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      PSV 1 Arsenal 7: Martin Odegaard nets brace as Mikel Arteta’s men put goal woes behind them in record-breaking victory

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      MIKEL ARTETA’S goal-crazy Arsenal can smell the quarter finals with a stunning result that eclipsed one of the greatest European nights in their history.Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles battered Inter Milan 5-1 at the San Siro back in November 2003 – Thierry Henry running rings around Javier Zanetti and co.Arsenal are all but through to the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: APJurrien Timber opened the scoring with a back post header inside 18 minutesCredit: GettyBefore Ethan Nwaneri doubled the Gunners lead three minutes laterCredit: EPAMikel Merino capitalised on some horrendous defending for 3-0Credit: APPSV’s Noa Lang’s penalty gave the home side hope before half-timeCredit: APMartin Odegaard extended made it 4-1 seconds into the second halfCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard added a fifth as Arsenal rout PSV in EindhovenCredit: AFPClub captain Odegaard hit PSV for sixCredit: GettyRiccardo Calafiori made it a magnificent seven!Credit: GettyTwenty two years on and a woeful PSV outfit could have done with Zanetti – even at his current age of 51 – at the back as the Gunners went two better with a seven-goal Euro humbling.In fact, they were the first team EVER to score seven in an away knockout tie.While Wenger had Henry, Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg at his disposal, Arteta has pulled off the same feat without a recognised striker and Mikel Merino leading the line.The Spanish midfielder got in on the act – alongside Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, Riccardo Calafiori and a Martin Odegaard double in this Eindhoven rout.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSIt is the first time Arsenal have ever scored more than three goals in a Champions League knock-out game away from home.Regardless, Arteta will be praying to have the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back for a near-confirmed blockbuster last eight clash with either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid next month.The last meeting between these two in December 2023 produced one of the dullest group stage dead-rubbers in living memory, finishing 1-1.Fifteen months on, PSV’s Philips Stadion redeemed itself by hosting a real humdinger of a last 16 first leg tie with goals, gaffes and gasps aplenty – largely in Arsenal’s favour.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Dutch giants did their best to give the Gunners a near-perfect perfect European away-day with some diabolical defending.But Arteta’s boys this term love to flirt with danger as Myles Lewis-Skelly somehow escaped a THIRD red card in 38 days for two quick-fire fouls before being hauled off after 35 minutes.Mikel Arteta bizarrely hints Arsenal should be mid-table but still won’t give up on title A comical implosion from the hosts in their own backyard should have seen the visitors home and hosed in Eindhoven after Merino’s 31st minute strike to make it 3-0.But an unnecessary clothesline of Luuk de Jong in the box from Thomas Partey handed PSV a lifeline in the form of a Noa Lang penalty just before the break.Arteta labelled this a “big moment” in Arsenal’s season, and one can only imagine the size of the meltdown had they somehow managed to muck this one up.Luckily for them, they saved one of their best performances for months to face a team with leakier foundations than Old Trafford.Within two minutes of the second half, Odegaard and Leandro Trossard ensured it was job done – the Arsenal skipper grabbing another late on.Arsenal ratings vs PSV as Nwaneri comes of age in Champions League drubbing but rash Lewis-Skelly is hooked earlyARSENAL steamrolled a hapless PSV side to all-but book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Gunners started without a recognised striker once again but unlike at Nottingham Forest last week, goals were not a problem in Eindhoven.A quick-fire double from Jurrien Timber and Ethan Nwaneri around the 20th minute put the Gunners in control in what was an assured display.Every Arsenal player impressed and they were clinical with their finishing.Only Myles Lewis-Skelly will feel a little disappointed as he was hooked after half an hour to avoid him picking up a second yellow.It was a shame as the youngster was performing well on the ball – he played a key role in the build-up to the opening goal.But he could not be trusted by Mikel Arteta after he dived and caught his man with a challenge that could easily have resulted in a second booking.It was another careless moment that allowed PSV back into the match as Thomas Partey conceded a penalty that was converted on the stroke of half-time.But the Gunners did not rest on their laurels and came out racing after the break, scoring twice in two minutes to put the match, and the tie, to bed.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners’ display…Whisper it quietly, but in this sort of form, could Arsenal produce a special European journey this season? Perhaps, but they will come up against better defences than this in their own training sessions.Arteta made two changes from the drab 0-0 showing at Nottingham Forest last week, bringing in Lewis-Skelly for Calafiori and Partey for Jorginho.And despite failing to score in their last two Prem outings with the makeshift front three of Trossard, Nwaneri and Merino, that trio was entrusted again for this one.Nwaneri’s start broke more records, becoming Arsenal’s youngest ever player at 17 years and 348 days to start in a Champions League knock-out game and the third youngest Englishman to do so after Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.The teenager started with a swagger, a beautiful cross to the far post almost putting it on a plate for Gabriel, while Odegaard had a tame shout for a penalty waved away after a VAR check.Arsenal were purring. Declan Rice found the net but for a very tight automated offside call.It almost came back to bite them with PSV’s one and only decent chance in the 16th minute – Ismael Saibari smacking the post with an open goal gaping and Flamingo firing wide.Two minutes later and Arsenal were ahead – Rice’s peach of a delivery headed in by Timber. The away end was still bouncing when Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri instantly combined to add another.But keeping with recent form, Lewis-Skelly, 18, showed his immaturity with two clumsy tackles inside two minutes that should have resulted in a red card.Myles Lewis-Skelly escaped a red card against PSVCredit: RexSpanish ref Jesus Gil Manzano decided to show incredible leniency.That was enough of a warning for Arteta, wisely subbing off the kid in the 35th minute for Calafiori.The worst defending of the lot gave Merino a third goal in four games in all competitions, Flamingo laughably falling over on one leg like a… flamingo.The penalty for Lang would have angered Arteta, but he was soon smiling again in the second half with PSV keeper Walter Benitez gifting Odegaard one before Trossard tucked away by the 48th minute.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven the Arsenal fans were losing count, deliriously so up in the heavens. Odegaard made it seven in the 73rd minute and Calafiori in the 85th minute.Eat your heart out, Arsene. This is a REAL Champions League romp. More

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      ‘I could have been tidier’ – Jamie Carragher addresses controversial Afcon comments and explains his ‘mistake’

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has addressed his controversial comments after he claimed the African Cup of Nations was not a “major tournament”.The ex-Liverpool star triggered huge outcry after he suggested Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or claim would not be as strong because he did not play in one of the major international tournaments. Jamie Carragher has addressed the comments he made about AfconCredit: CBS SportsCarragher had suggested Afcon was not a ‘major tournament’ which would hurt Mohamed Salah’s Ballon D’Or chancesCredit: GettyCarragher admitted he could have used ‘tidier’ language when expressing his pointCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskSpeaking after the Reds’ 2-0 win over Manchester City in February, he said: “I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in a major tournament as such, or maybe got a great chance of winning.”I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament. Normally, the player who excels in that.”The likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Obi Mikel, Jay Jay Okocha and Ahmed Elmohamady had levelled brutal replies towards the former defender.Ferdinand said it was an “ignorant thought process”, while Obi Mikel told him in no uncertain terms to “f*** off”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Carragher has now addressed those claims while appearing on CBS Sports.Appearing alongside Micah Richards, who had called Carragher out live on Sky Sports when he made the original comment, Thierry Henry and presenter Kate Abdo (now Scott), he admitted he had used “clumsy” language, but stood by his overall point.He said: “I have got very strong opinions on the game, I love debate, and that will never change.”But what I would never want to be described as, as a pundit, is ignorant or disrespectful so that was never my aim. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”And whether that’s to a player, a club, a country, a continent, a continental tournament, whatever that may be. “What I would say is, where I got it wrong was, I was clumsy describing Afcon as not a major tournament. Jamie Carragher brutally shut down by Daniel Sturridge live on Sky Sports over controversial AFCON take “I was trying to explain the merits of Mo Salah winning the Ballon d’Or, and I feel that not just Afcon, I would say the Asia Games, the Gold Cup, not so much the Copa America.”But there are five major tournaments out there besides the World Cup that are for their continent and are a major tournament.”But some of them don’t resonate with the people who vote for the Ballon d’Or. “That for me was not an opinion, that was a fact in terms of looking who had won the Ballon d’Or in the last 40 or 50 years.What I would never want to be described as, as a pundit, is ignorant or disrespectful so that was never my aim.Jamie Carragher”Yes, I’ve been banging the drum for Mo Salah to become the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in the mid ’90s. “As I said, I should have been a lot tidier with my language around that, so yes, that’s something I’ll look at. “But as I said, you do look at the Euros, where it’s at right now, and other competitions, and some of them resonate with the Ballon d’Or voters, who sometimes are journalists, national coaches, national captains. “And one of the reasons might be, sometimes we forget, the Ballon d’Or was the European Footballer of the Year. All winners of the Ballon d’Or this century2024: Rodri, Man City and Spain2023: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and Argentina2022: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid and France2021: Lionel Messi, PSG and Argentina2020: Not Awarded2019: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2018: Luka Modric, Real Madrid and Croatia2017: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2016: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2015: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2014: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2013: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2012: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2011: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2010: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2009: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2008: Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd and Portugal2007: Kaka, AC Milan and Brazil2006: Fabio Cannavaro, Real Madrid and Italy2005: Ronaldinho, Barcelona and Brazil2004: Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan and Ukraine2003: Pavel Nedved, Juventus and Czechia2002: Ronaldo Nazario, Real Madrid and Brazil2001: Michael Owen, Liverpool and England2000: Luis Figo, Real Madrid and Portugal”So maybe there is a bias towards the Euros or European football in the past. “It was definitely not my aim to offend anybody – I know I’ve done that a lot in the past in different guises about different players and teams.”But that was certainly not the case. yes, hopefully that’s now addressed it.”I’ve been banging the drum for Mo Salah to become the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in the mid ’90s.Jamie CarragherAfcon is a tournament played out every two years and is scheduled during European winter time.Only one African nation has ever reached the last four of the World Cup, with Morocco doing so in 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe only African player to win the Ballon d’Or was former AC Milan and Liberia striker George Weah in 1995.Ex-Liverpool and Senegal star Sadio Mane is the only African to be voted into the top three in the 21st century – with Salah finishing fifth that year and in 2019. More

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      ‘Is Carrington that bad?’ – Antony’s reaction to seeing Real Betis facilities revealed as Man Utd flop stars on loan

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      ANTONY has told Real Betis he would be open to extending his loan from Manchester United by a further 12 months.The Brazilian winger, 25, endured a nightmare stay at Old Trafford after making the £85 million move from Ajax in summer 2022.Manchester United loanee Antony is open to extending his stay at Real BetisCredit: GettyThe Brazilian has impressed during his first month in SpainCredit: GettyAntony joined United for £85 million in the summerCredit: GettyBut he agreed to join the Spanish club in a loan deal in January and so far the move has worked out well.Betis chief exec Ramon Alarcon said: “The other day Antony told me that he wanted to stay another year.“The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we gave him to settle in the city as soon as he arrived.”The statement has left many United fans questioning the supposed state-of-the-art conditions at their own HQ.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOne fan fumed: “Is Carrington that bad?”A second said: “Wow another player hinting at the under par facilities at United.”Another added: “Surely the facilities at Betis CANNOT be better than United’s.”One more wrote: “Maybe Cristiano Ronaldo was right.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs things stand, Antony will return to United in the summer – but a longer spell in Spain has not been ruled out.Antony’s electric performances for Betis have certainly put him in the spotlight for potential buyers.Sir Alex Ferguson filmed enjoying Zimbabwe holiday as legendary ex-Man Utd boss forgets about Red Devils woesHe has already scored three goals and provided two assists in seven matches for Betis and had a straight red overturned.The winger’s mid-season switch has reinvigorated him, and he now has designs on winning his place back in the Brazil squad. Upon leaving United in 2022 for Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo described Carrington as “stopped in time”.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “Nothing changed, surprisingly. Not only the pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym. “Even the kitchen, the chefs, whom I appreciate – lovely people. They stopped in time. It surprised me a lot.”I thought I would see other things, technologies, and infrastructure. “Unfortunately, we see a lot of what I used to see at 21, 22, and 23 years old. It really surprised me.”Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly unhappy with Man United’s training facilitiesCarrington’s swimming pool as it looked in 2000It comes after United stars were reportedly stopped from ever visiting the Glazer-owned Tampa Bay Buccaneers.The Red Devils have often toured around the US for pre-season, but have never been near Tampa.However, it has now been revealed United were stopped from visiting their sister team over fears it would spark a player revolt.READ MORE SUN STORIESESPN’s Mark Ogden explained it was believed if players from United saw the training facilities in Tampa they would then rebel due to their own relatively poor facilities.A United supporters’ group has unveiled plans for a protest before the club host Arsenal on Sunday, March 9.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. More

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      Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly subbed just 34 minutes into PSV clash after escaping red card

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY was dragged off just 34 minutes into Arsenal’s stunning 7-1 Champions League win over PSV.The young defender was fortunate to escape being sent-off in the match for two yellow card challenges during the round of 16 first leg.Myles Lewis-Skelly escaped a red card against PSVCredit: ReutersHe was already on a yellow cardCredit: RexHe was subbed off by Mikel Arteta before half timeCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly, 18, was booked in the 24th minute for a foul deep inside his own half.He was then penalised for a very late challenge on Richard Ledezma just two minutes later.There were calls from the PSV players that Lewis-Skelly should be sent off by the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano kept his cards in his pocket.Arsenal then stormed into a three-goal lead thanks to efforts from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAfter the goal from Merino went in, Mikel Arteta made the decision to sub Lewis-Skelly out of the action.Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori was sent on in place of the youngster.Lewis-Skelly looked disappointed with himself as he slumped down on the bench to watch the remainder of the match.BBC pundit Alan Shearer backed the substitution and admitted leaving him on would have been a “risk”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “Myles Lewis-Skelly is in a risky situation there having just been shown a yellow card.”If he hadn’t received one just moments ago, then that would definitely be one. Arsenal have got away with one there.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs West HamAlan Shearer believes leaving Lewis-Skelly on would be a riskCredit: PA”It was always going to be a matter of time before that change, Riccardo Calafiori for Lewis-Skelly took place.”They have put themselves in a good position, three goals up, so why run the risk of going down to ten men. Sensible decision.”He only picked up a red card in Arsenal’s recent 1-0 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League.The defender was the last man as he dragged down Mohammed Kudus who looked through on goal.This followed the controversial dismissal for fouling Matt Doherty in the game against Wolves.Arsenal ratings vs PSV as Nwaneri comes of age in Champions League drubbing but rash Lewis-Skelly is hooked earlyARSENAL steamrolled a hapless PSV side to all-but book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Gunners started without a recognised striker once again but unlike at Nottingham Forest last week, goals were not a problem in Eindhoven.A quick-fire double from Jurrien Timber and Ethan Nwaneri around the 20th minute put the Gunners in control in what was an assured display.Every Arsenal player impressed and they were clinical with their finishing.Only Myles Lewis-Skelly will feel a little disappointed as he was hooked after half an hour to avoid him picking up a second yellow.It was a shame as the youngster was performing well on the ball – he played a key role in the build-up to the opening goal.But he could not be trusted by Mikel Arteta after he dived and caught his man with a challenge that could easily have resulted in a second booking.It was another careless moment that allowed PSV back into the match as Thomas Partey conceded a penalty that was converted on the stroke of half-time.But the Gunners did not rest on their laurels and came out racing after the break, scoring twice in two minutes to put the match, and the tie, to bed.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners’ display…He later saw his three-match ban overturned and Ref chief Howard Webb insisted that the decision, while wrong, was not a “horrendous” one.Meanwhile, PSV were offered a route back into the match as Noa Lang converted from the spot before the break.However, all hopes of a comeback looked over just three minutes into the second half as Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard both scored to make it 5-1.READ MORE SUN STORIESOdegaard made it two for himself and six on the night in the 73rd minute.Lewis-Skelly’s replacement Calafiori wrapped up the scoring with Arsenal’s SEVENTH in the dying stages.He was recently sent off against West HamCredit: ReutersHe was controversially sent off against Wolves earlier in the seasonCredit: PA More

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      Concerned WSL fans launch petition opposing plan to scrap relegation from women’s top tier

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      A “concerned” WSL supporters  group has set up a petition opposing “the idea of no relegation” from the Women’s Super League.  Their online plea in response to proposals to put a pause on teams dropping into the second tier, went live on Monday.Clubs are set to be given a chance to vote on proposals to temporarily pause relegation from the WSL the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: AlamyAn petition calling for supporters to have their say on the proposal went live on Monday 3 FebruaryCredit: PAAs of 8:30pm this evening their petition on Change.org had attracted 892 signatures.Later this year WSL and Women’s Championship clubs are set to vote on plans for a temporary halt on sides dropping down into the second tier.  The aim would be to increase the top-flight from 12 to 16 sides. On Sunday The Guardian reported the suggestions were put forward by Women’s Professional League Limited, the football authority in charge of overseeing both divisions. . Read More Football StoriesA vote involving all 23 sides in WSL and the second tier is reportedly set to take place by the end of this term. The WPLL’s proposals would entail relegation from the top-flight being halted from the 2026-27 season and then returning for the 2030-31 campaign.  Promotion of one team per term from the Championship to the league would remain in place.  The motivation behind the proposal is to encourage more investment in top-flight women’s teams in a bid to make the top-flight more competitive. Most read in FootballHowever a group called Concerned WSL fans believe such a move would go against “all English football tradition”. They believe pausing relegation could go “against the interests of those outside the very top of the football chain”. And on its Change.org page, the group says it wants football fans to “voice their opinion”.It also stated: “This petition is for all those against this idea of no relegation and a closed league for any amount of years, in an attempt to be heard before having the rug pulled out from under our feet before we even have a chance.”In the first year of its existence in 2011 the WSL operated as a closed league of eight teams without promotion or relegation. A second tier was established in 2014 and was initially called WSL 2 before being renamed the Women’s Championship. Calls for the WSL’s expansion have been made in the past by some of the game’s most influential figures. These include ex-Chelsea boss Emma Hayes who now manages the United States women’s national team. Plans to expand the WSL from 12 to 16 teams would involve a pause on relegation for four seasonsCredit: AlamyBack in 2023 the then Blues chief stated more teams should be added in order to grow the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn October that year, Hayes said: “I think the question we should be asking is, ‘when are we going to make our league a little bit bigger?’ “It’s time to grow. It’s time to go from 12 to 16 or 18 teams.” More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson filmed enjoying Zimbabwe holiday as legendary ex-Man Utd boss forgets about Red Devils woes

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON tried to forget about Manchester United’s current woes with a holiday to visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.Ferguson, 83, was recently spotted at the stunning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe.Sir Alex Ferguson was seen on a visit to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in ZimbabweCredit: https://x.com/ZtaUpdatesFerguson was seen during a walk in a video taken from the holidayCredit: https://x.com/BarbaraRwodziHe was clapped by a crowd of fans as he walked pastCredit: https://x.com/BarbaraRwodziFerguson was helped into a vanCredit: https://x.com/BarbaraRwodziLocal media claim Ferguson is eyeing an investment opportunity in Zimbabwe’s tourism industryCredit: https://x.com/BarbaraRwodziThe legendary manager was happy to pose for pictures with staff from the lodge.His presence in the country sparked excitement among the many football fans there.A BBC Sport investigation in 2015 reported that 28 per cent of football fans in Zimbabwe were Red Devils supporters, as well as in neighbouring South Africa and Zambia.No official engagements have been confirmed over Ferguson’s visit, but the Safari Lodge is one of Zimbabwe’s biggest tourist attractions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Zimbabwe Mail reports Ferguson may also be exploring investment opportunities in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry.Zimbabwean politician Barbara Rwodzi shared a video of Ferguson walking around and being clapped by a crowd during his visit.In the post to social media, Rwodzi said: “Thank you Sir Ferguson for choosing our destination.”Hope you had a memorable experience in our Tourism capital Victoria Falls.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Falls are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.The Zimbabwe Tourism Association also paid tribute to Ferguson during his visit.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inTaking to social media, they said: “We appreciate your choice of holiday destination Sir Alex Ferguson, Zimbabwe loves you, please come again and continue to experience Zimbabwe.”Ferguson has had more time for holidays since retiring from football in 2013.He won 13 Premier League titles at Man Utd, as well as two Champions League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, the Club World Cup and European Super Cup over 26 years there. Ferguson experienced great success with Aberdeen in Scotland, breaking the Celtic-Rangers duopoly dominance by winning the Scottish Premier Division three times and winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983 – to date, the last time Real Madrid lost a European Cup final.By comparison, Man Utd have won two FA Cups, two League Cups and one Europa League since Ferguson’s retirement. More

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      Man Utd ‘reopen Kobbie Mainoo contract talks as sought-after England star demands less than HALF Casemiro’s wages’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have re-opened talks with Kobbie Mainoo in the hope of tying the midfielder down to a new deal, according to reports.But Mainoo’s representatives want a massive pay rise to £180,00-a-week, plus bonuses, to reflect his status as an England international.Manchester United and Mainoo have held fresh discussions over a new contractCredit: GettyMainoo has been locked in prolonged negotiations with his boyhood club over improved terms on his £20,000-a-week deal until 2027.And his reps believe it’s high-time that Mainoo’s wages match that of his team-mates.If agreed upon, Mainoo’s reported demands would see him earn half of the £375,000 salary fellow midfielder Casemiro pockets each week. It would put the 19-year-old eighth on United’s current wage bill, behind Harry Maguire’s £190,000 salary.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSUnited and Mainoo have held fresh discussions over a new contract but will need to find a compromise, according to The Mail.It’s reckoned FFP constraints mean United might be unable to offer Mainoo similar terms to some of their top earners and no longer see him as untouchable.As a homegrown player, Mainoo would generate 100 per cent in pure profit – which would be substantial given that United value him at £70-80 million.But the Red Devils are believed to be hopeful of convincing the dynamic midfield maestro that his long-term future is best placed at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRuben Amorim has admitted he can’t guarantee Mainoo will stay amid the club’s pressure to fund signings with player sales.The teenager, who has been out of action for a month with a calf injury, still has more than two years left on his current contract. Ruben Amorim admits he and Man Utd players ALL fighting for their jobs between now and the end of the seasonMainoo has failed to replicate last season’s form this termChelsea would lead the chase for Mainoo if United cannot tie the England midfielder to a new deal.The Blues were linked with Mainoo in January when talks with United reached a stalemate.Amorim has also struggled to find the best role for Mainoo in his 4-3-3 system, before he sustained a calf injury in training last month.He enjoyed a breakthrough 2023-24 season under Erik ten Hag, scoring three times in the Prem and the decisive goal in the FA Cup final win against Manchester City.Mainoo is already an important player for club and country despite not turning 20 until April.The Manchester-born star has made 60 appearances for United since his debut two years ago.He has also played ten times for England and was a key figure in their run to last summer’s Euros final. More

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      Club Brugge 1 Aston Villa 3: Aston Villa take charge of Champions League tie as they weather storm to beat Belgians

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      ASTON VILLA have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals – thanks to Brugge’s masked avenger Brandon Mechele!The Brugge defender with the protective face mask blundered horribly to divert Morgan Rogers’ low cross beyond Simon Mignolet eight minutes from full-time to gift Villa a 2-1 lead.Leon Bailey netted the opener inside three minutesCredit: RexMaxim De Cuyper fired the hosts levelCredit: ReutersTyrone Mings made a vital goal-line clearance at 1-1Credit: ReutersMorgan Rogers helped restore the lead as he forced in an own-goalCredit: EPAMarco Asensio made sure from the spotCredit: AFPAnd Unai Emery’s men were celebrating again six minutes later following another self-inflicted wound by Brugge when attacker Christos Tzolis panicked in his own box to send Matty Cash tumbling.Super-sub Marco Asensio kept his cool to beat Mignolet from the penalty spot to nab his FIFTH Villa goal and leave Brugge with one almighty hangover in the beer capital of the world!Meanwhile Villa can start popping the champagne corks after holding their nerve with a dogged display on the road. Only an absolute meltdown at Villa Park can now stop Villa from setting up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown with Liverpool or Emery’s former club Paris Saint Germain.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey survived the bearpit atmosphere of Brugge’s Jan Breydelstadion and will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing the Belgians on home turf, where they are unbeaten in 14 matches.Especially with Asensio in the scoring form of his life!Villa couldn’t have wished for a better start as they seized the lead after only three minutes.It was a goal of stunning simplicity which left Brugge’s players hanging their heads in shame.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFormer Anderlecht star Youri Tielemans was booed from the first whistle by Brugge’s rowdy fans, who clearly have long memories.But the Belgian silenced his noisy critics by delivering the long free kick into the box which Tyrone Mings nodded down.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAnd there was Leon Bailey waiting to pounce with a sweetly struck left foot shot on the half-volley which sped beyond Simon Mignolet into the far corner.It was a peach of a goal and the ideal start for Villa who appeared to have taken the tie by the scruff of the neck.Marcus Rashford, starting a Champions League tie for the first time since he was sent off for Manchester United against Copenhagen in November 2023 was next to show.The on-loan Villa winger worked a neat one-two with Bailey then fired in a low shot which was kept out by Mignolet’s legs.But all of Villa’s promising early work was spectacularly undone three minutes later as Brugge exposed Villa’s fragile defence to snatch a speedy equaliser.Ardon Jashari picked the ball up in space in midfield and had time to get his head up and pick out Christos Tzolis with a raking crossfield pass which sailed over Axel Disasi’s head.Tzolis sucked Disasi in before cutting the ball back to Maxim De Cuyper who caused Maximum damage to Villa by sweeping the ball beyond Emi Martinez’s outstretched glove and into the far corner.That sparked bedlam in the ramshackle concrete bowl that is the Former Norwich City winger Christos Tzolis gave away the penaltyCredit: RexAsensio netted Villa’s third of the gameCredit: ReutersThe West Midlands side are in a strong position ahead of the second legCredit: GettyUnai Emery picked up a yellow card during the matchCredit: GettyJan Breydelstadion as the home fans went bonkers.Once again Villa’s defending was called into question as Leon Bailey failed to go with De Cuyper’s run and Disasi should have been better positioned to cut out the initial booming ball out of defence.Both sides had managed to wound their opponents in the early skirmishes and appeared to be wary of each other’s attacking threat.So the game descended into something of a dour midfield struggle.Villa have made it to half-time on level terms – thanks to the brilliance of Emi Martinez.The Villa and World’s No.1 showed fantastic reflexes just beyond the half hour mark to get down to his right to keep out Chemsdine Talbi’s low shot which was hurtling towards his net.It was a tight, nervy affair which had Unai Emery at his animated best on the touchline, waving his arms around in a frenzy.Rashford was having a decent tussle with Bruges kid right back Kyriani Sabbe, who he managed to power by just before half-time.But the winger was tight to the touchline and his cross flew into Mignolet’s chest. At half-time most Villa fans were asking how long Emery would wait before sending for Marco Asensio who had the class and experience to win this tie for the visitors.The game had now descended into a scrappy affair with both sides desperate to keep things tight after those early goals.Emi Martinez showed his class again to pluck a fiercely hit Onyedika drive from 25 yards out from under his crossbar, making it look easy.But with just over an hour played Emery had seen enough and made a QUADRUPLE substitution which paid off spectacularly.Matty Cash, Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara and Marco Asensio replaced Disasi, Rashford, Bailey and McGinn.That gave Asensio a place in the Champions League record books as the first player to make 50 substitute appearances in the competition.And the Spaniard almost marked the occasion with a goal when he smashed Jacob Ramsey’s cutback towards goal, forcing Mignolet to beat the ball high into the air.It dropped to Cash but the full-back slashed wildly over and held his head in his hands in despair.At the other end Villa were living dangerously and Vanaken came within a fraction of heading Brugge in front with an attempt which grazed the far post with Martinez beaten.Then Tzolis screwed his shot hopelessly wide after Vanaken set him up with a clever flick.READ MORE SUN STORIESEmery was booked for losing the plot on the touchline.But the Spaniard was soon celebrating a famous late double as Villa seized this tie by the throat. 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