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      Tottenham 3 AZ Alkmaar 1 (agg 3-2): Odobert scores either side of Maddison to seal incredible Europa League comeback

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      WILSON ODOBERT went from Mr Forgettable to the centre of attention by rescuing Ange Postecoglou in his hour of need.The Frenchman, 20, has hardly played since joining from Burnley in August for £25million due to a serious hamstring injury.Wilson Odobert celebrates his crucial second goalCredit: EPAOdobert slid home the final strike on 74 minutesCredit: AlamyJames Maddison lashed Tottenham’s second goalCredit: APBut he stepped up when it mattered most here as his first goals for the club helped Spurs to a second-leg comeback against AZ and into the Europa League last eight.Odobert netted either side of a James Maddison strike, which he also had a hand in, and a Peer Koopmeiners’ effort which gave AZ some short-lived hope.It was vindication for boss Postecoglou for starting the youngster despite his lack of game-time.And a decision that may well have helped save his job.Most read in FootballMake no mistake, the heat could have cranked up to intolerable levels on the Aussie if he had lost this game.It would have effectively ended their season, given they are out of both domestic cups and down to 13th in the league.But victory last night keeps their Europa League dream alive and the possibility that this difficult second season can still have a glorious finale under the ex-Celtic chief.Postecoglou’s side had stunk the place out in the first leg at the home of the Cheese Farmers.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat is the delightful nickname for AZ Alkmaar on account of the town’s association with the much-loved sandwich filler.Tottenham were lucky to lose only 1-0 and were it not for a couple of top stops from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, they would have been toast at the halfway stage of this tie.Heartwarming reason Tottenham stars all wore odd socks in training ahead of Europa League tie with AZ Alkmaar Postecoglou was boosted by his first-choice centre-back pairing being able to start for the first time in three months.Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven had not lined up alongside each other since they both got injured at home to Chelsea on December 8.Romero made his comeback in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth and looked rusty as an old nail, misplacing passes left, right and centre.But here he looked far more focused from the off and looked to spark attacks from deep whenever he could.The Argentine World Cup winner also added that fire that has been sorely lacking from the Spurs in recent months, snapping into tackles and giving former team-mate Troy Parrott a rollicking when he felt the Irishman was feigning injury.Vicario, Postecoglou and Son had urged the Spurs fans to generate a buzzing atmosphere ahead of the game to give the team every advantage of turning it round.And in fairness, the crowd duly obliged by bringing the noise.Spurs looked far sharper than in the Netherlands – admittedly, a low bar to overcome – and their pressing game was on point.In fact it was from some tireless closing down by captain Son Heung-min that the hosts took the lead.The South Korean’s industry paid off as Wouter Goes’ poor pass deflected off the Spurs skipper into Dominic Solanke’s path.Odobert rifled the opener in the 26th minuteCredit: GettyAZ ace Peer Koopmeiners briefly levelled the tie on aggregateCredit: GettySolanke then squared for Odobert, who blasted in his first strike since the opening day of the season for Burnley against Luton in the Championship – four days before he joined Spurs.Postecoglou often criticises his side for being “too passive” after bad displays but they were aggressive in everything they did here, with Romero and Van de Ven setting the tone.But Spurs have always looked capable of shooting themselves in the foot during Postecoglou’s reign – and long before that, in truth – so you always feared a mistake.Pedro Porro provided one just before half-time with a weak pass straight to the opposition which led to the excellently-named Zico Buurmeester firing a warning shot wide.Then shortly after half-time, Vicario had fans having kittens as he messed around with the ball at his feet and almost lost it to Parrott right in front of his goal.Yet seconds later, Spurs were 2-0 up.Porro won the ball and played it to Odobert, who shipped it on to Maddison.The England man, desperate for a recall to the national squad today (FRI), exchanged a clever one-two with Son before firing home his 11th goal of the season.Spurs looked relatively comfortable at that point – but then, just after the hour, disaster struck.Odobert had raced back to intercept but then saw Bergvall’s careless pass ricochet off him into the path of Koopmeiners, who provided the most clinical of finishes.Eleven minutes later though, the former PSG academy man more than made up for it by finishing off a breathtaking team goal at the far post.Maddison began the move with a clever turn which led to Spence cutting the ball across the box, Solanke backheeling it on and Odobert sticking it in at the far post.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was Ange Ball at its finest – which could not have come at a better time for Postecoglou.The goal reminded everyone what his team is capable of when they are purring, and just why this season can still be a success. 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      Europa League quarter-finals CONFIRMED as Man Utd and Tottenham learn their fate

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham are through to the Europa League quarter-finals. United saw past Real Sociedad 4-1 on the night thanks to a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick – winning 5-2 on aggregate. Bruno Fernandes fired Man Utd into the Europa League quarter-finalsCredit: ReutersJames Maddison helped Spurs into the next roundCredit: GettyAnd they will now play France’s Lyon – who hammered Romania FCSB’s 7-1 over two legs. Spurs beat AZ Alkmaar 3-1 in their second leg and 3-2 overall to progress into the last eight. And they will now play Germans Eintracht Frankfurt, who beat Ajax 4-1 in their last 16 second leg.Bodo/Glimt will also play Lazio while Athletic Bilbao take on Rangers after the Scottish giants dramatically beat Fenerbahce on penalties. READ MORE IN football United went 1-0 down at home to Sociedad after Mikel Oyarzabal fired the Spaniards into a shock lead. But two penalties and an 87th minute Fernandes goal saw his hat-trick heroics guide United through.Fernandes said: “This club is all about winning. We need to win games. “We have a long way to go, but we are confident if we focus on every game ahead and have the right mentality we can win games.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWilson Odobert got two for Tottenham while James Maddison got on the scoresheet to cancel out Peer Koopmeiners consolation. Maddison said: “The next stage is what we set out to do at the start of the two legs. “There was a lot of talk after last week’s performance, we were honest with ourselves it wasn’t good enough.”I know what we’re capable of here and we got the job done. We haven’t achieved anything yet, we’re in the quarter-final and we kick on and we look forward to it.”Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

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      Man Utd 4 Real Sociedad 1 (agg 5-2): Bruno Fernandes scores hat-trick as United storm into Europa League quarter-final

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      IT’S safe to assume Jim Ratcliffe was not talking about Bruno Fernandes when he groaned about certain Manchester United players being ‘overpaid and not good enough’.In fact amid all the job cuts and costs being slashed at Old Trafford, they might have to find a way to give the skipper a pay rise.Bruno Fernandes scored twice from the penalty spot to send his side throughCredit: APThe United skipper kept his cool before slotting homeCredit: APReal Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the fifth minuteCredit: PARasmus Hojlund faltered in front of goal once againCredit: EPATime and time again it is the Portuguese talisman who comes to their rescue. Where would the Red Devils be without him?With their season on a knife edge after an early penalty put Real Sociedad in command, Fernandes was the coolest man on the park – not once, but twice.He scored two spot-kicks of his own – one in each half – to edge Ruben Amorim’s men into the quarter-finals against their 10-man opponents.Then he claimed the match ball by latching onto Alejandro Garnacho’s pass to smash his effort into the corner.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThanks to him a chaotic campaign is still alive – and could still result in an unlikely spot in the Champions League in September.Just five games now separate United from Europa League glory and a ticket back to the top table – if Fernandes carries on playing like this, you never know.The riches that come with that would be a big boost to the Old Trafford coffers – and Amorim’s transfer kitty.Ratcliffe has had plenty to say this week – talking about the situation they walked into last year at United and also some of the players they ‘inherited’.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet three of those he name-checked in his wide-ranging interview – Andre Onana, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund – were all picked to start in a game that was pivotal to their season.As Amorim said pre-match, all of them had the chance to prove themselves to the billionaire Ineos magnate.Wayne Rooney launches brutal attack on Man Utd flops and names only two he’d keep United wasted the chance to all but seal a quarter-final spot in the first leg in San Sebastian last week as they tired and allowed the Spanish side back into it.And the visitors started here like they were determined to make the most of that reprieve.Matthijs De Ligt looked to have just beaten Mikel Oyarzabal to a cross from Artiz Elustondo – and in any case the offside flag went up.But there were a few appeals for a penalty among the travelling fans and the VAR told ref Benoit Bastien to have a look at his monitor.That showed the Euro 2024 winner had drawn a foul from the United defender.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings.Just as he did last week, the Spanish forward scored emphatically from the spot – sending Onana the wrong way.Only 10 minutes gone and United were behind to a team currently 11th in the Spanish league.Given United’s dismal record here this season, heads could easily have gone down but spurred on by the skipper, they hit back.Fernandes rolled a cross into the area and Hojlund looked certain to score until he was shoved in the back by Igor Zubeldia.It was a clear penalty and the Sociedad captain was perhaps a little bit fortunate to escape with only a yellow card.Despite the pressure, Fernandes confidently stroked home his 13th goal of the season beating Alex Remiro from the spot.He wasn’t finished there though – turning provider with a pin-point corner which Patrick Dorgu volleyed onto the top of the net.The Portuguese then played a sweeping pass into the path of the Danish new boy who probably had more time and space than he realised – firing straight at Remiro.Another chance went begging as Joshua Zirkzee sent a low cross into the area that was backheeled by Hojlund but drifted just wide of the post.The £72million forward has not scored in his last 20 appearances before this but was contributing plenty to an improved United display.United probably felt they should have been ahead at the break – but within five minutes of the restart, they were.Artiz Elustondo body checked Dorgu as the January signing tried to get past him and it was enough for the French ref to point to the spot.The Sociedad defender pleaded his innocence and to be fair it was hard to see how he could have got out of the way – but there was not enough evidence to overturn it.And once again Fernandes was the coolest man in the stadium as he slotted home from 12 yards once more.United were now on the front foot and the visitors made their task even more difficult when they went down to 10 men just after the hour.Jon Aramburu had only been on the pitch seven minutes – sent on as the bench were worried Zubeldia could earn a second yellow card.But he chopped down Dorgu as he looked to race clear on goal and was adjudged to be the last man – even though the Dane had a long way still to run.Zirkzee nodded a good chance wide and there were still some nerves with United holding such a slender advantage.But all those were blown away as Garnacho was unselfish for once – slipping a clever pass through to Fernandes who fired a low shot past Remiro.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was still time for another in stoppage time as Hojlund pulled a cross back for Fernandes’ countryman Diogo Dalot to lash home.That completed a great night for Amorim and his Portuguese men of four. 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      Chelsea 1 Copenhagen 0 (agg 3-1): Blues limp into Conference League quarter-finals as Dewsbury-Hall seals win

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      CHELSEA are all cisterns go in Europe thanks to Kiernan Dewbury-Hall.The midfielder’s second half goal sealed his team’s passage into the quarter finals of the Conference League after almost an hour of frustrating football.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored as Chelsea beat Copenhagen 1-0 at Stamford BridgeCredit: PAThe 3-1 aggregate result saw the Blues reach the quarter-finals of the Conference LeagueCredit: AFPPrior to the 55th minute breakthrough, Chelsea had stunk the place out, though it had nothing to do with the lingering pong of star man Cole Palmer’s diarrhoea from the weekend.Dewsbury-Hall’s well placed shot was only the second on target following a first half in which they failed to register a shot of any kind.But the £30 million signing from Leicester last summer has yet to play a full 90 minutes in the Premier League this season so it’s no wonder he might be a bit rusty.His goal was enough to put a two-goal cushion between the two teams and ensure that Chelsea’s last remaining hope of silverware this campaign remains on course.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was also just the thing to avoid the prospect of extra time and the drain that would place on boss Enzo Maresca’s squad just three days before a tough trip to Arsenal which looms this weekend.Maresca has often expressed sympathy for Dewsbury-Hall over his lack of action in the big league.Instead he has been largely restricted to the third-rate Conference League and domestic cups, where he has done a sound job and now scored three times.And with Chelsea’s Italian head coach willing to rotate his team selection week by week, Dewsbury-Hall must be knocking on the door of the first team.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsEspecially as The Blues have hardly been convincing in their drive for a top four or five finish and a return to Champions League football next season.Once Dewsbury-Hall had broken the deadlock, Chelsea could press forward with more confidence and in more relaxed mode.Cole Palmer left bemused as Chelsea star is asked about fighting giant chicken wing Think gutrot victim Palmer before and after he had to rush off the pitch on Sunday to head straight down the tunnel and pay a visit to the little boys’ room.Even Maresca cut an agitated figure prior to the breakthrough goal.At one point slapping one hand into the other in despair at some of his team’s play.Yet he seems happy to jig and rejig his players around, continuing to play Hokey Cokey with his keepers and drafted in Filip Jorgensen in place of Robert Sanchez.Dewsbury-Hall scored Chelsea’s only goal in the 55th minuteCredit: GettyIt had been a drab affair up to his openerCredit: GettyHaving announced the Dane as his number one recently, he was dropped for last week’s first leg and Sunday’s Premier League win over Leicester.And with a sickness bug having staged a mini rampage through the squad in the past few days, illness victims Cole Palmer, Reece James and Christopher Nkunku were left in reserve as substitutes.Chelsea’s Premier League squad is the youngest by far this season and the club’s youth-first policy went to new extremes with the inclusion on the bench of teenager Reggie Walsh.At 16 years and 144 days old, academy boy Walsh was in line to become the second youngest Chelsea debutant of all time being Ian Hamilton.Chelsea were made to work for their winCredit: EPACopenhagen tried giving it a go but lacked quality with their final touchCredit: PAHamilton was 16yrs and 138 days in 1967 when he became an instant hero by scoring against Tottenham while making his professional bow.And with six changes overall to the starting line up which eventually overcame the second worst team in the Premier League at the weekend, there was a slight mix ‘n match feel to Maresca’s team.And with Chelsea  a yard off the pace they could mustered a shot either on or off target by the break. Not what Maresca wanted.With a visit to one of their toughest away grounds coming next, Chelsea were humiliated 5-0 at the Emirates stadium last season, he wanted this game put to bed early.Cole Palmer had another frustrating evening as he came off the benchCredit: EPAEnzo Maresca will be eager to win the Conference LeagueCredit: AFPInstead, the frustration among the fans following the weekend’s grinding win picked up from where it left off.Mis-placed passes and lack of a cutting edge let the visitors off the hook time and time again as a particularly inexperienced team struggled to produce some joined-up footballCopenhagen were no better. But at least they did manage to mount one threat on the goal late in the first half when Viktor Claesson headed goalbound from a corner and Jorgensen had to save under his crossbar.When the half time whistle blew a few moments later there was an audible smattering of boos from fed-up fans, grumpy at the lack of decisiveness.The muffled jeers turned to cheers when Maresca switched things up and made two half time substitutions – bringing on left back Cucurella and Palmer in a bid to inject some energy.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe tempo quickly ramped up with Enzo Fernandez hitting the home side’s first meaningful shot of the night which was beaten away by keeper Diant Ramaj.And Maresca was finally smiling when Dewsbury-Hall stayed on his feet while ploughing through the Danish defence to rifle home the shot which sealed the tie and Chelsea’s passage into the last eight next month.Chelsea player ratingsCHELSEA are into the Conference League quarter-finals after beating Copenhagen 1-0.A rare moment of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall magic and two half-time subs igniting the game and the crowd were the difference.Cole Palmer’s half-time introduction alongside Marc Cucurella certainly injected some energy into the Chelsea attack, but he was still unable to break his run of poor form in this one.Enzo Maresca and his men will be hoping that small issue is fixed before they face Legia Warsaw in the next round.Check out our full Chelsea player ratings. 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      Walking into England dressing room after Euros final defeat was so hard – but we CAN win World Cup, says Prince William

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      PRINCE William revealed one of his toughest tasks as FA ­President was consoling England’s crushed players shortly after the gut-wrenching defeat in the final of Euro 2024.The royal joined the deflated stars following the shattering 2-1 loss to Spain in Berlin and admitted: “That was the hardest changing room atmosphere I’ve ever had to walk into.After the whistle blew at the Olympic Stadium, the future king consoled the stars including captain Harry KaneCredit: EPAWilliam and George collapsing back into their seats, hands over their faces, as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the late winnerCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Prince William and England manager Thomas TuchelCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace“They were really down. They realised they’d given it their all and they’d been on such a journey.“It felt like the culmination should have been a successful ­victory for them.”However, footie-mad Wills is still quietly hopeful for the future and feels the Three Lions will be “as close as we’ve ever been” to winning a World Cup in two years.The Prince had taken on the FA presidency 18 years before the shattering defeat against Spain which he shared with son Prince George, then ten, who sat by his side.READ MORE ON PRINCE WILLIAMHe famously marked his appointment by turning up at England training and asking beanpole striker Peter Crouch to perform his robot goal celebration for him. The foundations are very strong, and we’ve got good leadership with Thomas having arrived.Prince WilliamEngland sadly failed to get past the quarter-finals that summer and, ever since, William has been as frustrated as any other England supporter at their continuing inability to lift a trophy.His hopes had been high in the Euro 2020 decider at Wembley, but Italy won that on penalties.“Do you know, I thought it was our time at the first final,” he said.Most read in FootballThat result made last year’s further disappointment doubly difficult to take, he said — as was evident from the images of him and George collapsing back into their seats, hands over their faces, as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the late winner and shattered English dreams.William said: “To go and see it again and be so close when the guys had really given it their all was very difficult.”Prince William picks Messi vs Ronaldo winner and gives David Beckham a huge boost | Big Shot BattleAfter the whistle blew at the Olympic Stadium, the future king consoled the stars including captain Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham as well as long-term manager Gareth Southgate.Like Southgate, he too stepped down after that final, but he has since taken on the role of FA patron instead of president and is as big an England fan as ever.The appointment of the German Thomas Tuchel as manager attracted criticism from those who felt the job should have gone to an Englishman.And William himself was involved in the development of the FA’s national training centre at St George’s Park, which was supposed to provide a pathway for English coaches.In fact, he opened the facility, which is just outside Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, back in 2012.He well understands that concern about an English coach being denied the top job this time round but is enthusiastic about what former Chelsea boss Tuchel can bring to the table.And he is optimistic that England have a real chance of getting their hands on the 2026 World Cup.He said: “I’m still linked to the FA but as a patron rather than president now. However, I loved my time as president.Prince William with former England manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyWilliam is optimistic that England have a real chance of getting their hands on the 2026 World CupCredit: Dan Charity“I learned an awful lot about the football world and the England set-up. I was trying to do my bit to work out how to bring the best minds in so that England could win a World Cup.“We’re now as close as we’ve ever been, I really do feel that. The foundations are very strong, and we’ve got good leadership with Thomas having arrived. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us.”He went on: “The FA is in quite a stable place which it hasn’t always been in the past when I was involved when I was younger.“It’s all coming together nicely. We just need the results on the pitch to go our way. We are going to see how Thomas sets up and who he picks.”He’s only got two years so it’s a short turnaround but I am quietly confident we are in a good position.”’Right person for job’Tuchel is due to announce his first England squad today. William was informed about the decision to hire him before it became public knowledge and he has had no reason to doubt it was the right move.The dad of three went on: “Having met him, I’m definitely happy about that decision.“I think he will bring serious detail and experience and wisdom to the role. Gareth Southgate was an incredible manager who did brilliantly and really laid the foundations for success.“He was very unlucky that he just didn’t quite manage to get us over the line. He gave it his all.“Of course I was sad to see him leave. He’s a lovely guy who did an incredible job.“He was the manager for nearly nine years, which is a long time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, as regards finding his successor, I’m excited by what Thomas might bring.“I think he is exactly the right person for the job.”WILLING ENGLAND ONPRINCE William’s tenure as FA President has been marked by a huge upturn in form.May 2006: He takes over from uncle Prince Andrew.June 2006: He cheers on England and meets fans at the World Cup in Germany.2010: He and Prince Harry visit the England camp in South Africa.2012-2014: The future King stays home for the disappointing Euro 2012 and the dismal 2014 World Cup in Brazil.2016: Wills says the FA’s governance structure needs reform, at a lunch commemorating his ten-year anniversary as president.2018: The Prince does not attend the World Cup in Russia but he tweeted after the 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter finals: “You wanted to make history England and you are doing just that.”2021: The president continues his hands-on approach to the Three Lions during the Covid-delayed Euro 2020.He gave a dressing room speech after England’s final defeat to Italy, which he watched alongside wife Kate and son George at Wembley.2022: Wills and Kate cheer the Lionesses on to England’s first trophy since 1966 at the Euro 2022 final at Wembley.2024: He roars England to victory over Switzerland at Euro 2024 — months after the double cancer diagnosis shock of Kate and dad Charles. He steps down after loss in final. More

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      Prince William reveals superstitious match day rituals when watching Villa & how he lurks on fan forums with random name

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      PRINCE William has spoken of falling in love with Aston Villa after being taken to a match by friends as a boy.The heir, 42, said he was gripped by the “sense of belonging” and the passion of his fellow football fans.Prince William has revealed his ‘passion’ for Aston Villa and shares his superstitions, including moving the kids around during gamesCredit: Dan CharityGeorge, Charlotte and Louis better not get comfortable if their dad is watching Aston Villa losingCredit: GettyPrince William enjoys a matchday at Villa Park – where he enjoys mixing with the other fansCredit: GettyWills also revealed he visits fan forums anonymously online — and moves his kids around when watching at home to bring the team luck.We sat down with the heir to the throne for a chat at Villa’s training ground on the eve of their Champions League win over Club Brugge.They now have a glamour tie with PSG in the last eight to look forward to — and their fans can maybe dream of the glory days when they lifted the European Cup.Wills said: “Yep they won it, 1982, the year I was born. There’s a nice connection with them straight away.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut how did he become a Villa fan, seeing as he had no obvious connection with the Midlands?William, now 42, concedes it was relatively late when he got the bug but he was gripped by the camaraderie, and his interest intensified when Villa got relegated in 2016.He said: “There were a few moments that happened. I had some family friends who took me to my first Villa game when I was younger because they are big Villa fans.“It was against Bolton and I sat in the stands with my Villa beanie hat on and I remember Paul Merson was playing for Villa at the time. With the camaraderie among the fans and the chanting and the singing, I just felt like I belonged there.Most read in Football“I kept an eye on Villa from then on but didn’t get too involved initially. But Villa being relegated to the Championship in 2016 got me even more interested, strangely.“A few years earlier, we’d finished sixth under Martin O’Neill and now we weren’t even in the Premier League. Prince William on recreating Ronaldo’s goal celebration in his garden as he builds ‘Perfect Footballer'”I’m not certain why I became much more interested then but it might have been due to the rise of the smartphone.“I’d grown up looking at Ceefax on the television or the back pages of newspapers and if you didn’t have those to hand you were a bit out of the loop.“But now you can get so much data and follow how your team is doing all the time and there’s so much more discussion and debate. That’s how my passion really increased.“I’m incredibly proud of the club and the journey it’s been on. It’s hard to put into words and a lot of Villa fans are still pinching themselves a bit that we’re here and we’ve done this.”’The atmosphere was electric’William poured praise on manager Unai Emery, and said he can learn from his exceptional eye for detail and man-management skills. “He went on: “Last season was very tense and we were wondering if we’d get over the line to get in the Champions League and when we did it was a big deal.“When I came up here to see the team, the atmosphere was electric.“We are all so proud and pleased with what they’ve done and you can see the difference with a manager like Unai, who brings people together and works hard on the little details. “He’s a really good man-manager with a great support staff around him and the players enjoy playing for him.I’m kind of hoping they’ll all find their own teams in time. They don’t all have to be Villa fans. I’m trying not to be biased but obviously they see how passionate I am about it and they watch the matches with me.Prince William“There have been lots of good managers in Villa’s time but I’d say Unai is a step up on some of them in terms of his formations, and the length of detail he goes into with his videos. “He spends hours debriefing the previous match to get them ready for the next one.“He lives, eats, breathes and sleeps football and it gives you a bit of a lesson in life that if you really want to do something right, you’ve got to throw everything at it and give your time. “Unai is that dedicated, a completely obsessed man of football and that rubs off on the players.“If you’re doing what you love and speaking so well about how you love it then they’ll follow you. It’s quite a good leadership point.”William has often taken son George to games but is not forcing his eldest, or their siblings Charlotte or Louis, into supporting Villa.He said: “I’m kind of hoping they’ll all find their own teams in time. They don’t all have to be Villa fans. I’m trying not to be biased but obviously they see how passionate I am about it and they watch the matches with me. I’m trying to spread the love a little bit.“They do have Villa shirts, and ask to come to games with me, but they have other shirts as well. There’s been a bit of courting going on by other managers too.”William also revealed his irritation over the TV blackout, which bans Premier League games from being broadcast in England at 3pm on a Saturday.He said: “Getting up to Villa Park isn’t the easiest thing for me but I like to watch as many games as I possibly can either by being there or on TV. “I’ve tried to really make an effort to get there for all the Champions League games because it feels like that’s something you’ve got to make the most of when you’re in it. “The biggest thing at home is trying to find it on TV sometimes because obviously you’ve got the Saturday 3pm blackout which is irritating.”Illegal firestickHe puts the shutters up when it is suggested he could use an illegal firestick. He laughs: “Haha, no comment on that one. I’m a paid-up member of Villa TV though so I keep up to date through that. “But it’s really annoying that we still can’t watch our own team’s Premier League match in this country but you can go abroad and watch any game any time.”So when he watches Villa on TV, does he get into the matchday spirit as if he was in the ground?I like mixing with the fans. Anything Villa I love and they all love their Villa. It’s a family within a family and I do feel part of the Villa family.Prince WilliamHe replied: “If I’m home alone with the children, I probably don’t have the pre-match pint but I do have a bit of superstition about where I sit when I’m watching them. “If we’re not doing very well, I start moving round the house quite quickly and I put the children in different positions hoping that’s going to change our luck.” William recently popped into a Birmingham Wetherspoons to join Villa fans for a beer before a game at Everton.He said: “I like mixing with the fans. Anything Villa I love and they all love their Villa.“It’s a family within a family and I do feel part of the Villa family. This club does an awful lot — and I know lots of clubs do it too — but I particularly feel it with Villa in my life that I’m very included.“The morals and the vision and the general atmosphere and the culture of the club really matters.“For me, it’s always been very welcoming, very diverse, and all-encompassing.” He unhesitatingly names Irish stalwart defender of the 90s, Paul McGrath, as the greatest Villa player ever, while he also has a particular soft spot for Norwegian striker John Carew.He said: “Yeah it has to be McGrath, doesn’t it? I really liked Carew as well, he was a serious all-round player. There’s been quite a few good ones, but they are two who I would pick out.”He also loves to chip in with his opinions on fans’ internet forums, posting anonymously of course.He revealed: “I like going on the forums, I can be on there for ages. I listen to what other fans have to say and give them my opinions. I get quite into it, definitely. It’s important to have that debate.”However, he added: “Having said that, while I may be an armchair fan, I wouldn’t presume to tell Unai if he’s doing anything wrong.“I’m fascinated by what Unai is doing and how he tweaks his system and what he sees. “I’d love to know more about how he goes about managing the team better and how do you see those little details which no one else does.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Wills chats with Villa fave Morgan RogersCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceThe prince is full of praise for Villa’s Spanish manager Unai EmeryCredit: ReutersWills sits down for an exclusive chat with The Sun’s head of sport, Shaun CustisCredit: Dan Charity More

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      Paul Scholes ‘jumps out of his skin’ live on TNT Sports as pundit is shocked by Man Utd’s pre-game antics

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      PAUL SCHOLES “jumped out of his skin” at Old Trafford as Manchester United prepared for a huge European night.And it wasn’t the unpredictable horrors offered up by United this season that made him do it!Paul Scholes and Karen Carney were both caught outBruno Fernandes hit a penalty leveller in an absorbing second legCredit: APThe Red Devils were readying for Real Sociedad in the Europa League last-16 second leg.And at 1-1 from the first leg in Spain, it was understandable if TNT Sports pundit Scholes was a little nervous.United were looking for more than a spark of intervention.But it was something even more dazzling that caught out the former England midfielder and colleague Karen Carney. READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited suddenly let off fireworks around the famous old ground.And TNT’s commentator told viewers the pair of pundits leapt with surprise when the pyrotechnics fizzed into action.Armchair observers weren’t able to see the reaction of Scholes and Carney for themselves – as the cameras weren’t on the twitchy duo at the time.It came after Scholes backed plans for a £2billion new home unveiled by United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “I was quite excited to hear it. It’s about time United caught up.”I think the time is right to move to a better, bigger, brilliant stadium.”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Meanwhile, on the pitch It was the Red Devils who were soon looking jumpy – as Mikel Oyarzabal hit a 10th-minute penalty opener for Sociedad.That put the visitors 2-1 in front on aggregate, with a quarter-final place at stake.But United soon rocketed back into it, thanks to a spot-kick of their own from Bruno Fernandes. More

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      James Maddison and Pedro Porro in heated row in huge Tottenham match forcing captain Son Heung-min to separate them

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      TOTTENHAM captain Son Heung-min had to intervene as James Maddison and Pedro Porro squabbled over free-kick duty. Spurs were 1-0 against AZ Alkmaar just before the break when the set-piece was awarded. Son Heung-min had to intervene as James Maddison and Pedro Porro squabbled over free-kick dutyCredit: GettyThe two rowed over who would takeCredit: APMaddison picked up the ball ready to take it but was challenged by Porro – who tried to grab it from him. The two were then in a heated exchange of words before skipper Son get between the two for Maddison to take the free-kick. One fan said: “This is so embarrassing.”Another fumed: “I hate this nonsense with a passion.”READ MORE IN football One said: “Son Heung-min, a footballer with zero haters.”Another joked: “Why do they have to keep embarrassing me.”Maddison actually doubled Spurs’ lead on 48 minutes and was joined in celebration by Porro.His goal was sandwiched by two Wilson Odobert strikes which saw Tottenham win 3-1 on the night.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat was enough to see them progress 3-2 on aggregate, relieving the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglu. Spurs play Frankfurt in the quarter-finals and Maddison said: “The next stage is what we set out to do at the start of the two legs. “There was a lot of talk after last week’s performance, we were honest with ourselves it wasn’t good enough.”I know what we’re capable of here and we got the job done. We haven’t achieved anything yet, we’re in the quarter-final and we kick on and we look forward to it.” Porro and Maddison made up in celebration later onCredit: AFP More