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      ‘Completely unacceptable’ – Sheffield Wednesday players not paid on time as club release statement

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY fans have demanded owner Dejphon Chansiri “sell the club” after players were not paid on time.The Championship side confirmed “a temporary issue” meant stars have not yet received their wages for March. Sheffield Wednesday’s players have not received their wages for MarchCredit: RexThe club confirmed a “temporary” issue meant wages had not reached their starsCredit: AlamyOwner Dejphon Chansiri has been met with fan protests in recent yearsCredit: GettyWednesday fans have demanded the Thai businessman sell the clubCredit: GettyChansiri headed up a Thai consortium which bought Wednesday from ex-chairman Milan Mandaric in January 2015.His tenure began with back-to-back Championship playoff appearances but has since been dogged by financial issues off the field. Protests were held at the recent Yorkshire derby against Leeds by the 1867 Group against Chansiri’s ownership.After news broke on Monday of unpaid wages for March, a statement from the club read: “Sheffield Wednesday can confirm a temporary issue with the payment of player salaries for the month of March.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”This has occurred as a result of significant sums of money owed to the chairman’s businesses which has in turn impacted on the club’s immediate cashflow.”The chairman is working hard to resolve this situation at the earliest possible opportunity and in the meantime thanks everyone for their patience and understanding.”Chansiri’s family controls the Thai Union Group, the world’s largest producer of canned tuna.Fans flocked onto social media, with many urging the Thai businessman to sell. Most read in FootballOne supporter fumed on X: “You don’t need an MBA to know what’s playing out down at Hillsborough. Another embarrassing chapter under Dejphon Chansiri’s ownership. Please sell the club.”Another said: “Chansiri couldn’t run a bath!! He needs to sell now before we end up like Reading.”Fan confronts stewards armed with CORNER FLAG as Sheffield Wednesday fans invade pitch after all-but avoiding relegationWhile a third added: “Completely unacceptable & it’s not the first time is it? Chansiri is damaging Sheffield Wednesday yet again – not fit or proper to be leading our Club. In the best interests of @swfc SELL THE CLUB.”Wednesday have enjoyed a strong season in the Championship, despite issues off the field.Boss Danny Rohl has proved a revelation since joining in 2023. And Southampton are set to swoop in the summer for the in-demand German. The Owls are on course for a top-half finish and could yet manufacture a late-season playoff push.They currently sit 12th in the table, five points off the top-six. Read More on The SunLast month, SunSport exclusively revealed former Wigan owner Talal Al Hammad had looked into acquiring the club.Wednesday, four-time league champions and three-time FA Cup winners, haven’t been in the top flight in 25 years. More

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      Arsenal’s five-man striker shortlist including star who could cost MORE than Isak as Arteta vows ‘big’ transfer window

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      THIS summer transfer window for Arsenal has been five years in the making.And according to boss Mikel Arteta, it is going to be a “big one”.Mikel Arteta is planning to splash big on a new strikerCredit: GettyArsenal could move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak who could cost around £100mCredit: GettyThere are younger talents such as Hugo Ekitike could go for even moreCredit: AFPTaking over in December 2019, Arteta muddled his way through a roller-coaster first term in charge — one that ended with an eighth-placed Premier League finish and FA Cup glory.In September 2020, his title then changed from head coach to manager, and the Spaniard set out his five-year plan to transform the club back into challengers for major honours.Four summer windows have come and gone since then, plus a huge gutting and rebuilding process that sees the North Londoners’ squad unrecognisable from the start of Arteta’s reign.Summer No 5 is just two months away, and finds the Gunners agonisingly close to ending their title drought, looking likely to fall just short for a third year in a row with Liverpool 12 points ahead of them with nine games to go.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs a result, this window will be all about the missing pieces of the jigsaw.The first piece has potentially already walked through the door — new sporting director Andrea Berta who begins work at London Colney this week.And the Italian, alongside a leadership team that includes Arteta, will now be tasked with doing what his predecessor Edu never managed — landing that elite yet elusive game-changing No 9.Splash £100million or more for Newcastle star Alexander Isak, 25? Most read in FootballEven more for 22-year-old Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt?Between £50m and £60m for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, 26, or 25-year-old Wolves star Matheus Cunha?Arsenal star Kai Havertz gets haircut for wedding before marrying wife SophiaOr in the region of £70m to £80m for Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko who is still only 21? Whoever it is, Arteta is ready to go big this summer.He explained: “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it.“The way we planned the five first summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives.“In the beginning there were a lot of players with three, four or five-year contracts, so the turnaround of the squad and how you visualise the next  five years was very dependent on that.“There are certain positions we didn’t expect to have someone like  Ethan Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly contributing to, which has been great.“The way you start to evolve, you start to master certain things then the changes cannot be that much. That’s where we are.“The line now is thinner, the margins are smaller. But the cost of that, as well, increases. So it goes a little bit in a different direction.“We want to increase the depth of the squad, but as well, we want to increase the quality and the skills we need to go to the next step.“It’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.”’A big addition’Berta, 53, introduced himself to journalists at London Colney ahead of Arteta’s press conference previewing tonight’s home clash with Fulham.He is a quiet, unassuming man, preferring to stay out of the spotlight and has his work do the talking, just like he did for over a decade at Atletico Madrid, recruiting players and building squads that won LaLiga in 2014 and 2021 and reached two Champions League finals.Berta is ready to shake up the status quo of the transfer team that includes managing director Richard Garlick, executive vice-chair Tim Lewis, co-owners Stan and Josh Kroenke and director of football operations James King.Arteta said: “It’s a big addition to the club, to the team, a team that is already formed with a lot of great people. That’s what we need. New blood with people that are so ambitious.“He’s got this personality, this charisma and this drive to win that is going to be very contagious.“What we want to do is clear, for [Berta] to jump on board and hopefully twist it and make it better. I’m very confident he is going to make everyone better. I want to add value.“Straight away the words that come out of Berta’s mouth are always winning, improving and demanding. He’s very honest, very straightforward.“There’s a very clear vision of what he wants to do.“He was so willing to join us, which is a very positive thing as well because he had many other possibilities and he’s chosen to come to us.“And now it’s about us giving him the support and the understanding of the situation and context straight away. “And to start to do what he’s already done for many, many years at the highest level, which has been very impressive.Read More on The Sun“To have people with different expertise, experiences, and they have already done it. It’s very, very helpful.”Arsenal have confirmed they will play the first North London Derby outside the UK in a pre-season clash against Tottenham in Hong Kong on July 31.Viktor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s most lethal forwards at the momentCredit: ReutersWolves’ Matheus Cunha has made himself available on the market and could cost around the same amountCredit: PAArsenal have already been linked with Benjamin SeskoCredit: AFP More

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      I had talks to leave Man Utd and play in Spain – you can’t question Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid transfer, says Rooney

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      WAYNE ROONEY has told Trent Alexander-Arnold: Spain would be a good move for you.England full-back TAA’s Liverpool contract is up this summer with the 26-year-old set to leave Anfield for Real Madrid.Wayne Rooney has revealed he almost left Man Utd to play in SpainCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to leave the club to join Real MadridCredit: GettyAnd Rooney revealed he was also once tempted to make a similar switch.The ex-England captain and Manchester United forward told BBC Sport: “Because it is Real, I don’t think you could question it as a career move.”Real are the biggest club in the world.“It would be a massive opportunity and I’d understand if he felt it was too good to turn down. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Liverpool are his boyhood club,  but sometimes you have to make these decisions.”When I told Manchester United in 2010 I did not want to sign a new deal and put in a transfer request, Chelsea, Real and Barcelona came in for me.”I was ready to play in Spain and some talks did take place.”A deal with Real looked more likely for a couple of days. Most read in Football”But it was Barcelona I thought about the most and how I might fit into their side alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.”In the end I decided to stay at United but Barca had an incredible team and any player would have loved to have played in it.Wayne Rooney furious at what Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo did before FA Cup tie “Real are the same now with Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, so it must be appealing to Alexander-Arnold.”Spain would be a really good move for him.”TAA has faced a fans’ backlash over the transfer.Rooney added: “The fact he would be going on a free transfer has upset them but that is down to Liverpool as well as Alexander-Arnold.”Referencing his own Merseyside exit, he continued: “It was a completely different situation for me when I left my boyhood club, Everton, to join United in 2004. What happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.”I did not want to leave them when I did – I was devastated – but I would have moved on at some point, to try to better myself and win some trophies.”That’s another reason why Liverpool fans might wonder why Alexander-Arnold might leave now, because he is already doing that with them. “But, again, it comes back to experiencing a different culture.”Read More on The Sun”And Rooney’s old team-mate Rio Ferdinand told Kop fans: “This kid  has been one of your best players. “You should be clapping him off and saying, ‘Well done’.” More

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      ‘I’m sure he’s watching’ – Alan Shearer ‘got emotional’ over thought of his dad during Newcastle’s trophy parade

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      ALAN SHEARER has claimed he will “never forget” Newcastle’s epic Carabao Cup celebrations – but wishes his dad had been there to see it.The 54-year-old cut an emotional figure as hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Tyneside on Saturday.Alan Shearer cut an emotional figure during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup paradeCredit: GettyMore than 150,000 fans lined the streets to celebrate the Toon’s first trophy in 70 yearsCredit: GettyAn emotional Shearer was asked about the impact of his father, who died last yearCredit: GettyNewcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final on March 16 to win their first domestic trophy since 1955.After ending 70 years of hurt, over 150,000 fans flocked to a bus parade around the city.Shearer – a native Geordie who scored 206 goals in 10 seasons with the Toon – was a guest of honour at the event. Choking back tears on stage after the parade, the Newcastle icon said: “Yeah, unfortunately, my dad passed away last May.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He was lucky enough to be at the [Inter-Cities Fairs Cup] final in ’69.”I just wish he could have hung on for one more year just to see and sample this.”But he would have been watching on and would’ve been as proud as I was.”Shearer’s father Alan passed away last May aged 80 following a battle with cancer. Most read in FootballThe ex-England striker opened up more on the emotional day during a new episode of podcast This Is Football.He joined Gary Lineker and Micah Richards to discuss a remarkable 24 hours in the North East.Newcastle United hold a trophy parade outside St James’ Park after winning the Carabao Cup And Shearer claimed it was “one of the best weekends ever.”He said: “It was such a pleasure to be there.”Pete Graves and Lindsay Hipgrave did the interviews on stage.”Ant and Dec were doing the interviews on the bus. One of them mentioned my dad.”I got a bit emotional. He always wanted to see Newcastle win a trophy.”Unfortunately, he wasn’t there but hopefully he’s watching.”I got a bit emotional on stage.The taste of success leaves you definitely hungry for more days like thisEddie Howe”That moment when I walked out and saw north of 150,000 people in black and white shirts, cheering my name.”That moment will live with me forever. It was really was incredible.”Shearer also revealed that even Newcastle’s players and staff were taken aback by the size of the crowds.Boss Eddie Howe gasped: “Wow. This is just incredible.Read More on The Sun”We are hungry for more, but without getting ahead of ourselves in a sense that we now have 10 huge Premier League games to go back to and try to focus on that. “The taste of success leaves you definitely hungry for more days like this.” More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson watches on as Man Utd kids suffer FA Youth Cup penalty shootout heartbreak at Aston Villa

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      SIR Alex Ferguson showed he’s still keeping his eye out for future stars as he watched Manchester United’s U18s lose to Aston Villa in the FA Youth Cup semi-final.The legendary boss, 83, was at Villa Park on Monday night to watch Adam Lawrence’s side battle it out for the chance to face Man City or Watford in the final.Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands as Man Utd crashed out of the FA Youth CupCredit: GettyThe likes of Chido Obi could not get United through against Aston VillaCredit: GettyVilla’s kids won 3-1 in a dramatic shootoutCredit: GettyUnited started Chido Obi, 17, in a signal of intent that means the wonderkid will not feature in the Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest tonight.Also in the starting line-up were Tyler and Jack Fletcher, the twin sons of Reds legend and current coach Darren Fletcher.Lawrence’s youngsters had beaten Coventry City, Preston North End and Chelsea on their way to the quarter-finals, where they came back from 2-1 down against Arsenal to win 3-2.More than 1,000 United fans bought tickets for the semi, knowing a win would earn them the right to host the final at Old Trafford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSir Alex was among those to make the trip, but he did not look too happy when Trai-Varn Mulley opened the scoring for the Villans after just four minutes.The Scot, famed for bringing through youngsters including the Class of ’92, had a fiery look on his face as he watched from the executive boxes.He would have been relieved when left winger James Scanlon equalised for United, who are also coached by former defender Phil Jones, following good work from Tyler Fletcher after 23 minutes.It was the Gibraltar international’s third goal in the Youth Cup this season and his 19th in all competitions.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordScanlon’s leveller proved to be the final goal of the game, with the tie going to extra time and penalties.But it was heartache for Fergie and the United kids as they crashed out 3-1 in the shootout.I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessRubin Amorim’s first team will be hoping for better luck in the Midlands when they face Forest.They will have had more than two weeks off since their last game, a 3-0 win away at Leicester. More

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      Maya Jama goes full Pamela Anderson in mad dash live on TV to get to Baller League dugout

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      MAYA JAMA channelled her inner Pamela Anderson as she made a mad dash to the latest round of Baller League.The competition is back and headed up by president KSI, who recently sold out Wembley in the Sidemen Charity Match.Maya Jama channeled her inner Pammie as she made a mad dash to the Baller LeagueCredit: Sky SportsJama was shown running in slow motion and arrived at half-timeCredit: Sky SportsThe Love Island host made it in the end and inspired her team to victoryCredit: GettyJama resembled Pamela Anderson’s CJ Parker character from BaywatchCredit: AlamyAnd Jama, 30, is among the celebrities backing the new-look football format and has teamed up with stunning Swiss player Alisha Lehmann to lead MVPs United.The presenter attended the event on Monday but was running late and didn’t arrive until half-time.Cameras caught the TV star making a dramatic run outside the Copper Box Arena in Stratford.Sky Sports Mix decided to show her sprint in slow motion and inadvertenly made her look like Anderson’s legendary Baywatch character CJ Parker.Read More on FootballThe iconic TV show is famous for its opening title sequence that shows stars including Pammie, David Hasselhoff and Yasmine Bleeth dramatically running on the beach in glorious slow-mo.Nevertheless, Jama managed to make it for the second half and inspired her team to come back from 2-0 down against M7 FC to make it two wins from two with a 3-2 victory.Love Island host Jama and Lehmann are not the only stars managing at Baller League.Fans joke Baller League is the ‘future’ as madcap footage of debut night emerges The likes of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and John Terry are also taking part.Most read in FootballSome former stars are also appearing on the pitch.Former England, Everton and Man City defender Joleon Lescott was a surprise addition on Monday.He appeared for Lineker’s side Deportrio and helped them win on his debut.Maya is managing alongside Alisha LehmannCredit: GettyLescott made his Baller debut on Monday nightWhat are the Baller League rule?THE Baller League promises to be “excitingBut what are the rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four play-off in May to crown the winner.Baller League managersLuis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann – MVPs United More

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      Ruben Amorim reveals conversation with Bruno Fernandes about Real Madrid interest as they target £90m transfer

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      RUBEN AMORIM has told Bruno Fernandes he is not for sale at any price — despite Manchester United being desperate to raise cash.Spanish giants Real Madrid are eyeing up a £90million summer swoop for Red Devils captain Fernandes.Ruben Amorim has issued a hands-off warning over Bruno FernandesCredit: RexMan Utd’s captain is a £90million target for Real Madrid boss Carlo AncelottiCredit: GettyBut boss Amorim said: “He’s not going anywhere because I’ve already told him.”United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been cutting costs  — with up to 450 job losses — after claiming they were in danger of going bust.Amorim admits players will  be sold to pay for summer signings.Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho may end up being sacrificed as United still struggle with Prem financial rules.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe homegrown pair could bring in at least £100m of pure profit.But ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, Amorim brushed off talk of Fernandes going. He said: “No. It’s not happening.“We’ve had low points this season but I want Bruno here as we want to win the league again.”Fernandes, 30, last August penned a fresh deal until 2027, with the option of another year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe attacker revealed last month that he could have moved on then.He said: “I sat with the club as I had an offer to leave, we talked about the possibility. I just asked  if they still saw me as part of the club’s future.”Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s scathing criticism of Man Utd captain live on Sky Sports Fernandes boasts eight goals and nine assists since Amorim’s November arrival. His hat-trick against Real Sociedad earned a Europa League quarter-final spot.Amorim said: “We’re in control of the situation and feel he’s really happy.“I think he is one more supporter of Man United and he’s the type of player that we want here.“He really feels it. Sometimes you see the frustration —  and maybe some say it is not a good thing in a captain. But it’s a sign that he wants this so bad.”Amorim also had his say on Marcus Rashford’s Aston Villa loanCredit: PAAntony is also enjoying his time away at Real BetisCredit: GettyYet selling on-loan pair Marcus Rashford and Antony would help boost United’s transfer kitty.Rashford got his first goals for Aston Villa in Sunday’s 3-0 FA Cup  win over Preston and is back in the England fold.Antony has eight goal contributions in 12 games since going to Real Betis.Amorim says it is “good news” for the club that the forwards are doing well.Read More on The SunHe said: “Rashford’s a top player, if he wants. So I’m not surprised and it’s the same with Antony.”But on their futures, he added: “I just want to focus on the game.” More

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      How Pep Guardiola used genius midfield diamond masterclass to break Bournemouth’s press and seal FA Cup semi-final spot

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      MANCHESTER CITY came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 and seal an FA Cup semi-final spot.Goals from Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush sealed another appearance at Wembley for Pep Guardiola’s men.Pep Guardiola’s tactical masterclass helped Man City beat Bournemouth 2-1Credit: GettyCity are in another FA Cup semi-final thanks to their comeback winCredit: GettyThe Man City gaffer unleashed some amazing tactical decisions that brought the best out of several stars.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert DEAN SCOGGINS explains what City did to make the final four once more…LIFE O’REILLYWe shouldn’t forget Nico O’Reilly is a Number 10. So to bring him on and play him at left-back was a bold thing from Pep – but it was for a variety of reasons.One was that Abdukodir Khusanov had been booked in the first half so he was the obvious one to take off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second is it put Ruben Dias on his natural right-hand side and meant Gvardiol came in as the left centre-back.It meant Nunes on the right and O’Reilly on the left like wing-backs, with Kovacic dropping in the gap.Nico O’Reilly had a game-changing performance from the benchThen ace had the run of the left flank thanks to his clever teammatesIt took away some of O’Reilly’s defensive responsibilities and became like a 3-4-2-1. It really confused Bournemouth. He’s got a great touch and went charging up the left, with most of those touches in the attacking half.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThere’s an argument for him to play there in the league as Pep’s always used full-backs as a weapon.There’s no reason he can’t play there, he gave City more balance. He took the pressure off Nunes on the other side and they had an out-ball that went the other way.Pep Guardiola hails Man City’s ‘legendary’ players after comeback win at Bournemouth PRESSURE MAKES DIAMONDSCity created a diamond in midfield. Kovacic dropped back between the two centre-backs.You then bring two people in very narrow, which combats Bournemouth because they press you really narrow.What City did was get De Bruyne to go on Cook, who was the full-back, and bring him into the middle of the field.Gundogan does the same, bringing the midfield in, and that left O’Reilly with all that space up the left-hand side.Man City’s players formed a clever midfield diamondIt drew Bournemouth defenders into narrow positionsPep told Grealish to come inside and don’t worry about the ball, because City were getting so much joy with O’Reilly.It was a tactical masterclass from Pep at half-time. Absolutely brilliant. He got his experienced players to carry that out and free up the young kid down the left.Silva is a tactical genius. He’s the one who carries out these little things on the field that go unnoticed.OMAR GODWe don’t know how long Haaland will be out after he suffered an ankle injury but what a replacement to have.I want to focus on Marmoush’s run for his goal, it’s absolutely amazing. O’Reilly plays a high-quality pass.But Marmoush goes the opposite way to where you’d expect him to go.As a defender, they had no idea which one of the two was going to pick him up – and nobody did.Marmoush went backwards, which opened up this big space and nobody went with him. And the finish was good too.Those little darting runs he makes around the edge of the area, he’s so dangerous. Omar Marmoush made an amazing run for his strikeCity’s half-time tweak allowed Marmoush and others to get forward moreSo impressive. I love him as a player and can’t wait to see more of him.In a tactic where you’ve got Haaland and one or two others, it suits him down to the ground.Someone like Foden is in there working hard, it gives him more freedom to play closer to Haaland.But with the striker injured, Marmoush is also a ready-made replacement. I don’t care where he plays – as long as he’s on the pitch.He was outscoring Harry Kane in the first half of the Germany season, which is no mean feat.He’ll just get better, City get a lot of chances. They create a lot and he’s playing for Pep so the sky’s the limit.THE LONG HAALCity played it long, and it was slightly different to what I thought. It was Ederson into Haaland, but they did it cleverly because he should have had a first-half hat-trick.City went over Bournemouth’s midfield early on and it worked really well.They split the centre-backs on the edge of the box, Ederson gave it to one then received it and went long.So it wasn’t long straight away, it was like a one-two. Pep also told Haaland to not stay central and create an angle for Ederson.It also creates space for others joining in for the second ball. It was very direct and Haaland got a lot of joy.Ederson’s long passes worked a treat against Bournemouth’s pressHaaland looked to drift wide and take advantage of Bournemouth errorsHowever, he looks a little off at the moment, he normally puts chances away.More teams are direct now. Ederson is so good, he’s picking out a five-yard square he’s going to land the ball in.That’s where Haaland’s going to be and you can play off him there.The midfielders and attackers supporting the striker had to work their socks off. It wouldn’t have been unfair if City had been 3-1 up at half-time.NUNES GOT COOKEDHe was a real issue. He was hitting this blind ball into midfield.Lewis Cook was marking De Bruyne and bravely left him to move towards Nunes. Before he’s even completed his pass, Cook intercepts it for the Bournemouth goal.It was really poor from Nunes, but he also had the chance to make up for it afterwards by just doing a simple defender’s job.He takes a look over his shoulder, sees Kluivert and switches off.In that split second, Brooks plays the ball behind and Kluivert goes blindside of him.Matheus Nunes had a shocker as his lazy pass ended up in a Cherries goalThe midfielder, playing at right-back, couldn’t even do the defensive basicsIt’s not far, just get across and cover. It wasn’t even midfield defending, let alone proper defending. It was terrible stuff.Thankfully for Nunes, he’s got a genius manager. But I’m still not sure what he is.I don’t know if he’s a midfielder, a 10, a winger. He’s certainly not a full back. City have to address that.Tactically they’re all in the right position but it’s that instinct in those positions that’s not quite right.Gvardiol plays in a way that he can push into the number 10 position as an inverted full-back.Read More on The SunHe moved into a left centre-back position yesterday and did a brilliant job so he’s the utility defender.Go and get a right-back, Pep. I’d love to see this shape a bit more, maybe even against Man United next week. More