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      Man Utd star Andre Onana avoided red card due to little-known rule as Bodo/Glimt star reveals referee’s explanation

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      ANDRE ONANA avoided a red card against Bodo/Glimt due to a little-known rule.The Cameroonian, 28, was in action as Manchester United came from behind to beat their Norwegian opponents 3-2 in the Europa League.Andre Onana appeared to handle outside the boxCredit: TNT SportsOnana helped his side to a comeback winCredit: GettyLawrence Visser elected not to punish Andre OnanaCredit: RexWith 15 minutes remaining, Onana was involved in a highly contentious moment.As Bodo/Glimt broke forward, the United stopper raced out of his goal.Onana challenged Jens Petter Hauge, with the ball clearly striking his arm and stopping Bodo/Glimt’s attack.Referee Lawrence Visser immediately waved away the visitors’ claims.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision was then cleared by VAR as the game continued.After his side’s defeat, Bodo/Glimt’s skipper Patrick Berg revealed Visser’s on-field explanation for the decision.He told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: “I feel Jens tries to drag the ball past Onana and then it hits his hand.”He [Visser] explains that there is a rule that states that the ball can hit the hand if it is on the ground as a support, then it does not matter.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd ratings vs Bodo/GlimtWhile the decision not to send Onana off was correct by the letter of the law, it still left some opposition players with a sour taste.Hakon Evjen added: “It looked like he takes it with his hand now and then, whether there is support or not.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt “It is an open target for Jens at 20 metres, so it is at least debatable.”Man Utd had taken the lead after just 48 seconds via Alejandro Garnacho.But Bodo/Glimt stunned the Old Trafford crowd by turning the game on its head courtesy of strikes by Evjen And Philip Zinckernagel.Rasmus Hojlund levelled on the stroke of half-time, before grabbing what turned out to be the winner on 50 minutes.After the game, Onana caught up with a high-profile compatriot.The goalkeeper beamed as he posed for a snap with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.Onana beams as he poses with Francis NgannouCredit: GettyPatrick Berg revealed the referee’s decision making processCredit: Getty More

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      I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who had the world at my feet but I lost control of my career after bold transfer

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      MICHAEL OWEN believes he “lost control” of his career the moment he left Liverpool for Real Madrid.The former England international swapped Merseyside for Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight goal-filled seasons with the Reds.Michael Owen joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight seasons with LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportSome of the Anfield faithful turned on the former academy star after his departureCredit: GETTYOwen believes his departure from the club was the moment he ‘lost control’ of his careerCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe stunning move to the Bernabeu, however, didn’t go to plan as he failed to win a trophy in his sole season with the Galacticos, in which he scored 16 goals in 45 appearances.He returned to England the following summer for a four-season stint with Newcastle before a shock move to Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United in July 2009.Some of the Kop faithful still resent Owen for joining the Red Devils, although the 44-year-old believes their resentment originally stemmed from him leaving Anfield in the first place.He told The Telegraph: “The moment I chose to go to Real Madrid I lost control of my career and what the perceptions of it are.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I don’t love going to Anfield now because I know I am not loved back.”I tend to only go when I am working. It’s not that I dread going, but for a long time I used to bury my head when driving back to the academy to see friends.”I have told myself since, ‘I should not have been feeling like that.'”People say now, ‘It was because he signed for Manchester United.’ Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Owen’s career statsLiverpool: 297 appearances – 158 goals & 49 assistsReal Madrid: 45 appearances – 16 goals & four assistsNewcastle United: 79 appearances – 30 goals & 2 assistsManchester United: 52 appearances – 17 goals & three assistsStoke City: Nine appearances – One goalClub Total: 483 appearances – 223 goals & 58 assistsEngland: 89 appearances: 40 goals & 12 assists”But the whole world knows there has been some history rewritten there.”There was resentment directed at me before then when I played for Newcastle, even though I had a clause in my Newcastle contract that I could re-sign for Liverpool every summer.Michael Owen heartbreakingly admits he prays every single night for cure for rare disease that has blinded his son James“The Manchester United aspect is now an easier stick to beat me with.”But when I came back to Anfield for the first time as a Newcastle player, there were a few hundred, possibly a thousand supporters, booing me.”I can’t forget how I, my parents, and my former Liverpool team-mates felt.”Everyone who understood and appreciated the reality of the situation was disappointed on my behalf.”Owen never had any ambitions of leaving Liverpool, let alone playing abroad, when he was at the peak of his powers.But he would have kicked himself had he not taken the opportunity to play for the European giants.The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner admitted: “I never had big ambitions to play abroad. “Really, but I fit the bill as the type of player they pursued.”If you are scoring goals, are a creative midfielder, or an amazing, unique type of right-back like Trent, you are seen as a marquee signing.“They wanted me with [Luís] Figo, [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I looked at that and thought it would have been harder not to score.”I thought long and hard about leaving Liverpool, but in the end something inside told me I would regret it if I didn’t give it a go.”Michael Owen doesn’t ‘love going to Anfield’ any moreCredit: GETTY More

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      Ruben Amorim singles out key Man Utd star who was ‘dead’ as he explains changes in 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt

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      RUBEN AMORIM singled out Rasmus Hojlund for praise after his match-winning performance against Bodo/Glimt but revealed the ace was “dead” at full-time.Manchester United emerged as victors from the 3-2 thriller at Old Trafford, with Hojlund scoring twice and proving pivotal to Alejandro Garnacho’s opener.Rasmus Hojlund was ‘dead’ after his match-winning display against Bodo/GlimtCredit: GettyRuben Amorim has said he needs to build the fitness of his playersCredit: RexHojlund, 21, played the full length of the Europa League clash, which is only the second time this season he has completed a match.However, speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim admitted: “We had more chances [than against Ipswich] and were more dangerous. “But we will have to change players.”I felt that Rasmus was dead. Some [players] were really, really tired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We made four substitutions because of the fitness of the players, not because of what was best for the game. “We are in that moment. We need the squad all together and fit.”Amorim was full of praise for the “quality” forward, but had some pointers on where he will need to improve going forward.On the ex-Atalanta star, he said: “He has to improve more. He takes too many touches when he holds the ball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He connected in transitions very well. He was aggressive in the box for the goals. He is a quality player.”Amorim, 39, confessed to being taken aback by the support he had received from supporters during his first home game in charge of the Red Devils.Manchester United vs Bodo/Glimt: Player RatingsThe ex-Sporting Lisbon boss said: “The first thing is that half of the stadium doesn’t really know me.”I came from Portugal and I have done nothing for this club yet, so the way they make me feel at home is so special.”It’s not after something, it’s before something.”This is something special and I will keep this to the end of my career.”Amorim went bold with his tactics against the Norwegian side, even playing without any recognised centre-backs in the latter stages.He will be hoping to land his first Premier League win next when his team host Everton on Sunday.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More

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      Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch £50million-rated Egypt star’ who Mo Salah ‘recommended Liverpool should sign’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush, according to reports.The Egyptian, 25, has been in excellent form for the Bundesliga side this term.Omar Marmoush has impressed for Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: RexMarmoush has already attracted interest from Liverpool, with his international team-mate Mo Salah reportedly having recommended him to Anfield chiefs.According to Sky Sports Germany, however, Man Utd could swoop in ahead of the Reds.They claim that United chiefs have been keeping an eye on Marmoush, and that they could even make a move in January.New boss Ruben Amorim is not expected to have as much money to spend on reinforcements as predecessor Erik ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut January recruits are possible, with Viktor Gyokeres a potential target.With Sporting set to demand £83million for the Swede, United could turn towards £50m-rated Marmoush as a cheaper alternative.The forward signed for Eintracht from Wolfsburg in 2023.Having scored 12 Bundesliga goals during his first campaign in Frankfurt, Marmoush has already nearly matched that tally this term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has netted 11 goals in as many games, also adding a further three in the Europa League.While Salah is claimed to have recommended his pal to Anfield bosses, Marmoush could even replace him at Liverpool.Manchester United vs Bodo/Glimt: Player RatingsThe winger’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and last weekend he claimed that he’s “more out than in” as he waits to be offered a new deal.Marmoush is able to play across the front line, a versatility that could appeal to both United and Liverpool.In addition to a forward, Amorim is also believed to covet a wing-back in January.The Red Devils have been linked with Wolves ace Rayan Ait-Nouri.Man Utd ratings vs Bodo/Glimt More

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      Roy Keane was one of the most difficult players I ever refereed – he was in my face before I got the yellow card out

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      ROY KEANE has mellowed out in retirement and is a far cry from the heavy-hitting midfielder who frequently had run-ins with the referee.Former Premier League official Kevin Lynch has recalled how he and Keane didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye.Former Premier League referee Kevin Lynch has recalled his relationship with Roy KeaneCredit: AlamyKeane was no stranger to confrontations with the referee during his careerCredit: ReutersHe has since mellowed out as a punditCredit: GettySpeaking on the Under the Cosh podcast, he said: “Two of the most difficult players I ever refereed were Roy Keane and Ian Wright.”I just don’t think Roy liked referees, and in fairness we didn’t f***ing like Roy Keane so it was a fairly balanced equation.”I remember refereeing him one night at Old Trafford, and he were obviously out of sorts with himself, the opposition, his own team-mates and me.”And he’s kicking anything that moves and he’s giving me earache.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I tried talking to him, that were like trying to plait fog. “So I thought, ‘Right, Roy. Next one’s mine’.”Lynch was able to recount one particular situation in the game against Stoke.He explained how Keane had “chipped this little fella into Row Z of the Stretford End” with a crunching tackle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut before he was even able to issue a caution, Keane was back in his face complaining.He said: “Before I can get the yellow card out, Keane’s up [and] is suddenly in my face. And he looked at me and says, ‘Do you know who I f*****g well am?'”Roy Keane reveals brutal two-word put down to rude selfie-hunter as Man Utd legend discusses fame with Ricky Gervais Lynch added that during the protest team-mate Gary Neville walked past, prompting a hilarious response from the United legend.He continued: “And as he said that, Gary Neville were walking past.”And I said, ‘Gary, there’s a player here who don’t know who he is!’ “And Gary says, ‘It’s Roy Keane, book the t**t.'”Keane, a seven-time Premier League champion, holds the joint-record for the most red cards in English football with 13, 11 of which came with Man Utd.However, the seven he got for the Red Devils in the Prem places him second behind Patrick Vieira and Richard Dunne.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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      Arsenal ‘identify Serie A star as new striker priority’ with Gunners set to be beaten to Isak and Gyokeres transfers

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      ARSENAL are interested in signing Atalanta star Mateo Retegui, according to reports.The Gunners are keen to bolster their striker options in January.Mateo Retegui has been in red-hot form for AtalantaCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak has impressed Barcelona with his displaysCredit: AlamyViktor Gyokeres has gathered plenty of admirersCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side have shown interest in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.But SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this week that both forwards are likely to move elsewhere.Newcastle star Isak has emerged as Barcelona’s top summer target.While Gyokeres reportedly wants to reunite with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLosing out on Isak and Gyokeres could see the Gunners turn their attention towards Retegui.Italian outlet Calciomercato claim that Arsenal scouts were present as Retegui’s Atalanta took on Young Boys in the Champions League this week.The 25-year-old will have done his reputation no harm, having scored twice in the 6-1 rout.Retegui signed for Atalanta from Genoa in a August in a deal worth around £23million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Italy international has had a blistering start to life in Bergamo, scoring 12 goals in his opening 13 Serie A appearances for his new club.If Arsenal are to secure Retegui’s signature, they may have to beat off interest from Paris Saint-Germain.Ben White ruled out for months in mega blow to Arsenal title hopes, confirms Mikel Arteta Kai Havertz has primarily been deployed down the middle of Arsenal’s attack this season.Leandro Trossard has also played the role, although Gabriel Jesus is yet to score in the Premier League or Champions League this term.The Gunners spread the goals out as they trounced Sporting 5-1 on Tuesday night.Gabriel Martinelli, Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Trossard scored as Arsenal thrashed Gyokeres and Co.After the game, boss Arteta said: “I’m very happy. It’s a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement.”When you play in this competition against these teams you have to enjoy it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What I loved about this team is the way that they flowed. They played with purpose.”If you want to be challenging for big trophies you have to be consistent.”Mikel Arteta was pleased with his team’s efforts against SportingCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd fans praise forgotten star’s ‘redemption arc’ after performance vs Bodo/Glimt and interaction with Ruben Amorim

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      MASON MOUNT was showered with praise from Manchester United fans following his display against Bodo/Glimt.The £55million signing made only his fourth start of the season in United’s 3-2 Europa League win over the Norwegian minnows on Thursday night.Manchester United picked up their first win under Ruben Amorim against Bodo/GlimtCredit: REXMason Mount showed glimpses of his old self in the 3-2 win at Old TraffordCredit: EPAUnited fans are excited by the prospect of Mount rediscovering his form of oldCredit: GETTYMount pulled off a neat flick in the build-up to Rasmus Hojlund’s second goalCredit: TNT SPORTSMount looked like a shell of the player he was at Chelsea last season but showed signs of a potential resurgence in Ruben Amorim’s first win in charge of the Red Devils.He produced a beautiful flick to Manuel Ugarte in the build-up to Rasmus Hojlund’s second goal of the matchAnd the Old Trafford faithful believe Amorim may be the man to get the best out of the England international.One wrote on X: “Mount standing ovation, what a performance.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnother said: “Is this the Mason Mount redemption arc? He’s played well.”And another said: “If that was Mason Mount’s first proper minutes under Amorim, can’t wait to see what’s to come.”One remarked: “IF we can keep Mount fit he’ll be one of Amorim’s key players, he’s one of the only ones who knows the 3-4-2-1 system inside out & he should thrive under him.”Another chimed in: “Solid performance, Mason Mount.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne over-the-moon United supporter said: “Mason Mount, I bloody love you.”Mount was substituted just before the hour mark and received a warm embrace from his new manager, who chest-bumped him before he sat on the bench.Ruben Amorim bizarrely SLAPS Man Utd stars in training as fans joke ‘I hope Luke Shaw doesn’t get injured’The Manchester Evening News pointed out: “A bullish chest bump and pat from Amorim for Mount.”Given his work-rate off the ball, easy to see why Amorim has a lot of time for him.”Another said: “Love to see that kind of respect and connection between coach and player!”A first-half strike from Alejandro Garnacho and second-half goals from Hojlund secured Amorim his first win as Red Devils boss.The Portuguese gaffer said of the game: “Like a real ride, we started very well then we suffered two goals in two transitions.United fans believe Ruben Amorim could get the best out of Mason MountCredit: PA“I liked the way the players continued to play our game.”I could feel the crowd when it was 2-1, sometimes we won the ball and we had problems in the past where we give the ball [away] too much.”So the mindset now is to keep the ball and sometimes they have to go forward, they are really trying but i think we deserved the win.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Of course, I see what everybody sees, good moments, difficult moments, some confusion in the end trying to hold the result.”But the lads did a great job, they ran, they pressed, they tried to do the things we worked on these three days and we won.” More

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      Martin Odegaard holds the key to Arsenal’s title hopes – three ways the ‘sublime’ midfielder transforms the Gunners

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      ARSENAL’S recent revival has coincided – not surprisingly – with the return of Martin Odegaard from injury.The Norwegian is Mikel Arteta’s captain and very much the leader of the team.Martin Odegaard is the key to Arsenal’s title challengeCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s team have not been the same while the captain has been out injuredCredit: GettyArsenal look a different side when he is in the starting XI, and they sorely missed him when he was out with an ankle injury.He makes them tick, and was at his very best last weekend in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest and in their 5-1 Champions League hammering of Sporting Lisbon.Ex-Chelsea legend and BBC pundit Pat Nevin could hardly contain his enthusiasm for the way he pulled the strings.He said: “The mutual understanding of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard was extraordinary, bordering on psychic. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The latter was playing on a different level to anyone else and several levels above every Forest player.“‌Odegaard was sublime, almost balletic, seeing spaces, gliding into them and effortlessly making passes that his opponents couldn’t even imagine. It all reminded me of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva at their peak.“Arsenal with Odegaard back in the side look as good, if not better than ever, and this was without the rested Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.”Here are three ways he makes Arsenal a much more formidable team and why he holds the key to the Gunners’ title aspirations this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRight-side combinationsArsenal’s form dipped while Odegaard was out injured, winning just three of their seven Premier League matches.Given the Gunners’ quality, opponents tend to sit deep and try to cut off the passing lanes into Saka – some even double or triple up on him.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemBut with Odegaard in the team and playing as the right-sided central midfielder in Arteta’s 4-3-3, Arsenal are far more dangerous. Jurrien Timber combines with and makes a run behind the defensive lineThis creates space for Odegaard to receive the ball from Saka and then deliver a dangerous cross to the far post.Arsenal’s right side combine well and can break down deep defencesWhen Odegaard was out, we saw the likes of Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino, Rice and Jorginho played in midfield – but they lack the creativity and positional awareness of the skipper. The only player that possesses similar attributes to him is wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, 17, hence calls for him to get more minutes.Odegaard is comfortable coming out wide and into the channels to overload the opposition and pull players out of position.It hands Saka more in space and therefore Arsenal are not reliant on one player to break down a deep defensive block.Odegaard comes out to receive the ball wide and Timber runs inside. These inter-changing movements are tough for opponents to cope with.Timber’s driving run and Odegaard’s clever movement out wide sees Arsenal progress the ballFinding space Odegaard is a midfielder who provides value for Arsenal both in the way he finds angles for playing progressive passes and in his positioning and movement to receive progressive passes.He scans constantly and moves into areas where he is tough to pick up.When Rice is on the ball, Timber moves inside to support.Odegaard shifts and positions himself centrally in a pocket of space to receive the ball and combine with Jorginho.These quick passes help Arsenal move the ball up the pitch with purpose and break down what is a compact Forest defensive shape.Odegaard scans what is behind him and knows he can move the ball beyond Forest’s midfield with a quick interchangeWhile the positioning and movement from Odegaard is very good, his technical level is sublime.The ex-Real Madrid star can receive passes in the final third and have the poise to release an attacking player like Saka into positions that hurt the last line of the opposition defence.Again, Rice is in possession and as he turns forward, the movement and positioning of Odegaard allows the ball to be played through and beyond the opposition midfield.When the 25-year-old playmaker is missing they simply do not have a player who can find these positions consistently and deep defences can frustrate themOdegaard has the awareness to move into a space where Rice can play a simple yet progressive passCreating space for SakaWhen Odegaard was missing from the Arsenal team we saw a downturn in the form of Saka. This was because teams were starting to try to double or even triple up on him.With Odegaard in the team and positioning himself higher, we see opponents pulled apart as they try to keep both him and Saka quiet.To account for the Norwegian’s positioning, they are not able to commit as many players to covering the threat of the England winger.Arsenal’s No8 can receive centrally and then drive at the heart of the opposition’s defensive line. A left-back or left-holding midfielder then has a dilemma. Close down Odegaard and leave Saka open or stay on Saka and give a player of Odegaard’s skill time on the edge of their box.A driving run creates space wide for Saka or Odegaard will keep goingAnd in the next example, Odegaard is in position to receive the ball in the channel. His positioning has attracted a defensive player to the ball and Saka is able to pick it up 1vs1 against the full-back, where he is simply unplayable. Getting Saka 1vs1 can win Arsenal gamesOn GaardOdegaard is perhaps Arsenal’s most important player. Not only is he the club captain and leader on and off the pitch, he is the key to providing the link between midfield and attack. READ MORE SUN STORIESWithout him the Gunners are one dimensional, much less dangerous and will not win the title.With him they have a far better chance, although Liverpool may disagree… More