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      Man Utd ratings: Kobbie Mainoo shines in new role vs FCSB while poor Tyrell Malacia gets hooked at half time

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      KOBBIE MAINOO ran the show as Manchester United marched on in the Europa League in Romania.The Red Devils went into the game looking to guarantee their spot in the top eight of the league phase.Kobbie Mainoo was the best of the bunch in RomaniaCredit: APTyrell Malacia left much to be desired in his 45 minutes of actionCredit: RexMainoo, 19, partnered with fellow academy product Toby Collyer. from the start.He was allowed more freedom in a new role, which saw him further up the pitch to support the likes of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.The midfielder set up Diogo Dalot for the opening goal with a brilliant low cross.It then got even better for Mainoo as he netted the second with a cool finish to wrap up the result.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, it was another game to forget for Tyrell Malacia, as he was hooked at half-time after struggling to make an impact.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the United players…Altay Bayindir – 6He was often a bystander during the game despite the hosts often getting up the pitch.Did show that he needs to work on his ball control with his feet with a few sloppy clearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNoussair Mazraoui – 7Battled well at times as he took up the third centre-back role.Did very little wrong throughout the match.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are a better team with Marcus Rashford but he has to change Matthijs de Ligt – 7Solid showing from the Dutchman in Romania who provided the muscle in the backline.Lisandro Martinez 70′ – 6Did well to help out in defence and keep the ball moving forward.Although, he should never have been allowed to take a decent free-kick opportunity in the first half that he blazed over.Diogo Dalot – 7Diogo Dalot grabbed the opening goalCredit: GettyOut on the wing, Dalot struggled to have a good impact on the game and was caught out on occasion when needing to defend.But proved crucial as he netted the opening goal with a tap in after making a good run at the back post. Toby Collyer 45′ – 6Made up one-half of Man United’s academy midfield duo and looked composed throughout the clash.He did not let the occasion get to him, as he showed plenty of strength when required.Harshly hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 8Kobbie Mainoo set up the opener and then scored himselfCredit: APExcelled in a slightly more advanced role to Collyer in the midfielder.Mainoo set up the opener with a cracking low cross to Dalot before scoring himself with a composed finish.Tyrell Malacia 45′ – 5Provided plenty of width in the left-wing-back role and whipped in a couple of decent crosses.Was replaced at the break Christian Eriksen 70′ – 6Forced a decent save inside 20 minutes and linked the play between the midfield and final third.Fell off during the second half and was replaced by Casemiro.Bruno Fernandes – 6Had a couple of moans at the referee in the first half and was largely quiet.Benefitted from the changes at the break as he had more natural attackers to link up with.Rasmus Hojlund 80′ – 5The on-trial striker put in plenty of effort as he was often making runs.Had a decent chance with his head but failed to get enough power on it to trouble the goalkeeper.SubsAmad Diallo 45′ – 6Added a bit more threat on the wing after replacing Malacia.Alejandro Ganracho 45′ – 7Alejandro Garnacho set up Mainoo’s goalCredit: APAlmost made an instant impact as he latched onto a loose ball but his effort hit the wrong side of the post.Picked up an assist with a decent pass to Mainoo.Leny Yoro 70′ – 6Slotted into the backline to help see out the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESCasemiro 70′ – 6Dropped deep into the midfield and gave himself as an option for defenders to pass to do move the ball forward.Joshua Zirkzee 80′ – 5Did not get much of an opportunity to grab a goal. More

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      Premier League giants considering ‘bubble wrap’ stadium expansion that would boost capacity by 8,000 seats

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      NEWCASTLE are said to be considering a “bubble wrap” stadium expansion.The Magpies are planning to boost St James’ Park by 8,100 seats.Newcastle could have a stadium with a ‘bubble wrap’ lookCredit: AlamyThe club are considering expanding St James’ ParkCredit: GettyPlans would see the stadium’s capacity jump from to 60,300 seats from 52,000.And Newcastle have now engaged architects to design plans for a redevelopment of the iconic ground.There is also an option of building a new stadium at the nearby Leazes Park, which could boast a capacity of 70,000.The club has met with architects KSS and Ryder with drawings of the two options being produced.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Mail claims that some of the drawings have shown the ground to have a “bubble wrap” design around it.It would, therefore, look similar to Ligue 1 outfit Le Havre’ Stade Oceane.The French ground has a bubble wrap design, which is a striking blue colour.If Newcastle were to remain at St James’ Park it is thought the ground would not drastically change its appearance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, it would be expected to undergo major work through the 133-year venue.The extra seating would be expected to be incorporated into a redeveloped Gallowgate End.Newcastle to snub new stadium and expand St James’ Park in ‘one of most ambitious rebuilds seen in UK’Plans could increase St James’ Park’s capacity by 8,000Credit: GettyThe report has claimed that a formal announcement over the stadium’s future could be delayed until the end of the season.Newcastle’s chief operating officer, Brad Miller insisted that the aim is to remain at St James’ Park.He said in November: “The first choice is to stay. If we stayed at St. James’, we have 52,000 seats already.”It comes with significantly more money if we transform it and it will look amazing. That’s option one.“Option two is if we were to move away, and not too far away as we aren’t going to stretch the elastic band to the point of breaking.”The second option, we are looking at it seriously as it does have the potential to earn more than twice as much in terms of revenue, compared to a transformation of St. James’ Park. And more seats, a lot more seats potentially.“The brilliant thing about St. James’ is it is an iconic location, the atmosphere and the competitive edge it gives the team on the pitch – and it has 52,000 seats already.“A new stadium doesn’t have that, and we’d have to pay for all those seats again.”But a new stadium has the potential to earn a lot more, both on match days and non-match days.“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So, everything we are doing, do we invest and transform St James’ as we see it today on site where we are? Or do we take that bold move and think about moving?”The club could also move into a new stadium More

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      Why Arsenal had TOUGHEST run to Champions League knockouts… and Man City should have cruised through

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      IT’S official – Arsenal had the toughest run of the four Premier League teams in this year’s Champions League.The revamped format resulted in a chaotic final Gameweek on Wednesday with 18 matches played simultaneously. Arsenal endured the toughest run of all four Prem teams in this year’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyOur research shows Pep Guardiola’s Man City were the biggest underperformersCredit: RexAll four of Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool remain in this year’s competition. But City – the winners in 2023 – are the only English side who have to undertake the dreaded playoff route.Liverpool were safely through to the last-16 before kick-off against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.While wins for both Arsenal and Aston Villa successfully secured their path to the knockouts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport has crunched the numbers and found the Gunners endured the hardest schedule of the four Prem sides.Pep Guardiola’s City – who won just 3 of their 8 games – were the biggest underperformers, according to our research. With every team’s schedule different, we looked at the final points tally for each team the Prem sides faced.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost read in FootballTo make it fair, we’ve also looked at the number of games played against teams that eventually finished in the top 8. Teams playing against Arsenal amassed 92 points over the course of the group stage – the most of any English team. Man City boss Pep Guardiola looks forward to the return of injured players to help Champions League campaign That’s four more total points than those who faced Liverpool, with the Reds going through as group winners. City’s opponents clocked up 83 points, while teams playing Villa could only muster 72.Arne Slot’s Reds also had to take on two of the eventual top 8 – Lille and Leverkusen. Arsenal and City faced one of the eventual top 8 in Inter Milan. But City – who scraped through on Wednesday with a comeback win against Club Brugge – really should have secured qualification. They faced both Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague, who managed to amass just four points combined. City also came up against Paris Saint-Germain, who before the tournament kicked off looked to have a nightmare run. The French champions’ total came out at 93 points, just one ahead of the Gunners.While reigning champions Real Madrid – who could be on a collision course with City in the playoffs – played against teams who racked up a whopping 108 points.Arsenal’s third-placed finish means they will face one of AC Milan, Juventus, PSV or Feyenoord in the last-16.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool could draw either PSG, Benfica, AS Monaco or Brest.While Villa will take on either Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon or Club Brugge. More

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      Tottenham ‘agree £50million Mathys Tel transfer’ but Bayern star now set to choose between Premier League clubs

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      TOTTENHAM have reportedly agreed a £50million fee for Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel.Spurs had originally been tracking the 19-year-old striker for a potential loan deal this January.Tottenham have reportedly agreed a fee with Bayern for Mathys TelCredit: RexBut reports in France suggest the Premier League club have agreed a fee with the Bundesliga giants.Tel must now make a decision on whether to swap Munich for North London, according to L’Equipe. But Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in bringing him to England. Tel was a wonderkid at Rennes, where he became the Ligue 1 side’s youngest-ever player in 2021. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe earned a big-money move to Bayern a year later, but has played a bit-part role this season. The teenager has been plagued by injuries, resulting in just 8 appearances and no goals in 2024/25. Tel is contracted at the Allianz Arena until 2029. But he is looking for regular minutes after a stuttering campaign, with Tottenham desperate for a versatile forward.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTel, blessed with electric pace, can play anywhere along the front three.Spurs have been dogged by an injury crisis, with boss Ange Postecoglou clinging on to his job after a weekend loss to Leicester.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou shows his dissagpointment after defeat to Leicester Tottenham have also been linked with Yoane Wissa from Brentford.Foot Mercato claims talks are underway and that Spurs have contacted Wissa to express their interest.The 28-year-old has been vital for the Bees since his arrival from Lorient in 2021.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      ‘This is laughable’ say fans as Arsenal CHARGED by FA after reaction to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs Wolves

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      THE FA has charged Arsenal for “improper” conduct against Wolves on Saturday.Arsenal stars were left furious when Myles Lewis-Skelly received a straight red card at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty around 90 yards out from goal.Arsenal stars have been charged after stars surrounded the referee against WolvesCredit: GettyThey subsequently surrounded referee Michael Oliver to appeal the decision just before half-time.And the Gunners have now been charged for the incident.An FA statement read: “Arsenal FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC on Saturday, 25 January.”The club allegedly failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner around the 43rd minute.”Arsenal FC has until Monday, 3 February, to provide a response.”The Gunners went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to a 74th-minute strike from summer signing Riccardo Calafiori.Mikel Arteta was left “fuming” as a result of the red card despite the win.However, Oliver’s controversial decision was overturned earlier this week following an appeal.Most read in FootballLewis-Skelly’s dismissal was deemed to be “wrongful” and his three-game suspension was rescinded.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Arsenal vs Man City live stream: How to watch Premier League clash

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      ARSENAL and Manchester City meet head to head in the Premier League’s blockbuster fixture on Sunday.While both teams are fresh off a Champions league win, both sides will quickly turn their attention back to the domestic campaign in the interim.Arsenal won again in the Champions League securing third spotCredit: GettyMan City scraped through to the qualifying rounds after a first half scareCredit: PAArsenal have been in somewhat decent form winning five of their last seven games with no losses – Mikel Arteta knows they need nothing other than a win to keep their faint hopes of the Premier League title alive.Last time Arsenal were in domestic action, they overcame Wolves with 10 men by a one goal margin. As for City, they strolled past Chelsea putting them back up to fourth in the league. Despite City’s terrible start to the season, since Christmas they are slowly returning to their normal selves being unbeaten in six in the league winning four of them. It’s a fixture that could prove massive for both sides, with Arsenal dropping points could mean their title chances will be all but over.How to watch Arsenal vs Man CityArsenal and City’s mouthwatering clash will be broadcast live on Sky in the UK.Fans will also have the option to stream all entire action on Sky Go App and NowTV which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet. Alternatively, tune into SunSport’s comprehensive live blog for all the action as it happens. Kick-off for the huge match is scheduled to get underway at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, February 2.What other Premier League games are happening on the weekend?Nottingham Forest vs BrightonBournemouth vs LiverpoolEverton vs LeicesterIpswich vs SouthamptonNewcastle vs FulhamWolves vs Aston VillaBrentford vs SpursMan Utd vs Crystal Palace More

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      Inside 14,591-seater third tier stadium that could host El Clasico as desperate Barcelona seek venue to face Real Madrid

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      BARCELONA could play the final two games of their La Liga season in a THIRD DIVISION stadium.The club’s billion-pound expansion of their iconic Nou Camp home – which will become a 105,000-seater ground – was set to be completed in February.Barcelona are currently playing away from their iconic Nou Camp groundCredit: APThe world-famous stadium is undergoing a major revamp and expansionCredit: REXBarca have been playing their games at the Estadi Lluis Companys during their hiatus but could be turfed out for their last two fixturesCredit: ALAMYBut it was recently announced the works on the Catalan colosseum won’t be finished until MAY at the earliest.Barca have been playing their home matches at the Estadi Lluis Companys but could be forced to play elsewhere if the Rolling Stones take over the venue.The 58,000-seater Olympic Stadium has already been booked out for several concerts in May, including the first show of the Stones’ upcoming European tour.The Catalans are set to welcome bitter rivals Real Madrid and Villarreal to the Nou Camp in their final matches of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut they’ve been handed a potential lifeline by third division side Gimnastic de Tarragona.The Primera Federacion side have offered the La Liga giants use of their 14,591 capacity Nou Estadi Costa Daurada stadium for the final games of their domestic campaign.Nastic president Lluis Fabregas told Diari de Tarragona: “Nastic could give up its facilities at the Nou Estadi for this match.”Barca, however, will be hoping they won’t have to make use of the third tier side’s home.Most read in FootballThe club – which were said to be considering using Wembley for El Clasico – are reportedly on the verge of striking an agreement with the local council to permit 24/7 works to the ground over the coming months.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBarca chiefs insist the Nou Camp will re-open it’s doors come MayCredit: GETTYBarca president Joan Laporta recently moved to quell concerns about the club’s return to the Nou Camp, saying: “[It] will be as soon as possible when possible.”During an appearance on RAC 1, vice-president Elena Fort said: “[The] return will be before the end of this season.”Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou Barcelona will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, hosting relegation battlers Alaves. More

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      Keira Walsh closing in on sensational transfer deadline day move to Chelsea from Barcelona

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      KEIRA WALSH is set to become Chelsea’s latest high profile signing with the club closing in on a deadline day swoop for England ace. The midfielder, previously linked with Arsenal, is set to join the WSL giants four days after they signed USA defender Naomi Girma. Chelsea’s impending of signing Keira Walsh is a huge boost for the club who hope to win the Women’s Champions League for the first time in their historyCredit: GettyWalsh’s upcoming move to the WSL leaders follows a trophy-laden spell at Barcelona with whom she won two Champions League medalsCredit: APThe Blues have agreed a transfer fee of £500,000 with Walsh’s current side Barcelona, according to Sky Sports. The former Man City ace is due to have a medical with Chelsea aiming to seal their deal before today’s January transfer deadline. The England star will be eligible to feature for Sonia Bompastor’s team in the Champions League knockout phase with the quarter-finals taking place in March. Chelsea’s signing of Walsh will be a massive coup for the team who are currently top of the Women’s Super League and chasing an eighth top-flight title win. Read More Football StoriesLast September reports in Spain claimed WSL rivals had a record transfer bid for the midfielder rejectedThe Rochdale-born player, who began her senior club career at Blackburn Rovers at the age of 16, has evolved into one of the sports’s most gifted midfielders. The player, who grew up watching Spanish football, played a key role in helping Manchester City win the WSL title in 2016 in the second year of her eight-year stint at the club. And after joining Barcelona in September 2022, for a then world record £400,000 fee, Walsh has gone on to become an integral part of  the LaLiga giants. Most read in FootballIn addition to making 54 top flight appearances for the club whose stars include Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, the midfielder lifted eight major titles. Her silverware wins include two Champions League trophies, two La Liga Women’s titles and three Spanish Super Cups. The midfielder was also among the nominees for last year’s Fifa best women’s player of the year gong which was awarded to Bonmati. Since providing an assist on her senior England debut in a 5-0 World Cup qualifier defeat of Kazakhstan, Walsh has also shone on the international stage. The midfielder started in every single one of the Lionesses’ matches during the 2022 Women’s Euros. Among her tournament highlights was a standout pass that led to Ella Toone’s opening goal in their 2-1 tournament final defeat of Germany at Wembley. And she is in strong contention for a place in Sarina Wiegman’s squad ahead of this year’s Euros in July. Earlier this move Chelsea strengthened their defensive options by signing Olympic gold medal-winning USA centre-back Naomi GirmaCredit: GettyWalsh’s impending Blues move comes two and a half years on from Chelsea being linked with the player prior to her Barcelona move. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club made headlines earlier this month by signing Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for a record breaking US$1.1million dollar feeWalsh’s switch will see her become the second England star the Blues have signed from Barcelona following Lucy Bronze joining as a free agent in July last year. More