsea defending to put his side 2-1 up on the night and set the corner of the Shed End alight, much to the frustration of Enzo Maresca. The Chelsea fans had one more moment of temporary joy, when Tyrique George finished off a Noni Madueke ball across the box, only for the hosts to be denied by the offside flag once again. They’ll look to put this one behind them, but at least they’re into the semi-finals.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Filip Jorgensen – 1Anxiety personified. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGave away a penalty after just ten minutes which saw Legia Warsaw take the lead and give them belief that they could make a shock comeback at Stamford Bridge. The Dane in goal just looked completely void of confidence, missed multiple crosses and struggled all around. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says it is up to fans to decide whether to back the teamAt least he’s decent at passing out the back *rolls eyes*…Josh Acheampong – 4Was caught on the ball on a few occasions, and didn’t look entirely comfortable in this one. He did still make some good blocks for his side though, with some important tackles too. A youngster who undeniably has a great amount of talent, this game will be a good learning experience for him. Tosin Adarabioyo – 4Tosin has been a leader at Stamford Bridge this season, and a key part in a lot of their good performances in this competition especially. Tonight however wasn’t his finest night, as he was caught out of position by the ball that led to the penalty. He didn’t have a real howler, but with two goals conceded it’s hard to give him higher than average. Benoit Badiashile – 4Not the performance he would’ve wanted in what was his 50th appearance for Chelsea. Was well advanced up the pitch for Legia Warsaw’s second goal, and left his defensive line vulnerable when the Polish side grabbed their second and eventual winner. Marc Cucurella – 8I am from here on re-naming Marc Cucurella El Pinguino, in honour of how often we are seeing his penguin celebration this season. He’s enjoying a fantastic season, and kept his name in the running for Chelsea’s player of the season with another goal in his most prolific campaign to date. A left-back one minute, and a centre-forward the next, he arrived late in the box once more to finish Sancho’s cross and equalise, before having a second goal disallowed for offside. The best player on the pitch in blue, again. Reece James (C) – 5Maresca’s insistence on playing Reece James in midfield continued tonight, after he was rested entirely in the draw with Ipswich. For my money, he is still best utilised in the right-back role where he is able to bomb forward and use his attacking prowess and strength to his advantage. Wasn’t bad in midfield by any means, but didn’t stamp his authority on the game as he has done previously. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Kept up a decent run of form in this competition with another solid performance tonight in midfield. KDH was comfortable in possession and looked after the ball, while also working hard off it to win possession for his side on a few occasions. Jadon Sancho – 7With a point to prove before the end of the season, Sancho was back on the right wing for Chelsea tonight after his wonder strike against Ipswich from the left-hand side of the box. He played a vital role in Chelsea’s equaliser, beating his man and squaring a perfect ball across the box for Cucurella to tap home. Worked really hard throughout, doing his defensive duties well too. Cole Palmer – 3If this game took place in the first half of the season, Cole Palmer would’ve had two goals in the opening five minutes…The curious case of Cole in 2025 is one that I have studied up close this year, and after being a shock starter in this game, it should have been the perfect chance for him to end his barren run. He picked up a knock early on, but still had chances and just cannot get the ball in the back of the net at the moment. He is really struggling out there right now, which is hard to see for a player with so much undeniable quality. It was another game without a goal or assist for Cole PalmerCredit: ReutersChristopher Nkunku – 2One of the most frustrating players I have seen in a Chelsea shirt. It is bizarre how a player can go from genuinely looking like a star destined for the heights of football for RB Leipzig, to so lacklustre in blue. The Frenchman has so, so much talent, but just doesn’t even look bothered about using it with the form he’s in at the moment – he looks worlds away from the player we saw in pre-season. If you gave most fans a choice between Nkunku and Timo Werner at the moment, they would probably choose the latter. Christopher Nkunku continues to struggle for the BluesCredit: GettyNicolas Jackson – 2Utterly toothless in the first half and didn’t even look like scoring when he was on the pitch. Was hooked at half-time and replaced by Tyrique George as Palmer moved into the striker position.This should have been a game for him to build his confidence after returning from injury, but if anything it would’ve done some damage to him in that aspect. SUBSTyrique George (for Jackson, HT) – 6George is surely deserving of another start in this competition by now. He was denied a goal by the offside flag, but looked generally better than most of his peers when he came on at half-time. He was a little hasty at times with the ball at his feet around the edge of the box, but you can’t blame him at least for trying to score. Malo Gusto (for Cucurella, 57) – 5Played in the pivot in midfield for the most part, alongside Reece James in an experiment that didn’t really work. Cucurella was far better when he was on the pitch but it was the right decision for Maresca to take him off in the grand scheme of things as they will need him for Fulham away at the weekend. Noni Madueke (for Palmer, 57) – 6Was easily Chelsea’s most threatening player after coming off the bench. Took plenty of shots, and should be applauded for that despite none of them hitting the back of the net tonight – at least he injected some energy into his side. Read More on The SunWas unfortunate not to get an assist as his run was slightly offside before he squared the ball for George who tapped into an empty net. Pedro Neto (for Sancho, 83) – 5Didn’t have enough time to make a real impact on the game, and didn’t have many touches at all. Enzo Maresca did not see the type of performance he wantedCredit: AFPLegia Warszawa’s fans certainly created an almighty atmosphere in the away endCredit: Getty More