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    Sick world of ‘football trafficking’ where desperate kids are shipped to UK like Man United star… then sold into sex

    SMILING for the cameras, Amad Diallo looked delighted this week as he signed a stunning new deal with Manchester United.The dazzling prodigy – originally from the Ivory Coast – has fulfilled the dream of so many African youngsters of a lucrative career at one of the world’s richest clubs.Amad Diallo is now Manchester United’s biggest rising star after being trafficked to Europe aged just 12Credit: GettyThe football ace at Boca Barco in ItalyCredit: Boca BarcoThousands of African youngsters share the same dream, only to find they have been sold a lie by sick traffickersCredit: GettyIt’s a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the gifted youngster whose footballing journey began with him being trafficked to Europe as a 12-year-old.His dramatic equalising goal against arch-rivals Liverpool last Sunday follows his brilliantly executed volley to seal victory in the Manchester derby.His story will now be one of riches and, if he can help revive slumbering giant United, glory too.Yet, for thousands of other African youngsters, the promises of trials at clubs like United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain made by shysters claiming to be agents are a sick con.READ MORE FEATURESThese ‘agents’ demand thousands in upfront payments which often amount to the life-savings of a player’s family.The trials never materialise. The ‘agents’ disappear with the cash and the teenagers are abandoned, leaving them at risk of being sexually exploited or left destitute.A few years ago a young lad turned up at the reception at Tottenham’s old White Hart Lane ground saying he’d come from overseas for his trial with the club.The youngster had been conned, there was no trial. Spurs’ safeguarding procedures kicked in and the police and local authorities were contacted.Most read in FootballCharity Foot Solidaire has estimated that as many as 15,000 teenage footballers are shipped out of West African countries every year under false pretences.Former Watford midfielder Al Bangura has told how attempts were made to force him into the sex trade after he was trafficked into the UK.Amad runs the show again but Rashford is lucky to stay on the pitch and Onana has night to forgetFleeing his native Sierra Leone after elders tried to make him follow in the footsteps of his late father and become the leader of a voodoo cult, he made for neighbouring Guinea aged just 14.There a Frenchman promised to help him secure his dream of bringing him to the UK to become a Premier League footballer.Bangura revealed: “I didn’t know he had another different intention – to get me into the sex trade.”On arriving in the UK, he says he was taken to premises where he met men who hadn’t come to discuss his football career. “All of a sudden I saw two or three guys come around me, trying to rape me and make me do stuff,” he remembered.”Because I was young and I was small, I just started screaming. They probably thought I knew what I was there for – obviously I know what I came over here for, I was here to play football.”I was just crying and proper screaming and I tried to make my way out – I was cold, I was crying, I was shaking, I didn’t know what to do, I was all over the place.”I made my way outside. I didn’t know where to start, I thought it was the end of my life.”Al Bangura opened up about how he was almost led into the sex tradeCredit: GettyWatford fans protest over a Home Office ruling that Bangura should return to Sierra Leone in 2007. The ruling was eventually overturnedCredit: Getty Images – GettyBangura managed to escape and seek asylum. He was spotted by a talent scout and joined Watford when he was 16 and later awarded a work permit based on his footballing abilities.The youngster played for the Hornets in the Premier League and also played for Brighton, Blackpool, Forest Green Rovers and Coventry City.Bangura, now 36, has worked with the Premier League and charities to raise awareness on trafficking.”I think there’s loads of vulnerable kids in Africa who want to achieve what I’ve achieved in my life,” he said.”There’s loads of kids who might not even tell their parents, or their parents might use their last money to make sure they come over here to play football and they end up doing something else.”It’s important for me, having been through what I’ve been through in my life, for me to say I’ve been through that, I’ve survived, but what about the young kids coming up, will they survive?“Are they going to be able to cope with that? So we really need to find a way to stop all of that.”It’s quite emotional to talk about it now, I’m happy I’ve got over it, but it’s sad for me.”Crooked agents Dr Serhat Yilmaz – a Lecturer in Sports Law at Loughborough University – describes football trafficking of children as “a dark form of modern slavery”.Ramshackle football academies have sprung up on dustbowl pitches across West Africa with youngsters chasing the dream of a lucrative contract with a top European team.Crooked agents wheedle cash out of families after promising child players a trial at a footballing giant.Instead many are abandoned or enslaved on reaching Britain and other leading footballing nations.An investigator with the Spanish National Police says the number of trafficking cases is “sharply increasing” there.One youngster, 17-year-old Tidiane, originally from Conakry, Guinea, believed his dream of playing professional football in Spain had come true.Scouted while playing in his homeland, his family raised cash to pay a smuggler who promised a place in a Barcelona academy.“I was brought to Spain in March 2023 with documents saying that I had come on a school exchange trip, along with several other Guineans my age,” he revealed.The youngsters were told that they would be supported by an academy while continuing to go to school.Football trafficking is ‘a dark form of modern slavery’, says an expertCredit: GettyTidiane added: “After 15 days, we still hadn’t started school or football training.“They didn’t tell us anything, and after a month and a half, we were asked to pay again, even though it hadn’t been planned.“We were lost, so we fled late one night while everyone was sleeping.”With no money and his ID card confiscated by his smuggler, Tidiane was reduced to scavenging for food and sleeping in parks for five months.In October 2023, he was rescued by the Caritas charity who are helping him restart his schooling.The teenager said: “My story is far too common in Spain, many of us end up in the clutches of ill-intentioned people who take advantage of youth and their dreams.”International governing body FIFA’s Article 19 – written in 2003 – forbids clubs from signing international players below the age of 18.Since then, amid football’s scramble for new young talent, agents, players and clubs have been trying to break it.Article 19 has a clause allowing a club to sign a player under the age of 18 if it can be proved the child’s family was moving to that country for “reasons other than football”.It means job opportunities for the child’s parents can suddenly emerge in the city of the club that is interested in signing the youngster.Diallo’s journeyManchester United star Amad Diallo managed to leave his Ivory Coast homeland and, aged 12, and join an Italian club.His footballing journey – well before arriving at Old Trafford – left him a pawn in the sometimes murky world of signing young African talent.Born in Abidjan, the Ivory Coast’s capital in 2002, his precocious talent suggested he had the ability to follow countrymen Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Gervinho to stardom in Europe.In 2014, the youngster – then known as Amad Diallo Traore – joined minnows ASD Boca Barco not far from Parma. His brother Hamed Junior Traore, also a gifted footballer, would join him.The pair were able to make a new life in Italy under the family reunification system as their parents were Italian residents.My story is far too common in Spain, many of us end up in the clutches of ill-intentioned people who take advantage of youth and their dreams.TidaneYouth coach Denis Cerlini would later tell the BBC: “We didn’t discover Amad, but rather he just came to us. It was a great stroke of luck.”The brilliant youngster and his brother were noticed by Giovanni Galli, the ex AC Milan goalkeeper who played for Italy at the 1986 World Cup, who was working for an Italian third division club.Galli invited the brothers for a trial, remembering: “I quickly saw they were simply too good for us. Amad played with bigger boys and drove them insane with his dribbling.”Instead, Galli tipped off Serie A club Atalanta who signed Diallo in 2015. His brother signed for Empoli.Then in 2017 agent and talent scout Giovanni Damiano Drago was arrested as part of Operation Baby Elephant, an investigation into the trafficking of footballers.In a plea bargain, Drago gave information to police about the immigration status of Diallo and other young players. It left the scout with a suspended sentence of one year and 10 months.Former AC Milan icon Giovanni Galli noticed Amad and his brotherCredit: GettyA young Amad poses with former Manchester United star Paul PogbaFive people were arrested, accused of smuggling Diallo, his brother and three other young footballers into Italy.DNA tests by investigators proved Diallo and his ‘brother’ – now on Bournemouth’s books – were not related to the purported parents. It was all an elaborate sham.Incredibly, the scam led to Diallo – who was a child when he was trafficked – being fined £42,000 by the Italia FA. Hamed Junior Traore received a fine for the same amount.Diallo dropped his fake surname Traore on his 18th birthday.Dreams & nightmaresIn January 2021 Diallo joined Manchester United for £18.7million from Atalanta. He has been described as the “jewel in the crown” of new manager Ruben Amorim’s team.In West Africa, thousands of young footballers will be admiring the now 22-year-old’s progress, dreaming of their own lucrative career.Some, desperate for the riches European football can offer, take matters into their own hands.On the migration routes along the Mediterranean coast and in the camps of Calais and Dunkirk I’ve met many aspiring young footballers trying to make it to the UK by flimsy boat.Dr Ini-Obong Nkang, 32,  author of the book Football Trafficking: A Legal Analysis of the Trade of African Minors – says the key to preventing trafficking is to boost African leagues.Dr Nkang told The Sun: “Dig deep, and you’ll find South African players aren’t being trafficked because South Africa has the most developed league on the continent.“They can see for themselves that, ‘OK, if I stay here and join an academy, I can still make a future for myself’.“In West Africa – where the bulk of trafficked players come from, the leagues are not up to scratch. That has to change.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDiallo’s goals against Liverpool and Manchester City made him the toast of Old Trafford.For other African youngsters dreaming of football’s wealth and glory, their journey to Europe at the hands of traffickers brings only misery.Amad has been described as the “jewel in the crown” of new manager Ruben Amorim’s teamCredit: GettyHe joined Manchester United for £18.7m from Atalanta in 2018Credit: EPA More

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    Inside Kyle Walker’s glam life with wife Annie as couple prepare to move abroad after Man City star’s transfer request

    KYLE WALKER is back in his £3.5million marital home, after wife Annie Kilner put the breaks on their divorce – but he could soon be on the move againAs The Sun revealed, the pair spent a cosy Christmas together with their four children at their Cheshire mansion.Kyle Walker and wife Annie lives a luxurious lifestyleCredit: InstagramAmid a divorce battle, Annie and Walker put on a united front with their kids at ChristmasStunning Annie is said to have had second thoughts about divorcing WalkerCredit: InstagramBut now they are preparing to build a new life abroad.Annie has ended plans to divorce the the Man City defender who has now put in a shock transfer request.City boss Pep Guardiola revealed that Walker has told him he wants to leave this month to play for a club in a different countryGuardiola said: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.”Read more in football Walker – who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia on a £400,000-a-week deal – has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League since joining in a £50million deal from Spurs in 2017.Kyle, 34, is a top target for big-hitting sides including Al Nassr, where Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo is captain.An insider said: “It was just a few months ago that Annie served Kyle with divorce papers, but she’s having second thoughts.“He’s a top target for the Saudi Arabia clubs and if he decides to take a deal it’ll be life-changing — and not just because of the massive amount of money he’ll be making.”Most read in FootballThe source added: “Annie is no fool. She sought legal advice about the finances last year and knows that the deal in Saudi is worth a lot.“Annie says it’s not about the cash but keeping their family together, yet his earning potential is something she will have thought about.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“She is savvy and has been mapping out a plan for a long time.“Annie always puts the children first but she has to think about herself too — and financially she wants to know she would be secure whatever happens between them.“Kyle has assured her that whatever happens, she would have the financial support.”Kyle Walker will spend Christmas Day back with estranged wife Annie Kilner after they agreed to put the turmoil of their divorce to one side for the sake of their kidsWalker and Annie – and their four children – have always lived a life of luxury. SunSport delves into their amazing lifestyle.Dream homeSheffield-born Walker, who is said to have a fortune of around £27million, splashed some of his cash on a stunning home in Cheshire.It boasts six bedrooms, and was bought as a love nest for him and childhood sweetheart Annie, before their marriage woes.It features a swimming pool, a sizeable marble hot tub, as well as a five-a-side football pitch.Back in 2020, demanding more privacy, Walker built a 13ft-high, 52ft-wide screen around the property so passers-by couldn’t see inside.He won a planning battle, after neighbours complained – calling the structure “unsightly”.Walker often shared glimpses of the home on Instagram to his five million followers.That included a snap of him watching football on a plush sofa with framed football jerseys on the wall.Another photo showed him wearing an apron in the kitchen.The Walkers live in a plush £3.5m property in CheshireCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2Walker shows off his kitchen in his luxury homeCredit: InstagramKeen gamer Walker has a games room in the mansion where he plays games like FortniteCredit: Instagram / @kylewalker2The lavish digs also boasts its own swimming poolCredit: InstagramAnnie and Walker have suffered marriage woes in the pastCredit: instagram/annievkilnerWalker had an affair with Lauryn Goodman and fathered her childrenWalker, who earns £175k-per-week, is said be sitting on a £27m fortuneCredit: Gettyread more sport featuresKeen gamer Walker also showed off where he liked to play Fortnite in a separate picture.Walker, who earns around £175,000-per-week at the Etihad, bought a £2,5million seaside mansion for Lauryn Goodman – who he had a child with following an affair.CarsWalker’s epic lifestyle has extended to an epic car collection.Annie has been pictured running errands in a £134,000 Mercedes G Wagon.But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the motors Walker has sitting in his garage.In his first season as a Man City player in 2017, he was seen driving a £235,000 Lamborghini Huracan to training.One of the fastest cars on the planet, it’s capable of reaching 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds.It wasn’t the only Lambo parked in the car park – with former teammate Sergio Aguero also being a fan of the supercar and owning one.A fan of sporty cars, in 2019 he was seen behind the wheel of a brilliant Mercedes AMG-GT R that has a starting price of £160,000.They can reach a top speed of 198 mph and run off a M178 twin-turbo 4-litre V8 engine.Another luxury car Walker enjoyed was his £200,000 Bentley Bentayga.Walker boasts an incredible car collection, including a £235k Lamborghini HuracanCredit: GettyA £200k Bentley Bentayga features in Walker’s garageCredit: GettyWife Annie drives a £134k Mercedes G WagonCredit: Dan CharityThat became a footballers’ favourite – with fellow England footballer Raheem Sterling also owning a Bentayga.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther cars Walker has been spotted with are Mercedes S-Class (from £92,000), and has also driven into training in a £115,000 Audi RS7.The Walkers life of luxury clearly knows no bounds, and will only get wealthier should he swap Cheshire for Riyadh. 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    From a zip salesman and Zara sales assistant to an Arsenal legend’s son, meet the Tamworth stars out to stun Tottenham

    AHEAD of facing Tottenham in Sunday’s FA Cup third round clash, Tamworth defender JORDAN CULLINANE-LIBURD gives SunSport the inside track.So who’s who in the Lambs dressing room, and what makes the National League side tick….Tamworth are dreaming of taking their amazing run to a whole new levelCredit: PAJordan Cullinane-Liburd has given a brutal assessment of even himself!Credit: RexJAS SINGH (building surveyor)The father figure of the team. Likes a laugh and a joke. But if we’ve won away and the beer is flowing, it’s Jas who reins us in. The only sensible goalie… ever!BEN CROMPTON (on loan from Sunderland)Fits in well with a non-league team for a full-time pro. Joins in with the fun and got a bit tipsy when we celebrated beating Burton in round two — so we had to ring the ‘sister taxi service’ to get him home!READ MORE TOP STORIESHAYDN HOLLIS (Chesterfield Under-18s coach)Childish beyond his 32 years with some terrific one-liners. An opposition fan was giving him grief so he cupped his hand to his ear twice and said: “Sorry, what are you saying?” Fan repeated it twice before Haydn grinned and asked how long he’d been a Parrot!Ben Crompton, on loan from Sunderland, needed a special lift homeCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMATT CURLIE (production company printing labels)He was our Mr Consistent last season but now he’s consistently injured, unfortunately. Still travels to away games, though, where he stands with the fans with a pint in hand!Ange Postecoglou cites little-known rule as he claims Tottenham hero Bergvall shouldn’t have got second yellow card JORDAN CULLINANE-LIBURD (IT software manager)I’m the s***house of the team who loves ruffling feathers. When I left Hereford for Tamworth some of their fans claimed I wasn’t good enough for them on social media. So I loved giving them my bulls-horns gesture when I scored against them!Most read in FA CupKENNEDY DIGIE (personal trainer)One of the quiet ones and a personal trainer so he’s a big boy! At our club you’re either way over the top or quiet — he’s definitely the strong silent type.CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLET (zip salesman)A nutter, 100 per cent team clown… which every dressing room needs. Fit or injured he always travels with the team. When we won the league last season, we sprayed beer on the floor and CCM slid the length of the dressing room on his belly.LUKE FAIRLAMB (taxi driver)It’s a club tradition to bring in cakes and doughnuts for birthdays. Kyle Finn licked the last doughnut and Luke was about to eat it when he realised why it was such a soggy mess. The full-back was last seen chasing Finny out of the dressing room!BEN MILNES (Skipper/financial adviser)Top cricketer in his youth and the brother of Yorkshire’s Matt Milnes.When we play small-sided games the winners decide who puts the goalposts away. Ben picked my team, so we positioned the goalposts around his car so he couldn’t get out!!Tamworth skipper Ben Milnes hopes to hit Spurs for sixCredit: Roland LeonTom Tonks could have a blast against Tottenham with missile-like throwsCredit: RexTOM TONKS (sandwich business owner)He is our human catapult! Throws the ball absolutely miles. Annoying for us defenders because, even when standing he’s on the halfway line, we need to jog 60 yards forward to get into the opposition box!ALEX FLETCHER (under-18s football coach)Mr Domino’s-hoo-hoo! We joke about him being a bit portly since he returned from injury! On away trips whenever he has a slice of pizza someone will snap him and post it on the Group chat. Legend has it he holds a Tamworth record – at 12 slices!TOM McGLINCHEY (lecturer)Gives Marcel Marceau a run for his money. The complete opposite to Callum Cockerill-Mollet, his card-school buddy! ‘Gooch’ is a lecturer… but we’ve no idea of what, because he’s a man of so few words.KYLE FINN (bricklayer)Golf fanatic Finny sees more sand on the course than any building site! The most fined player on the team… for losing kit and unacceptable jokes. It’s rumoured his fines paid for last year’s Benidorm trip.Manager Andy Peaks is rated a ‘player’s dream’ by Cullinane-LiburdCredit: Roland LeonKAI WILLIAMS (Engineer)The footballer with no football brain. Makes it difficult for the opposition to know what he’s going to do next because he’s so clueless himself. Played Dan Creaney at Scrabble recently and the pair eventually called it quits after five hours… with the score deadlocked at 7-7!GEORGE MORRISON (on loan from Fleetwood)Shocked to learn he’s only 19, Must have had a beast of a paper round or living in Morecambe ages him. We tease his Lancs accent — how he says Coco Pops is a standing joke.CHRIS WREH (footballer)Football royalty — his uncle is Ballon d’Or winner George and his dad Christopher won the Double with Arsenal. We joke that the back of the bus is dangerous because that’s where the nutters sit — he’s slowly making his way there!Chris Wreh’s dad Christopher tasted Double glory with the Gunners in 1998Credit: RexAnd uncle George did even better – here winning the European player of the year award but also lifting the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyDAN CREANEY (bricklayer/builder)Super striker and King of Strops! We have a Spinning Wheel of fines ranging from £10 to £60 to singing a Karaoke song on the coach. Dan spun a £40 fine recently for flouncing off the training pitch in a huff.BECK-RAY ENOROU (Zara sales assistant)Best and most energetic dancer. Dances a crazy lot for someone who doesn’t drink. Might be something to do with 12 Red Bulls he downs on team nights out.MUNASH SUNDIRE (marketing executive)Another quiet ones. Sat with the Milton Keynes card school until he moved house and joined the Leicester school… and has to listen to Callum Cockerill-Mollett!NATHAN TSHIKUNA (after-school club provider & gardener)Our creative genius with a cannon of a shot. Rapper who produces his own songs and released a few. They’re decent to be fair, definitely 8/10.READ MORE SUN STORIESANDY PEAKS (Tamworth manager)He’s a player’s dream. A real people person who loves joining in the banter. We told him with all the extra cash he’ll earn from turning full-time, he can afford to buy us all a new pair of boots!After beating Burton, the Lambs are in a rush to tackle SpursCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool 4 Accrington Stanley 0: Alexander-Arnold puts Man Utd nightmare behind him with rocket in simple FA Cup win

    TRENT Alexander-Arnold milked Anfield’s applause after scoring the brilliant second goal that all but decided this tie.Accrington Stanley showed exactly who they were for almost half an hour before Diogo Jota put Liverpool ahead from a lightning break.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rocket doubled Liverpool’s lead on the brink of half-timeCredit: AlamyThe Liverpool right-back’s strike flew past Everton keeper Billy Crellin, who is on loan at Accrington StanleyCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold made up for his Man Utd defensive nightmareCredit: ReutersDiogo Jota put the Reds 1-0 up inside 30 minutesCredit: ReutersAcademy star Jayden Danns, 18, sealed things off with a sharp finish just five minutes after coming onCredit: APFederico Chiesa scored his first Liverpool goal in the 90th minuteCredit: GettyBut the League Two side paid the price for dropping their levels for a few minutes when Alexander-Arnold curled in a superb shot just before half time.Only six days before, the England star had been the target of abuse from some home fans after a poor performance in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United followed more speculation about him moving to Real Madrid.But TAA received a decent ovation as he left the pitch just before the hour.What he saw from the bench was not very comfortable, as his side allowed Stanley back into the game.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJosh Burns hit the bar and defender Don Love missed a great chance to pull one back.But Liverpool substitute Jayden Danns ended any debate with the third goal, then Federico Chiesa’s first strike for the club put the bookend on Accrington’s fairytale.It was also an historic day for the Reds’ Rio Ngumoha, who became the youngest player ever to start a game for the club, at the age of 16 years and 135 days.The left winger looked impressive from the start, but Accrington held their own for some time, although Liverpool should have taken the lead in the 12th minute.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDominik Szoboszlai dummied Kostas Tsimikas’ cross and Alexander-Arnold should probably have put his shot beyond the reach of Billy Crellin, the Accrington goalkeeper on loan from Everton.But after Crellin kept it out with his right leg and the ball ricocheted to Nunez, the Uruguayan fired horribly over the crossbar.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe visitors were having some joy at the other end, too, with Josh Whalley in particular getting in down the left, but the final ball was lacking.And it was from their own free kick that the League Two side conceded.Ben Woods’ initial delivery was poor and when Szoboszlai controlled a lofted ball to no-one by Nelson Khumbeni, trouble soon followed.The Hungarian found Alexander-Arnold released Nunez with a cute pass and the Liverpool No 9 crossed perfectly to where Jota was ready with a routine finish.More good work from the Portugal forward led to a half-chance for Harvey Elliott. Crellin saved easily and then watched a Tyler Morton shot comfortably clear his goal.Rio Ngumoha became the youngest player ever to start a game for LiverpoolBut there was nothing Crellin could do when Alexander-Arnold found space just outside the box and whipped a wonderful finish across and into the net off the post.Stanley made a double change at half time, with former Liverpool trainee Liam Coyle coming on to try to restore some life to his team’s hopes.Inside a minute of the restart, Nunez saw a shot stopped by Crellin and then teed up Chiesa, on for Szoboszlai, for an effort that was deflected wide.Liverpool lost a bit of momentum and were grateful to see Ben Woods’ low shot blocked by his own player.The Reds were certainly not out of the Woods yet.Accrington’s Josh met a corner at the back post only for Jota to get in the way of the header.But no-one got near his shot moments later when he cut inside and smashed an effort off the crossbar.Slot made more changes just before the hour and Alexander-Arnold returned the crowd’s applause as he was replaced by Conor Bradley.He will have been less happy with what happened next as his side lost balance and control.Goalkeeper Billy Crellin is on loan with the League Two side from EvertonCredit: ReutersStanley, who are 19th in League Two, should have made things interesting with 25 minutes to go.A well-worked move saw Whalley cross into the six-yard box and centre back Don Love had timed his run perfectly. But he could only send his free header off target with the whole of Caoimhin Kelleher’s goal gaping.At the other end, Crellin kept out another Chiesa shot from a narrow angle.But soon it was game over.Jayden Danns won the ball in his own half and kept running after playing in Chiesa.The Italian’s shot was saved well by Crellin but Danns was there to smash the ball in and end any debate.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was still time for Chiesa to hit one post and then, not long afterwards, to break his Liverpool duck with a shot that went in off the other.It was a pleasing way to end the afternoon for Alexander-Arnold and his club after a tough week. More

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    Football legend’s daughter joins raunchy subscription site where Wanda Nara posts steamy lingerie pics

    TWO decades on from her footballer dad winning hearts in Glasgow, Charlotte Caniggia is making her own career moves. The daughter of ex-Rangers star Claudio Caniggia has signed up to raunchy subscription site Divasplay. Charlotte Caniggia has announced a new career moveCredit: Instagram @chcaniggia_nThe model and influencer has signed up for subscription site DivasplayCredit: Instagram @chcaniggia_nThe 31-year-old is a huge reality TV star in her native ArgentinaCredit: Instagram @chcaniggia_nShe joins WAG Wanda Nara – former partner of Mauro Icardi – on the siteCredit: Instagram / @wanda_naraModel Charlotte boasts 2 million Instagram followers and is a huge TV personality in her native Argentina. The 31-year-old is a reality TV darling and has now expanded her modelling horizons.She is the newest member of Divasplay, an online sub service used by mega-WAG Wanda Nara to showcase her sultry lingerie snaps. The platform unveiled the collaboration on their Instagram account, with Charlotte posing in a white vest adorned with ‘DIVASPLAY’.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA caption on the post read: “Lots of new stuff from @chcaniggia_n! Did you pass by their divas yet?”Charlotte, born in Buenos Aires, is a familiar face to TV viewers across Spain and Latin America. She made her first foray into television way back in 2010, before becoming a contestant on dating show Bailando two years later.The influencer has appeared on Argentina’s versions of Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Masterchef and The Masked Singer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBetween 2017 and 2019, alongside twin brother Alex, she starred in her own reality TV show.MTV Caniggia Free ran for three series and was a fly-on-the-wall show that followed the siblings in their everyday lives.But despite her famous dad’s footballing pedigree, Charlotte is not a fan of the beautiful game.Wanda Nara flaunts curves in tiny black bikini as she shows off new short hair and fans call her ‘too perfect’She once said: “Do not ask me about football, I do not know anything about that, I do not like it.”Claudio, 58, famed for his long blonde locks, became a cult hero at Ibrox after joining the club in 2001.He spent just two seasons with Rangers, but quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his flair both on and off the pitch. Caniggia won the SPL title with the club in 2003, as well as two Scottish League Cups and two Scottish Cups.Caniggia made her first television appearance way back in 2010Credit: Instagram @chcaniggia_nShe has since starred in her own reality TV showCredit: Instagram @chcaniggia_nCharlotte is the daughter of ex-Rangers star Claudio CaniggiaCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Man Utd will give Saka-less Arsenal hell in Cup clash if Arteta doesn’t learn from Amorim’s near masterclass v Liverpool

    MANCHESTER UNITED travel down to North London to face Arsenal in what is, without a doubt, the most high profile match in the FA Cup third round.With United coming into this match on the back of a promising, and perhaps surprising, 2-2 draw away to league leaders Liverpool last weekend.Manchester United face Arsenal in the FA Cup this weekendCredit: APThe Red Devils will be encouraged by last week’s 2-2 draw with LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe absence of Bukayo Saka could hinder ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd with Arsenal having lost their Carabao Cup semi-final match 2-0 at home to Newcastle in midweek, both sides are in an interesting moment coming into this match.From a tactical perspective we know exactly what to expect from both of these teams.Arsenal will set up in a loose 4-3-3 system with their captain Martin Odegaard given the freedom to step forward into more advanced positions.The loss to injury of Bukayo Saka, however, has been a significant blow to Mikel Arteta’s side which makes their attack far less effective.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited, on the other hand, will play in their 3-4-3 (or more accurately 3-4-2-1) shape that we have seen since Amorim came into the club.United’s performance against Liverpool, which showed some tactical variation, gives some idea as to how they will play at the Emirates this coming weekend.Pressing high and oftenOne of the most striking features that we saw from United against Liverpool was their willingness to be aggressive out of possession.They pressed high and often as the Reds were looking to build their attacks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis was actually a very smart choice from Amorim and his coaching staff as United wanted to force Liverpool to attack quickly down the wide areas.They achieved this by pressing from more narrow positions from inside to outside.Given the tactical systems that the two were playing, 4-3-3 vs 3-4-2-1, Liverpool would have had a natural advantage of 3v2 in the midfield with Ryan Gravenberch typically the deepest midfield player where he would have been the free man.By pressing Liverpool quickly and trying to force them to play to the outside, United looked to take that advantage away quickly as Liverpool attacked.Man Utd’s mentality praised by Amorim after draw with Liverpool Man Utd’s high press against Liverpool saw Manuel Ugarte step up to track Alexis Mac Allister, ready to pounce on any mistakesWe see the United press here. Manuel Ugarte steps up in the midfield to track Alexis MacAllister and the two attacking midfielders and striker for United are ready to press any attempt at a short pass out from Liverpool.While United pressed the build-up from Liverpool they also were able to jump out and press the ball whenever Liverpool had possession deep inside their own half.The front three of Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo were consistently looking for ways to apply pressure and to either force a mistake or a long ball from Liverpool.This type of high press that forces the opposition into areas where you are more comfortable would also work well against Arsenal.While the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba are comfortable on the ball for Arsenal they are less effective when they are forced to play quickly.Against Arsenal we are likely to see United continue to force the opposition to attack down the outsides of the pitch early. This will be especially effective against this Arsenal side with the likes of Trossard playing from the right of the attack as opposed to Bukayo Saka.Bruno Fernandes takes the front foot to press and pin Liverpool into their full-back positionHere, we see Bruno Fernandes taking the front foot and looking to jump higher in order to press the ball when Liverpool are pinned into their full-back position.The freedom of the two attacking midfielders to jump high is underpinned by the fact they have two wing-backs and two deeper midfielders behind them to provide support.We believe that we are likely to see United play aggressively and from the front foot out of possession against Arsenal. They are going to look to force mistakes from Arsenal early and in their own half.Attacking with pace on the counterThe term transitions has been more and more commonly used in football in recent years and Ruben Amorim is very much a coach who wants his team to be effective in these moments of transition.This means that when his team loses possession, and transitions from attack to defence, he wants them to be aggressive in pressing to try to regain the ball.It also means, however, that when they regain possession they will be aggressive in their attacking transition as they look to attack quickly and with pace.We saw the speed and aggressive nature of United on the counter attack clearly in this game against Liverpool.United were happy to sit deeper and defend when they were in the more established defensive phase.But as soon as there was an opportunity to spring forward and to attack we saw United move quickly. They were especially effective when pinning the Liverpool fullbacks with the attacking midfielders and the wing-backs working together to overload the Liverpool fullbacks on either side.Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself isolated and pulled inside and the pass can be played to release the runner ahead in the wide areaIn this example United have regained possession with Bruno Fernandes in possession on the near side. Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself isolated and pulled inside and the pass can be played to release the runner ahead in the wide area. This results in United pushing players forward at speed to attack the Liverpool back line.Arsenal under Arteta will likely be more cautious in their approach to building the attack than we saw Liverpool in the match last weekend.Arteta likes Arsenal to be slower and more methodical as they build their attack but this does not mean that there will not be spaces that United can take advantage of on the counter attack.This does not mean though that United cannot be effective in transition and on the counter attack against Arsenal.The North London side have a tendency to look to control possession but when they do move the ball high and wide they will leave spaces that can be taken advantage of by United.This example is from late in the game vs Liverpool and Amad takes possession deep inside his own half. In this situation, Amad drives forward but it is also notable that he has support from the likes of Hojlund and Garnacho to move quickly and support the counter attack. Amad drives forward but it is also notable that he has support from the likes of Hojlund and Garnacho to move quicklyFocusing attacks down the left-sideAgainst Liverpool we saw United develop a clear preference for attacking down the left-side of the pitch and we believe that this is something that we will see again against Arsenal this coming weekend.With Lisandro Martinez progressing the ball from the left sided central defensive position and with Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes effectively receiving and linking play, this strategy had clear benefits for United during this match.While you could argue that United were trying to attack Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back for Liverpool but in our opinion this was a clear plan regardless of who Liverpool played on that side.This means that Amad Diallo, on the other side, had space to attack the area with far side runs off the ball to further stress the opposition defensive line.These far side runs when combined with the passing and progression on the left-side will be effective in putting pressure on Arsenal’s defensive system.United were effective when building down the leftUnited were effective when building down the left because of the movement and intelligence of Fernandes. Here, Dalot has received possession and he has space to move forward into.Alexander-Arnold cannot move higher to engage because Fernandes has moved across and pinned Liverpool in that position.When they are building the play down their left-side do not be surprised to see United choose to go longer from Dalot or Martinez in order to release the runs of Hojlund as the main striker.The Danish striker is naturally left-footed so he has a tendency to position himself in the channels on that side of the pitch. Any long balls in the channels here will force William Saliba to have to defend 1v1 against the powerful Hojlund.Arsenal are more defensively solid than Liverpool but the tendency of United to overload the left-side and mix their approach between short combinations and longer passes will stress the Arsenal defence and allow United to create chances.Here, we see a moment when Alexander-Arnold has been caught too deep but United are able to take advantage of the space.United were able to take advantage of the space left behind the Liverpool defenceWe see Dalot and Fernandes have moved high and Gravenberch has been pulled wide to follow Fernandes. This takes away central cover and the long ball into the channel releases Hojlund who has bent his run.It will be interesting to see whether Arteta adjusts his normal approach defensively to take into account the fact that United will focus on that side of the pitch. There is no doubt that the 2-2 draw away to Liverpool at Anfield will have given United confidence coming into this game against Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe think that they will continue to be aggressive both in and out of possession and they will look for ways to attack and unbalance the defensive line for Arsenal.A win in this match in the FA Cup could well be the start of a strong run for United. More

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    Meet Tamworth captain Ben Milnes, 33, as he looks to down Tottenham with brutal ice bin routine

    TAMWORTH captain Ben Milnes will have ice in his veins when he leads the National League minnows out against mighty Tottenham tomorrow.Which is hardly surprising for anyone who witnessed his chilling post-training ritual on Thursday night.Lambs skipper Ben Milnes will be dreaming it’s freeze and easy for Tamworth against Premier League giants TottenhamMilnes says his icy encounter makes him feel warmer on the pitchCredit: Roland LeonAs temperatures plunged to -4C, Milnes finished training on the frost-covered pitch at Tamworth’s ground The Lamb — then plunged straight into a wheely-bin full of icy water to chill out for five minutes!And Milnes, 33, reckons it is a brrrrrilliant way to warm-up for the biggest game of his career as it helps his body’s recovery process.While Premier League Spurs have state-of-the-art cryotherapy chambers at their plush Hotspur Way training ground, Milnes had to make do with a more humble container and several bags of ice.As  the temperatures plunged after part-time Tamworth’s only training session of the week, Milnes told SunSport: “It makes it feel warmer when it’s this cold outside.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS“I do it after every Thursday night training session before games.”Most people reckon that tiny Tamworth, who are 2,500-1 shots to win this year’s FA Cup, have snow chance of creating one of the biggest upsets of all time tomorrow.But the part-time Lambs will be going flat out to put on a show in the hope of making Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s blood run cold.Milnes goes into bat for Tamworth looking to hit their visitors for six and turn Aussie Ange Postecoglou’s FA Cup dream to “Ashes”.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBecause the midfielder could just as easily have been playing professional cricket instead of trying to make Spurs stumble on a sticky wicket. In fact, his cricket-playing brother will be at The Lamb roaring him on.Non-league clash suspended with players taken off pitch as advertising board sparks safety fearsThe Tamworth skipper said: “My younger brother Matt Milnes plays cricket for Yorkshire.“He played for England Lions a few years ago when they toured Australia.“He could have gone on to represent England but he’s had a few bad injuries over the last couple of years including a stress fracture of the back and hasn’t played much recently.”Milnes was also a big hit at cricket as a youngster and for a while it was touch and go which career path he would choose.He added: “My dad Mark played football and cricket and I played both when I was  younger too.“I played for Notts Academy and the Midlands age groups, so I was at a decent level.“But when I was around 14 or 15 I had to choose which route I wanted to go down and I chose football, while Matt chose cricket. Cricket is too slow for me. “Matt will be here for the game. He also came for our Boxing Day match against Forest Green. I go to watch him whenever I can, too.“One of the biggest games he’s played in was when they won the Twenty20 final with Kent a few years ago — but I was playing for Buxton at the time and missed it.Tamworth boss Andy Peaks hopes it’s all pointing to an upsetCredit: Roland Leon“I haven’t managed to get  to too many of his biggest games but the really big games are always on TV  so I am able to watch him most of the time.”Milnes — who runs a financial planning business with his wife — admits he is living the dream right now after bagging a hat-trick of footballing titles on the spin in the last 2½ years.He added: “I’ve won three in three which is not bad. “I won the Northern League Premier Division with Buxton, then joined Tamworth and won the Southern League Premier Division, then followed that up by winning the National League North.“I don’t think I’m going to keep that record going in the National League this year.“But it was always going to be pretty hard to beat three titles in three years.“If we stay up this year it will definitely feel like winning another title.“When you consider the teams we are coming  up against and their  facilities, budgets and players with league experience then it would feel very special.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But beating Spurs would feel like winning a hat-trick of titles all over again in 90 minutes!“Occasion-wise this is definitely the biggest game I’ve ever played — even though realistically it’s not the most important because the league really is our bread and butter.” More

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    Man Utd stars’ wages revealed as Amad Diallo TRIPLES salary with new contract – but shock name is bottom

    AMAD DIALLO has earned a huge pay rise at Manchester United thanks to a bumper new contract.The 22-year-old put pen to paper on a new five-and-a-half year deal this week, extending his stay at Old Trafford to June 2030.Amad Diallo has penned a new £100,000-a-week contractCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old has tripled his salaryCredit: GettyAmad will now take home £100,000-a-week – over three times the amount he earned previously.He said: “I am really proud to have signed this new contract. I have had some incredible moments with this club already but there is so much more to come. I have huge ambitions in the game and I want to achieve history at Manchester United. “I have learnt so much since arriving here four years ago; I am very grateful to the coaches and staff who have helped me to develop, and to the fans for driving me forward every day.  “It has been a difficult season for everyone, but I fully believe that we are on the right path and the future is going to be really special.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I am ready to give everything to help the team and make our supporters proud again.”Amad’s new deal bumps him much higher in Man Utd’s wage list and above the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot.Meanwhile, academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo reportedly earns the least out of all United players.Casemiro tops the list as the club’s highest earner, taking home a whopping £375,000-a-week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCasemiro is still United’s highest earnerCredit: GettyHe is followed by Marcus Rashford and club captain Bruno Fernandes, who both earn a weekly wage of £325k.The Red Devils will reportedly look to get Rashford off their wage bill this year amid a run of poor performances.OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterAC Milan and Tottenham are allegedly among the clubs interested, but he will likely have to accept a significant pay-cut.Mason Mount – who has made just 32 appearances since joining Man Utd in July 2023 – ranks fourth in the club’s list of earners, pocketing £250,000-a-week.And under-fire Antony – who cost the Red Devils £86million almost three years ago – earns a weekly wage of £200k.He is followed by the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Christian Eriksen.Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Andre Onana and Leny Yoro are all among the players in the middle of the list, as are summer signings Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte. More